Here are the top 12 must-visit places in North Carolina for fall colors
It’s always hard to gauge exactly when the fall foliage will begin to change in the Carolinas. This year, the AccuWeather 2021 fall foliage forecast projects the Tar Heel state will see brighter leaves on trees with especially striking yellows and oranges in the mountains.
One thing is for sure – the vibrant fall colors bring thousands of locals and tourists to the North Carolina mountains each year.
Here are our picks for the Top 12 must-visit places for fall colors, in no particular order:
1.Grandfather Mountain – Take in the autumn views from a mile-high swinging bridge! Cross over to the other side and climb to the top of the mountain; the remarkable views are totally worth the apprehensive feelings you may have before crossing. website
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Fall foliage in the NC mountains As seen during the morning hours of Oct. 29 from Grandfather Mountain, dazzling fall color rolls along the landscape toward the nearby town of Linville, as low-laying clouds drift through the valleys. Colors are beaming at the 3,000-foot elevation range, and higher-up vantage points like Grandfather Mountain are ideal for taking in the wonder. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Before the morning clouds moved in, today’s sunrise bathed the landscape in warm, orange hues, enhancing the area’s already vibrant fall colors, as seen from nearby Banner Elk. (Todd Bush /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Historic Cone Manor rests above Bass Lake in Blowing Rock, as fall color beams from the shoreline and hillsides. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Colors are currently peaking in the 3,000-foot range, with this week’s cold snap hastening the color change in those elevations and below. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains A rainbow forms over Grandfather Mountain’s iconic peaks, as fall color brightens up the foreground at the park’s Half Moon Overlook. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Meanwhile, sunset brings a patch of fall color to brilliant light, pictured Sunday near the Avery-Watauga county line, as fall color blankets the landscape looking from Banner Elk toward Boone. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains According to Dr. Howie Neufeld, professor of biology at Appalachian State University and the WNC High Country’s official Fall Color Guy, today’s cold snap “will hasten some leaf fall and get our colors to a more advanced stage in the 3,000-foot range and also extend it down to 2,000 feet now, where it is still mostly green.” (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Fall color cascades down the lower slopes of Grandfather Mountain to the shores of nearby Grandfather Lake. This past weekend saw peak color throughout much of the WNC High Country, and experts anticipate elevations above 2,500 feet to follow suit this week. (Catherine Morton /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Hawksbill and Table Rock mountains’ distinct profiles rise over the horizon, as framed by fall color seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway between the Grandfather Mountain exit and Stack Rock Creek (mileposts 305 and 304.8, respectively). This weekend should be one of this season’s best for fall color, with foliage peaking in the Grandfather Mountain area and beyond. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains The Linn Cove Viaduct area on the Blue Ridge Parkway is beaming with brilliant fall color. Experts anticipate this particular area and others nearby to reach peak color any day now. “The Blue Ridge Parkway around Grandfather Mountain is peaking this week, including Rough Ridge and the Linn Cove Viaduct,” said Dr. Howie Neufeld, professor of biology at Appalachian State University and the WNC High Country’s official Fall Color Guy. “However, even if higher elevation sites are past peak, lower elevation sites will be coming into their best color over the next two weeks.” (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Pictured from Half Moon overlook, orange and gold begins to spread along Grandfather's lofty slopes. Color is coming in especially strong at the mountain's higher elevations, with some vibrant displays to be seen lower down, as well, particularly among red maples, birches and more. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Sunrise cascades over the WNC High Country, highlighting bursts of fall color appearing in the area's lower elevations, as seen from the town of Banner Elk this past Sunday. (Todd Bush/bushphoto.com)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Sunrise cascades over the WNC High Country, highlighting bursts of fall color appearing in the area's lower elevations, as seen from the town of Banner Elk this past Sunday. (Todd Bush/bushphoto.com)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains While fog typically obstructs views, during autumn, it can serve as a striking contrast for vibrant fall color, as seen here near Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 302.8). Color is just starting to appear along areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway 3,500 feet and under in elevation. However, as one travels along the parkway's higher elevations, such as Rough Ridge (4,773 feet), vivid fall foliage is nearly impossible to miss. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Experts anticipate that this coming weekend (Oct. 9-10) could see peak color at the higher elevations of Grandfather Mountain (5,496 feet and below), with the following week and weekend offering prime fall color viewing opportunities from atop Grandfather and many Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC moutains (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC moutains An early morning break in the clouds offers stunning views of color-dappled hills and valleys, as seen from atop Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Fallen leaves line the Tanawha Trail footbridge over Wilson Creek, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 303.6), as the remaining greenery begins turning to gold. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Color continues to progress at higher elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain. One of the most perennially colorful stretches is Rough Ridge, near Milepost 302.8 on the Parkway, and color can be seen popping between that particular milepost and the Grandfather Mountain exit (Milepost 305). (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains It’s been a wet week on Grandfather Mountain, as demonstrated by this foggy photo from Cliffside Overlook. Leaf lookers need not worry! Plenty of green leaves still remain on trees with lovely pops of color scattered across the Mountain. Weather forecasts report that an end to this week’s rainy weather is coming soon (most likely this afternoon or Sunday)!
Fall foliage in the NC mountains You don't necessarily need a viewfinder to see fall color spreading along Grandfather Mountain's slopes into the surrounding mountains below — but it certainly couldn't hurt. Here, low-laying clouds glide over the reds, golds and greens of early autumn. According to Dr. Howie Neufeld, professor of biology at Appalachian State University and the WNC High Country's official Fall Color Guy, colors at higher elevations, like Grandfather Mountain, are already well along, but those at mid-elevations between 3,000 and 4,000 feet still boast a lot of green. "So, for great colors, go high this weekend!" Neufeld said. (Skip Sickler)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Sunday kicks off a pattern of perfect autumn weather at Grandfather Mountain! The extended forecast calls for sunshine and temperatures in the 60s. This photo is from the Blue Ridge Parkway, traveling south from Blowing Rock toward Linville. Fall color lights up the landscape with Grandfather Mountain seen in the distance. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Fall color descends Grandfather Mountain's slopes, past the nonprofit nature park's upper switchbacks and into a sea of clouds below, during sunrise this morning, Oct. 11. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains With clear weather in the extended forecast and the recent bout of warm weather having delayed color progression, visitors to the WNC High Country can expect a banner week for fall color viewing. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Fall color stretches along Grandfather Mountain's iconic profile, as viewed from the nearby town of Seven Devils. A recent bout of warm weather seems to have slowed the color progression, meaning vibrant colors are still abundant at the WNC High Country's higher elevations, such as Grandfather Mountain. With cooler weather on the way this weekend, experts believe the color change could potentially reach peak by the middle of next week. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Pictured during the early morning hours of Oct. 13, this picnic spot on Grandfather Mountain, located just before Split Rock and Sphinx Rock, offers spectacular views of fall color, accompanied by the mountains and valleys below. Fall color is presently bursting on Grandfather, and the color change is steadily making its way into the lower elevations, with birches, maples and sourwoods stealing the show. Experts anticipate peak color around Oct. 20 for the WNC High Country. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountians Fall color is reflected in the lake at Camp Yonahnoka near Linville, N.C., as Grandfather Mountain rises in the distance. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Grandfather Mountain's Split Rock may literally be divided, but fall color vistas from this particular area are wholly stunning. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Grandfather Mountain's Split Rock may literally be divided, but fall color vistas from this particular area are wholly stunning. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Grandfather Mountain’s color-dappled peaks rise beyond MacRae Meadows, site of the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Although fall color is peaking at the area’s higher elevations, many trees in lower elevations have yet to turn, making Grandfather Mountain the ideal location from which to watch the season unfold. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains The Blue Ridge Parkway’s iconic Linn Cove Viaduct weaves around Grandfather Mountain, as the Oct. 19 sunset casts the area’s resplendent fall color in evening light. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Foliage is bursting with color from this section of the parkway toward the Boone Fork area south of Blowing Rock, with more and more color making its way to lower elevations. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Grandfather Mountain spans the horizon with accompanying fall color, as seen from nearby Beacon Heights (milepost 305.2) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Meanwhile, fall color works its way down Lost Cove Cliffs, as seen from the eponymous parkway overlook (milepost 310). (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC Mountains Experts anticipate color to continue developing at lower elevations this week. “By (this) weekend, there should be excellent color along the Parkway in most places,” said Dr. Howie Neufeld, professor of biology at Appalachian State University and the WNC High Country’s official Fall Color Guy. “However, even if higher elevation sites are past peak, lower elevation sites will be coming into their best color over the next two weeks.” (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains While the Blue Ridge Parkway is known as one of North America’s most scenic drives, U.S. 221 isn’t too far off. Here, the stretch of highway between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain offers a stunning display of fall color, as it weaves alongside the Blue Ridge Parkway and the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct. (Victoria Darlington/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Sunlight bursts through some equally vibrant fall color near Grandfather Mountain’s Half Moon overlook. Although color is past peak at higher elevations, there is still plenty to be seen at lower elevations, especially from Grandfather’s lofty overlooks. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
Fall foliage in the NC mountains Colorful fall foliage adds a different sort of depth to Bass Lake in nearby Blowing Rock. Sunday, Oct. 31, marked the final entry in Grandfather Mountain’s 2021 Fall Color Gallery. With most fall color having peaked in the WNC High Country’s higher reaches, leaf-lookers are encouraged to cast their gaze toward lower elevations, especially those in the 3,000-foot range and below, where color grows more vibrant by the day. Fortunately, Grandfather Mountain’s mile-high overlooks offer the perfect opportunity to marvel at the autumn hues, as the season unfurls toward the foothills and beyond. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)
2. Table Rock – Located in the Pisgah National Forest, Table Rock soars 3,950 feet above sea level and overlooks the Linville Gorge. It’s quite a hike to the summit, but the payoff is huge when you witness the aerial view. website
3.Chimney Rock – Spend the day exploring the old-fashioned mountain town and then hike to the top of the rock to take in an array of colors surrounding the famous landmark. website
4.Blowing Rock – Not only are the views impeccable, but this mountain town reeks of fall. From the town square being overrun with pumpkins and mums to the local candle shop creating handmade autumn scents, Blowing Rock is the perfect place to enjoy peak leaf season. website
Leaf season not as vibrant but why?
5.Little Switzerland – A picturesque retreat that sits just off the beaten path (or Blue Ridge Parkway, in this case), this charming little town offers incredible views of Mount Mitchell, Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain, to name just a few sites. There are also gem mines to explore. website
6.Uwharrie National Forest – Hike one of the many scenic trails to take in the colorful leaves and crisp air and see where the first documented gold rush took place. You might even run into one of the ghosts from local folklore. website
7.Sugar Mountain – Visit the resort and take the ski lift all the way to the top of the mountain for remarkable views of the area below. website
8. Crowder’s Mountain – A short 30-minute drive from the Charlotte city limits will make you feel as if you’re escaping all the hustle and bustle. Climb to the top to see for miles in every direction. You can even see the Queen City’s skyline in the distance. We suggest packing a picnic to enjoy along the way. website
9. Banner Elk – This is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy more than just colorful leaves. The quaint town will not only be blanketed in a kaleidoscope of leaves but it typically hosts a variety of fall festivals that are sure to keep you busy, too. website
10.Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery – This may not be your typical fall tourist attraction, but the views of the surrounding mountains and valley from the winery’s deck and expansive patio are spectacular. Plus, why not enjoy the view and a glass of North Carolina wine at the same time? website
11.Asheville – This popular eclectic town brings not only beautiful fall scenery to the table but also award-winning food and drink. Take in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the city or spend the day exploring the Biltmore and taking advantage of its leaf-peeping opportunities. website
12.Lake Junaluska - If you want to try and avoid some of the crowds that often pack the Blue Ridge Parkway, check out Lake Junaluska in Haywood County near Waynesville. Here you’ll find amazing views around a 3.8-mile trail that surrounds the lake. website
(WATCH: With fall leaf season approaching, Blowing Rock implements mask mandate)
With fall leaf season approaching, Blowing Rock implements mask mandate
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