When & Where To See Gorgeous Fall Foliage Near Asheville
Are you hoping to catch peak fall foliage in Asheville and the NC Mountains? As residents, we know how fickle the weather-dependent leaf season can be. The best time to see fall colors in Asheville starts at the end of September and goes through mid to late-October. Below, find when and where to leaf peep by elevation and location. Plus, hop on the trails for our favorite fall hikes around Western North Carolina – waterfalls included! All photos are our own.
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What You'll Find In This Guide
Best Time To See Fall Foliage Near Asheville By Elevation/Location
While no one can completely predict Mother Nature, visitors can usually catch peak leaf season in Asheville from late September through October. Appalachian State University’s Biology Department in Boone, NC has a great fall color map by date and area. We always think October is the best time to visit Asheville for all of the great fall festivals, terrific Hendersonville apple orchards (apple picking and donuts!), and mild weather.
Last week of September into October: 5,000 to 6,000+ feet
Around the end of September, we recommend the most memorable and colorful Blue Ridge Parkway hikes and waterfalls including:
- Graveyard Fields and Loop
- Black Balsam, Art Loeb, Sam Knob (closer into October)
- Rough Ridge
🍁 If you prefer guided tours, book this popular Blue Ridge Parkway waterfall hiking tour or a scenic driving tour of the BRP.
First weeks of October: 4,000 to 5,000+ feet
A few popular places to catch peak fall foliage near Asheville in October:
- Grandfather Mountain
- Max Patch (please remember that camping is on hold at Max Patch)
- Beech Mountain
- Waterrock Knob
- Roan Mountain
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (along the ridges)
- Craggy Gardens
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Trombatore Trails
For stunning 360-degree panoramic views:
- Craggy Pinnacle
- Mount Pisgah
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- Fryingpan Mountain Tower
This time of year, the Pisgah Inn near Mount Pisgah fills up and the area becomes heavily trafficked. It is also a great time to day trip from Asheville to popular WNC mountain towns like Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, and Cashiers. Discover even more of our favorite local Asheville hiking trails.
🍁 Read our complete guide if you are planning a day in the Mount Pisgah area. Hit multiple hikes, lunch at the inn, and catch an exhibit at The NC Arboretum.
Mid-October: 3,000 to 4,000 feet
We love Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall. Mid-September through October, catch elk-rutting season in the Smokies. The elk are out of this world to see in person; they once crossed our path on the Oconaluftee River Trail. Just keep your distance; it’s the law.
For peak fall foliage in late October in the NC mountains, head to:
- Little Switzerland
- Pisgah National Forest
- Linville Gorge
- Maggie Valley
- Cherokee
- Brevard
- Banner Elk
- Bryson City
This is a great time to chase waterfalls, including:
- Looking Glass Falls
- Moore Cove Falls
- Daniel Ridge Falls
- DuPont State Forest
End of October: 2,000 to 3,000 feet
Witness peak fall colors in Asheville at the end of October here:
- Downtown Asheville
- Biltmore Estate
- Asheville Botanical Gardens
- The North Carolina Arboretum
Discover more of Asheville’s parks and gardens.
👻 Did you know that Asheville is haunted? Nothing beats a Downtown Asheville ghost tour…
Beginning of November: 1,000 to 2,000 feet
The last places to see foliage in Western North Carolina include:
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Lake Lure
- Tryon Foothills (wineries!)
- Marion
- Rutherfordton
- Lake James
Our 5 Top Places To See Fall Colors In Asheville
As locals, we always have a few “must” spots where we go to catch the peak fall foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a given. A few of our favorite trails and areas:
- Black Balsam via the Art Loeb Trail – Dip over to Sam Knob too.
- Graveyard Fields and Loop – Chase those waterfalls; this area gets busy and is a bit confusing for hiking.
- Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle – With one of our favorite picnic areas, hike both Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle while stopping at the Visitor Center for that scenic overlook.
- The North Carolina Arboretum – As annual members, this is a great area to catch fall colors without the crowds; plus, it’s close to the city with nearby mountain biking trails at Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
- Biltmore Estate – As annual passholders, we love hiking Biltmore’s trails to the Walled Garden filled with its final fall blooms of the season.
Top 10 Tips For Asheville’s Leaf Peeping Season
As locals, we’ve lived through many Blue Ridge Mountain falls. Trust us; it gets busy here. However, if you time it right and wake up early, you can have a great, stress-free time.
Our top 10 tips for enjoying the Asheville fall foliage:
- Book all of your Asheville fall accommodations as early as possible. The end of September through October in Asheville is our busiest tourist season besides the winter holidays. Also, be sure to make advanced dining reservations at Asheville’s top restaurants.
- Weekends and later in the day are the busiest times for exploring. When at all possible, head out early in the morning and on weekdays.
- Waterfall hikes are the most popular along with visiting apple orchards, especially on the weekends. Many hikes have limited parking that will fill up quickly. Have a backup plan, and read all signs around parking areas. Exert extreme caution around waterfalls.
- Whether you are taking photographs or using navigation, make sure your camera and phone batteries are charged.
- Not all hiking locations have restrooms. Places with restrooms might only have simple, pit toilets. Pack extra tissues, wipes, and hand sanitizer.
- If you pack food, be prepared to take your trash with you. Please consider the wildlife as you dispose of your trash. The Western North Carolina mountains are filled with black bears. Don’t overflow bins. Keep dogs leashed. Leave no trace.
- Cellular service comes and goes in the mountains. Have offline maps saved for driving directions as well as a picture of your trail maps. We hike with this Garmin.
- Not all trails are clearly marked. It is easy to get lost, especially with fallen leaves obscuring marked paths. Hike with proper hiking supplies. Wear layers, bring extra food and water, and have an emergency kit. Let others know where you will be hiking and how long you will be gone.
- The Blue Ridge Parkway grows extremely busy around the fall in Asheville. You’ll see some terrible driving, people in areas on the road where they shouldn’t be, and wildlife. Drive with caution, and stay alert. Allow extra time to get to your destination. Please do not stop dead in the middle of the BRP.
- Pay attention to the weather and know that the fog rolls in and out of the mountains. Expect cooler temperatures in the mountains. The BRP is icy in November. Check with the National Park Service for road and gate closures along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Gates will close for the weather as winter approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can you see fall colors in Asheville?
In late September, the North Carolina mountains start to see changing colors, especially in higher elevations like Graveyard Fields. With cooler temperatures, early October is typically a great time to see the most fall foliage in the Asheville area. Early to mid-November marks the end of leaf season.
Is October a good time to visit Asheville?
October is the perfect time to visit Asheville. Enjoy ideal weather conditions with dry, warm days and cool nights filled with bright sunsets. Plus, there is plenty to do with fall festivals and all of the nearby apple orchards.
Is Asheville pretty in the fall?
Asheville is breathtaking in October. As New England natives, we were shocked by the intensity of fall color you’ll see in the NC mountains, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
More Guides For Fall Planning In The Blue Ridge Mountains
Christine Frascarelli
Christine (pronouns: she/her) is the owner of Uncorked Asheville. After falling in love with those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Christine and her husband Tom decided to call Asheville, North Carolina home. When her pointy Italian nose isn’t stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. She has a BA in English and History from Smith College, her MLIS from USF-Tampa, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar - Indonesia. Christine also owns The Uncorked Librarian LLC with books and movies to inspire travel.