Fall is on its way, and the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina are ready for a spectacular show of color.
Thanks to healthy summer rainfall, cool nights, and crisp autumn air, this year’s foliage is expected to be especially vibrant. As always, the magic begins at the highest peaks and gradually flows down into valleys and towns through October and early November.
Using Appalachian State’s Fall Color Map (below) as our guide, here’s what to expect this season and where to catch the outstanding bursts of color.
Helpful Tip: Bookmark This Page. We’ll be posting weekly color updates throughout Leaf Season!
🍁 Oct 13 – Oct 20: Mid to High Elevations Surge
As we move into mid-October, the fall color wave settles into mid and upper elevations (around 4,000–5,500 feet). This stage is famous for ridgelines and scenic drives bursting into fiery reds, golden yellows, and glowing oranges. It’s a fantastic time for a leaf-peeping road trip.
Best spots to explore during this period:
- Blue Ridge Parkway near Waterrock Knob (MP 451.2) — sweeping views and bold color at 6,000 feet.
- Black Balsam Knob & Graveyard Fields (MP 418–420) — open balds, waterfalls, and some of the best fall hiking in the region.
- Mount Mitchell State Park (6,684 ft) — the highest peak east of the Mississippi, with surrounding slopes glowing in mid-October.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Newfound Gap & Kuwohi Road [formerly Clingmans Dome Road]) — vibrant mid-elevation color paired with iconic Smokies views.
🍁 Sept 29 – Oct 9: High Elevations Glow First
The fall color show begins at the loftiest peaks of Western North Carolina, where crisp nights kickstart the change. During this period, you’ll find the brightest reds and golds at elevations above 5,000 feet.
Best spots to explore:
- Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome, 6,643 ft) — the Smokies’ highest point, with unmatched panoramic views.
- Graveyard Fields & Black Balsam Knob (Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 418–420) — early color, waterfalls, and hikes.
- Richland Balsam Overlook (6,053 ft, Parkway MP 431) — the Parkway’s highest overlook.
- Highlands Plateau — a mix of trails, waterfalls, and overlooks glowing in early autumn hues.
🔍 What to Look For & How to Time Your Visit
- Keep an eye on night temperatures — once they dip into the 40s-50s°F, the color change accelerates.
- Weather still matters: sunny days and calm nights = more vivid color. Rain and wind can both delay color and wash out brilliant reds.
- Visit ridgelines / mountain overlooks early: views tend to shift first on high, exposed slopes.
- Plan flexible itineraries: since the color wave descends, you might start high and move lower as the weeks progress.
🍂 More Fun Things to Do While Leaf-Looking
- 🌊 Nantahala Outdoor Center (Bryson City) – Go rafting, ziplining, or just relax with riverside dining at this world-famous adventure hub.
- 🎰 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) – Test your luck on the slots and tables, enjoy great dining, and catch live shows in the mountains.
- 🚂 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City) – Ride the rails through brilliant fall foliage on one of the region’s most scenic train journeys.
- 🎶 John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown) – Immerse yourself in Appalachian heritage with classes in music, dance, and traditional crafts.
- 🥾 Plateau Playground (Highlands-Cashiers Plateau) – Hike, climb, and explore the trails of the plateau, where autumn views are simply unbeatable.
As we move through October, this post will be updated weekly with new locations — mid‐elevation trails, overlooks, town-level color, and everything in between. Bookmark this page, follow along and join us in witnessing the canvas of fall all around WNC. 🍁