Wondering where and when to see the fall foliage this year? Look no further, because here’s your 2024 guide to getting the best views of North Carolina’s peak fall colors and leaf peeping. The Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains have some of our country’s longest fall color seasons. Another reason living in NC is the best 🙂
If you’ve been meaning to add leaf peeping to your fall activity list, this year will be a good one!
Peak Fall Foliage Predictor Map 2024
We found a helpful map from SmokeyMountains.com that shows the leaf color progression by week, starting in September and going through to late November. Peak color for North Carolina looks typical this year ~ mid to late October.
Early October
Graveyard Fields
Located just South of Asheville, Graveyard Fields is a trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway known for its vibrant fall foliage scattered throughout the winding trails. Graveyard Fields is under 6,000 ft but because of the unique plant species, you will find changing leaves earlier in the season which means signs of fall in late September.
Rough Ridge
This beautiful hike gives you amazing views of Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct, with distant views into the Piedmont. The higher you hike, the better views get. The total elevation climb from the parking area is 480 ft.
Mid October
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain’s beautiful views are regarded by many as some of the best in the area. Whether by car or foot, make sure to stop by the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. After you’ve gotten your fill of the scenic views, grab a bite to eat in nearby Banner Elk.
Beech Mountain
Sitting at an elevation of 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in the eastern part of the United States, making it a must-see on your hunt for the best fall colors this autumn. Head to Beech Mountain in the first week of October to get a head start on the peak fall foliage while enjoying the many local restaurants, shops, and more in the area. Or, head to the Autumn of Oz, when the former Land of Oz theme park opens for a few weeks each September. It won’t be peak color, but the leaves will have started to change.
Mount Pisgah
Mount Pisgah and its surrounding forests are known for stunning and scenic views all year round and October is no exception. Pack your hiking shoes for the rocky trail ahead and prepare to be dazzled by the fall foliage, the view of Cold Mountain, and more on this 5,721-foot summit hike. Be sure to reserve IN ADVANCE a meal at the Pisgah Inn Restaurant which offers panoramic mountain views at 5,000 feel ~ open breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week April through October.
Shadow of the Bear
Shadow of the Bear has earned its name for a reason. In early evening, the sun casts a bear-like shadow on the mountain, that can only be seen for 30 minutes daily (on sunny days) between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. from mid-October through early November. It does get crowded, so be careful on the overlook.
Mid to Late October
Mountainous areas surrounding Asheville with 3,000-4,000 feet elevation show the most color the third week of October. If you’re looking for an easy scenic drive, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Looking Glass Rock
For an easily walkable trail while observing the vibrant autumn colors, head to the Looking Glass Rock Trail (Brevard side) during the last few weeks of October to take advantage of fall foliage in its prime.
Forest Heritage Natural Scenic Byway
The Forest Heritage Natural Scenic Byway is the perfect way to admire the colors of the season from a car window rather than on foot. Whether you choose a popular section of the route or explore the winding road in its entirety, the vibrant views coupled with the opportunity to explore Pisgah National Forest make for an ideal fall day.
Bryson City
Bryson City is a great place for a weekend trip that offers everything from hiking and rafting to shopping and local restaurants. It was named one of America’s best small towns to visit by the Smithsonian, and it’s where you catch the wonderful Great Smokey Mountains Railroad for a tour of the area. BOOK EARLY. If you are planning your trip around peak fall foliage, head there on the third week of October for the most vibrant leaf-peeping.
End of October to Early November
Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is known for its attractions year-round and through each season. This year Fall at the Biltmore will be extra special with the Chihuly exhibit to add to your leaf color views…if you have never toured a Chihuly exhibit it is NOT to be missed. Plus the annual Fall Color experience at the Biltmore is unsurpassed, complemented as it is with an amazing gardens display of thousands of chrysanthemums in Autumn shades.
South Mountains
On your trip to the South Mountains State Park, you can expect to find an elevation of 3,000 feet, along with a waterfall dropping 60 feet and more than 40 miles of various types of trails. The hike to High Shoals Falls is a favorite – the first part to the boardwalks is pretty easy and the latter part near the waterfall…is not.
Lake Lure
Although lake days may be most associated with the summer, and Lake Lure with movies like Dirty Dancing and Last of the Mohicans, don’t miss out on an autumn day here with gorgeous fall color. You can book a boat tour through October, tickets are sold at the marina. And stop by their interactive toy train museum, fun for kids of all ages.
