Sam, I'm not debating you on this subject, but rather presenting images below for informational purposes. Photo below taken by me early October, 2009 near Cumberland Gap National Park on KY/TN border.
Here's my cuz November 12, 2011 near Nolin Lake, just south of Leitchfield. All fallen leaves in plain sight.
Mom's house in Middlesboro, KY, November 20, 2016.
Cumberland Gap, TN, Nov 29, 2019. Hiked 4 miles from house in Shawnee, TN.
Honestly, I'm unsure if I can prove or disprove your claim with recent images.