*September 21 through 30
The first signs of fall begin to appear at the highest elevations (above 6,000 feet). Some of these places turn before others (Graveyard Fields). Places to visit at this time:
- Graveyard Fields: While not at a 6,000-foot elevation, Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway traditionally is one of the first areas to see fall color because of the particular plant species found there. Take a hike here to see multiple waterfalls framed in fall color.
- Grandfather Mountain: Early leaves are also on display at Grandfather Mountain which includes the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge and several favorite hiking areas. (In the coming weeks, both Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell will provide great vantage points to see fall color in the valleys.)
- Mount Mitchell State Park: You'll likely see color change beginning on the approach road up to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Drive or hike to the top for an unrivaled view, and bring a jacket—the weather is often much cooler up here! The summit is primarily evergreen balsam trees, so the fall color tends to be on the approach road and slopes below.
*October 1 through 10
Fall color is strongest above 5,000 feet in the N.C. mountains. Places to visit this week:
- Black Balsam: For Blue Ridge Parkway fall colors, head south on the Parkway to hike to Black Balsam Knob and Sam Knob, with expansive views of the surrounding mountains. While the colors won't be at the summit (it's a bald), the top provides a nice view of the changing colors below.
- Max Patch: This is also a great time to check out the recently updated trail to the summit of Max Patch Mountain, where you'll find stunning 360-degree views and a perfect picnic spot.
- Craggy Gardens: In the the Craggy Gardens area hike to Craggy Pinnacle.
*October 11 through 20
Fall foliage will arrive at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet. Places to visit this week:
- Mount Pisgah: Along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the south, the area surrounding Mount Pisgah should be showing fall color at this time. Enjoy a meal at the Pisgah Inn, or explore the ruins of George Vanderbilt’s hunting lodge at Buck Springs.
- Bearwallow Mountain: A shorter hike located a short drive from downtown Asheville, Bearwallow Mountain should be shaping up well this week. You may get to enjoy a walk with the cows!
- Pinnacle Park: If you're up for a challenge (and a day trip), hike to the pinnacle at Pinnacle Park just outside of the community of Sylva.
*October 21 through 28
Then, the fall leaf change reaches elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet. This is a great time for a fall drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many overlooks will provide a great view of fall color taking over the valleys below. Places to visit this week:
- Pisgah National Forest: Just off the Parkway, visit the heart of Pisgah National Forest along Highway 276. Hike to Looking Glass Rock or John Rock. Or, walk through the forest on the way to Moore Cove Falls.
- Linville Gorge: To the north, check out Linville Gorge, where numerous hiking trails provide incredible and unique views of fall color.
- Montreat: Lookout Mountain in nearby Montreat should be looking nice.
- Downtown: In the city of Asheville, including downtown Asheville, many trees will have bright fall color. It’s the perfect backdrop for shopping or exploring the local neighborhoods.
*October 29 through November 5
Elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet, including the city of Asheville, see the strongest fall color. Places to visit this week:
- Biltmore: This should be an especially colorful time on the Biltmore Estate. Grab a trail map and head toward the Lagoon for a magical view of America’s Largest Home. The trail also takes you along the French Broad River.
- North Carolina Arboretum: Driving south from Asheville, stop at the North Carolina Arboretum to take a stroll on the wooded trails, or see a miniature fall color show put on by the resident bonsai exhibit.
- DuPont State Forest: Go on a waterfall adventure in DuPont State Forest, which offers easy hikes to several favorite waterfall areas.
*November 6 through 14
During the first week of November, elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet, including the city of Asheville, see the strongest fall color. Color should then trickle down to the lowest valleys between 1,000-2,000 feet. Places to visit include:
- Biltmore: This should be an especially colorful time on the Biltmore Estate. Grab a trail map and head toward the Lagoon for a magical view of America’s Largest Home. The trail also takes you along the French Broad River.
- North Carolina Arboretum: Driving south from Asheville, stop at the North Carolina Arboretum to take a stroll on the wooded trails, or see a miniature fall color show put on by the resident bonsai exhibit.
- DuPont State Forest: Go on a waterfall adventure in DuPont State Forest, which offers easy hikes to several favorite waterfall areas.
- Chimney Rock State Park: This is traditionally an especially nice time for a visit to Chimney Rock State Park in Hickory Nut Gorge.