Fall leaf season is just around the corner with its cool, crisp temperatures and fire red, orange, and yellow leaves! Because our area has such a wide range in elevations (1,200ft to 6,700ft within an hour drive of Asheville), we have an extended leaf season that starts in mid September and extends through mid November. The diversity of our tree population - over 120 different species of tree - results in a rainbow of yellows, oranges, reds, purples, pinks, and browns throughout the fall. Higher elevations change color earlier, and the color moves down the mountains throughout the season. Some tree species change earlier than others, so any given elevation may have an extended season as different tree species change.
Forecasting peak leaf color is especially challenging. In general, areas farther west and north change earlier than south and east, and higher elevations change earlier than lower elevations. The following dates are a general guideline, based on our knowledge of the area, our experience with past leaf seasons, and resources created by local biologists. Beautiful color can be found outside these dates!
Several areas listed below have recently re-opened after Hurricane Helene. Expect to see evidence of construction vehicles, very crowded roadways, and occasional trail closures in areas that had the most significant impact.
Last Week of September
Fall color is beginning to appear at elevations over 5,500ft and in species that change early, including sugar maple, sourwood, and blueberries. Bright red mountain ash berries are abundant at high elevations.
Our favorite hikes this week: Black Balsam Knob, Graveyard Fields
First Week of October
Peak color above 5,500ft, including Mt Mitchell and Black Balsam Knob. While not over 5,500ft, cold sinks like Graveyard Fields and rocky areas like Rough Ridge tend to change early.
Our favorite hikes this week: Mt Mitchell, Rough Ridge
Second Week of October
Peak color 4,500ft - 5,500ft, including Craggy Gardens, Max Patch, and many of the peaks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Our favorite hikes this week: Craggy Pinnacle, Max Patch
Third Week of October
Peak color 3,500ft - 4,500ft, including Mt Pisgah, Pinnacle Peak, and Bearwallow Mountain. This is a great time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and see the leaves changing in the valleys below the many scenic overlooks.
Our favorite hikes this week: Mt Pisgah, Pinnacle Peak
Fourth Week of October
Peak color 2,500ft - 3,500ft, including Looking Glass Rock and higher elevations in Linville Gorge. Asheville, Biltmore House, and the North Carolina Arboretum will also see leaf color changes this week!
Our favorite hikes this week: Looking Glass Rock, John Rock
Last Week of October
Peak color 1,500ft - 2,500ft, including the Blue Ridge Escarpment (areas east of the Blue Ridge Parkway), including Black Mountain, Old Fort, and lower elevations within Linville Gorge.
Our favorite hikes this week: Lookout Loop in Montreat, Catawba Falls
First Week of November
Peak color below 1,500ft, including Dupont State Forest, Lake Lure, Gorges State Park, and The Foothills Trail.
Our favorite hikes this week: Dupont Waterfalls, Cedar Rock
To book a trip with us this fall, visit our trip calendar, call our shop at 828-713-5451, or email us at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.
