Like many Charlotte families, my fall calendar revolves around two things; college football and traveling to the mountains for the annual color change. There is something about hopping on the Blue Ridge Parkway with the windows rolled down, breathing in that clear, crisp air that instantly relaxes you. There aren’t many things more beautiful than taking in those bold hues of yellows, oranges and reds across the tree canopy. With peak fall color season on our heels, here are just a few tips for where and how you can get the best views from the NC mountains.
If you’re wondering which weekend is best to see the most color, then the short answer is: there isn’t one. It all depends on elevation. The leaves start changing first at the highest elevations then the color change makes its way down to lower elevations. Hence why fall color doesn’t hit Charlotte until mid-October.
According to the experts, fall colors are arriving earlier than usual this year because of our dry summer. Here are the best places to see fall color depending on when and where you’re traveling this season.
HERE’S OUR COMPANION POST ON WHERE TO STAY WHEN YOU GO!
Late September through Early October
Areas around Boone start to show their color. We suggest Grandfather Mountain, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain & Sugar Mountain.
Places to stop:
Moses Cone Memorial Park, located at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy short, easy hikes, a gorgeous lake, horseback riding and a little shopping at the Craft Center. Quite honestly, this is one of my favorite places in the mountains.
If you haven’t had your apple fix, stop by the Orchard at Altapass at milepost 328 (a personal fave). Make sure to get apple cider. And though a little out of the way, if you love cheese then make the drive to West Jefferson and hit up Ashe County Cheese.
{image courtesy of Romantic Asheville}
Early – Mid-October
Areas surrounding Asheville and elevations around 3,000 – 4,000 feet, including Pisgah, Mt. Mitchell, Linville, Table Rock & Blowing Rock
Places to stop:
A visit to downtown Blowing Rock is a must and if you’ve never been to the Linville Gorge or Falls (milepost 316), well then why not? And if you’re there for a little romance, head to Biltmore Estate for a horseback ride through the mountains followed by dinner at The Grove Park Inn. For families, the Woolly Worm Festival is a highly popular event happening the weekend of 10/19 and 10/20.
{image courtesy of Romantic Asheville}
Late October – Early November
Later trips can be hit or miss on seeing the most color. Try a trip to downtown Asheville, Hendersonville, Lake Lure & Chimney Rock for the best opportunity.
Places to stop:
Get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop at some of the overlooks. Plan a visit to Looking Glass Park and Falls for the waterfall and hiking. For all of you adventure seekers, see the leaves with a flight through the tree canopy with one of the popular ziplining tours.
{image courtesy of Romantic Asheville}
Thanks to our new collaborator Mark of the website RomanticAsheville.com for the gorgeous photos. Look for more to come from Mark on scoop!
