Autumn Guide for Leaf Peepers in Asheville, NC
It’s leaf season! Here in Asheville, NC, it’s not always easy to plan around leaf season. Peak colors can be hard to predict, but October is going to be packed with vibrant fall colors as the leaves change in the area. Learn more about some of the key places around Asheville you should visit and when!
Due to the devastating effects of the hurricane, some places listed in this article are trying to rebuild and are not open to the public. If you are looking to go leaf-looking, several towns are open and would appreciate your patronage. Towns that are currently open include: Andrews, Blowing Rock, Boone, Bryson City, Cashiers, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Dillsboro, Fontana, Franklin, Hayesville, Highlands, Maggie Valley, Murphy, Nantahala, Robbinsville, Saluda, Sapphire, Scaly Mountain, Sylva, Waynesville and Weatherville, among others.
Grandfather Mountain, Graveyard Fields, Mount Mitchell, and Craggy Gardens
For hikers who love high elevation, the first two weeks of October are going to be the most exciting. Some of the most challenging and exciting hikes in the area are going to be covered in fall colors. It’s safe to plan leaf-peeping hikes above 6,000 feet and enjoy a wonderful fall view. Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain need no introduction, being two of the most popular hikes in the region. Graveyard Fields is a gorgeous hike that even features a waterfall if you're looking for something less difficult. The easiest hike will be Craggy Gardens with just 252 feet of elevation gain and rewarding views.
Black Balsam & Max Patch
In the third week of October, fall colors will be at their peak around 5,000 feet. This means the Black Balsam area, including Shining Rock Wilderness and Sam Knob will be perfect hikes. It’s also a great time to visit Max Patch. While these are balds, you’ll still be hiking through some gorgeous foliage, and at the summits will enjoy views of the leaves below.
Devil’s Courthouse, Mount Pisgah, Bearwallow Mountain, & Pinnacle Park
As the fall colors start to creep down to lower elevations (around 4,000 to 5,000 feet) leaf peepers will get tons of opportunities to visit some easier-to-access areas. These hikes are much less strenuous and still offer outstanding views of the area as you explore. Visit Mount Pisgah and you can even have dinner at the Pisgah Inn or explore some interesting history in the area.
Pisgah National Forest & Linville Gorge
Pisgah National Forest and Linville Gorge offer more hiking trails than you could probably see in a single season, much less a single week. However, plan on visiting these areas in the last week of October for the best views of changing leaves and crisp fall weather.
Downtown Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway
The best time to visit downtown Asheville and drive the famous Blue Ridge Parkway is the last week of October. You’ll enjoy being surrounded by the fall foliage as you stroll around downtown’s amazing shops, breweries, and restaurants. Cruising the parkway will offer breathtaking views from overlooks and great views of the leaves alongside the road as you drive. This is also an amazing time to visit the Biltmore, North Carolina Arboretum, Wildcat Trail, and DuPont State Forest.
Need the perfect vehicle to get to the trailhead or cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway? Apple Tree Acura has an extensive inventory, including fun-to-drive sedans and capable crossovers, and SUVs. Contact us online today to get started on your next adventure.