The Asheville fall foliage color show attracts visitors from around the world. With the 5,000-foot elevation change within 50 miles of Asheville, our lush Blue Ridge Mountain range puts on one of the longest-running leaf color displays in the country. Another reason for an autumn visit: the many events and art festivals that abound during October. After enjoying nature's grand show, head to downtown Asheville to enjoy the many local restaurants and shops.
OUR FALL FOLIAGE FORECAST 2008
The number one question is: “When is the peak color?” No matter when you plan an autumn visit in October or early November, you can take a short drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway (see fall photos from 2007) to find the best color. Elevation and weather are the biggest factors in the color show. Leaves begin their color change on the highest peaks and gradually work down to the lowest elevations. An early frost speeds up the show and warm weather prolongs it. Here is our best guess of the progression of the color show (watch for updates).
October 3-12: Highest elevations north of Asheville above 5,000 feet show the most color, especially in the Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens and Grandfather Mountain areas.
October 10-20: Color will increase in elevations greater than 4,000 feet, including the Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam, Devil's Courthouse, and Graveyard Fields, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
October 15-25: Many of the surrounding mountains around Asheville show plenty of color, especially in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. Take the Parkway north or south from Asheville. A great hike would be Looking Glass Rock.
October 20-November 1: The city of Asheville (2,000 foot elevation) shows the brightest colors this week, along with areas around Hendersonville and Brevard. This would be the perfect week for a waterfall hike in Dupont State Forest or leisurely walk at Cradle of Forestry. (See our Hiking Guide.)
October 24-November 5: The color show will conclude in the Chimney Rock area (elevation of 1,300 feet). Ride to the top of Chimney Rock or take a boat tour on Lake Lure.
Also see our favorite Scenic Drives and Pet-Friendly guides.
ASHEVILLE LEAF WATCHING TIPS
Here are some tips, provided by RomanticAsheville.com, to help you plan an Asheville escape to enjoy the spectacular autumn colors:
- Make your room reservations early. Many times, weekends are booked at inns and hotels months in advance. But you can also check for last minute cancellations!
- To avoid the biggest crowds, stay on Sunday through Thursday nights. Saturdays during October are extremely busy at attractions such as Biltmore Estate, and highways and country roads will be more heavily trafficked.
- Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the varying elevations along the Parkway, this is the quickest way to find the best areas for color. The elevation of the Parkway around the city of Asheville is approximately 2,200 feet, and it rises to 5,000+ feet as you drive north or south. When you find a particular area of brilliant foliage, stop to walk along a trial or take a detour on one of the intersecting roads. Be patient and expect slow traffic, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Parking at overlooks can be difficult. See our Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.
- See the color show from a raft on the river! See our Asheville Whitewater Rafting Guide.
- If you encounter fog (low clouds) on the Parkway, don't despair. The weather can change rapidly. It could be very sunny an hour later. Fog is most frequent in the mornings, and it can create interesting photo opportunities.
- Take a picnic or snacks. The few restaurants along the Parkway will be very crowded.
- Fill up the gas tank before taking a scenic drive out of the city. Gas stations are sparse in remote areas and along the Parkway.
- Bring a sweater or jacket. While it might be 70 and sunny in Asheville, it may be 20 degrees cooler at the higher elevations. In mid to late October, snow and ice is possible at the higher elevations. See rime ice from October 2006. Road closures and conditions on the Blue Ridge Parkway, along with weather reports, are available by calling the Parkway information line at (828) 298-0398.
- Take your camera. The warm light of the early morning or late afternoon can create especially dramatic images.
- Bring binoculars for bird watching to bringing a distant picturesque view a bit closer.
- For ideas on outings to combine with your leaf watching, see our 20 Romantic Outings.
- Take some Scenic Drives.
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