RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — We are starting to see patchy color here at home in central North Carolina, but the Foliage Report from Explore Fall shows many of our communities in the higher elevations are either seeing peak or near-peak fall colors! Parts of Grandfather Mountain opened back up to the public Wednesday, but if you do go out looking for peak colors, make sure to double check if those communities are currently allowing visitors and tourists. While some communities are welcoming the economy of tourism, many are still rebuilding and recovering after Helene, so please keep that in mind and be courteous. We're seeing bright colors from Buckeye Lake at Beech Mountain Wednesday afternoon, as well as at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia. But this image from the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Boone shows that while there is some color in the trees, there's also been significant de-foliage, or leaves blown off the trees thanks to Hurricane Helene. If your favorite spot is still open for business, you may not see as much color simply due to the lack of leaves. Our fall foliage will peak in Central NC in just a few weeks, and our weather lately should help the vibrancy! We've had plenty of sunshine which helps with bright colors, and lately we've been in that sweet spot of cool mornings in the 40s with warmer afternoons in the 70s, which also helps with foliage vibrancy. We've been dry which could impact the brightness of color, but most experts say sunshine and temperature have the bigger impact, which is great news for us! Remember: we want to see your fall foliage pictures! Send them to [email protected].