Interactive Fall Color Map | Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site (2024)

*September 29through October 9
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/Craggy Gardens).Places to visit at this time:

• Graveyard Fields: While not at a 6,000-foot elevation,Graveyard Fieldsalong 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 atGrandfather Mountainwhich 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 colorchange beginningon the approach road up to the summit ofMount 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.
• Craggy Gardens: In thethe Craggy Gardens areahike to Craggy Pinnacle.

*October 10through 16
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 toBlack Balsam KnobandSam 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 updatedtrail to the summit of Max Patch Mountain,where you'll find stunning 360-degree views and a perfect picnic spot.

*October 17through 23
Fall foliage will arrive at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet. Places to visit this week:

• Devil’s Courthouse: Ideal for a sunset hike, Devil's Courthouse offers clear views of the surrounding mountains.
• 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 Mountainshould 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 Parkjust outside of the community of Sylva.

*October 23through 28

Then, the fall leaf change reaches elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet. This is a great time for afall 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 ofPisgah National Forestalong Highway 276. Hike toLooking Glass RockorJohn Rock. Or, walk through the forest on the way toMoore Cove Falls.
• Linville Gorge: To the north, check outLinville Gorge, where numerous hiking trails provide incredible and unique views of fall color.

• Montreat:Lookout Mountain in nearby Montreatshould be looking nice.
• Downtown: In the city of Asheville, includingdowntown Asheville, many trees will have bright fall color. It’s the perfect backdrop for shopping or exploring the local neighborhoods.

*October 28through 31

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 theBiltmore 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 theFrench Broad River.

• North Carolina Arboretum: Driving southfrom Asheville, stop at theNorth Carolina Arboretumto 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 inDuPont State Forest, which offers easy hikes to several favorite waterfall areas.
• Wildcat Trail: For a new experience, hike the relatively newWildcat Trailwith views of Craggy Gardens off in the distance.

*November 1through 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 theBiltmore 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 theFrench Broad River.

• North Carolina Arboretum: Driving southfrom Asheville, stop at theNorth Carolina Arboretumto 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 inDuPont State Forest, which offers easy hikes to several favorite waterfall areas.
• Chimney Rock State Park: This is traditionally an especially nice timefor a visit toChimney Rock State Parkin Hickory Nut Gorge. Hike to Chimney Rock (you can nowtake the elevator up!) or hike to Hickory Nut Falls.