We're preparing for a beautiful and brilliant fall color season in the Blue Ridge Mountains this year. Some tree species, like maples, dogwoods, and some cherries, have already started showing off their fall colors in some pockets around the region. These are typically the first trees to transition, but the mountains are still predominantly green, and will be for the next few weeks.
Bookmark this page! We're going to be providing you with regularly updated fall color reports covering the best places to find fall color each week. Beginning the week of September 16, 2024, you'll learn where to go to find autumn hues, and fun fall activities to enjoy during your trip.
Expert Predictions for Fall Foliage in 2024
Every year, scientists, meteorologists, and travel guides do their best to predict when the leaves will begin to fade from green to the yellows, oranges, and reds that set our Blue Ridge Mountains ablaze. Different species of trees turn at varying times, and all are informed by their location, altitude, and the biggest factor of all - the weather.
NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, recently released a long range forecast for the North Carolina Mountains. Their forecasts suggests we may have above-average temperatures and slightly higher amounts of precipitation through the months of August, September, and October. So what does this mean for fall color?
“Fall Color Guy” Dr. Howard Neufeld, professor of biology at Appalachian State University, has been following and documenting the fall color season in Western North Carolina for 16 years. Regarding the NOAA report, he said, "Since they are only leaning toward warmer and wetter, I think that bodes well for a good fall color season. What we want to see is temperatures beginning to drop in mid-September through mid-October. If they do, fall colors will be on time. If it is mostly sunny with little rain over this interval, it is likely that the colors will be more vibrant."
While weather patterns are impossible to accurately predict more than 8-10 days, the NOAA report is based on long range climate data, which provides a little more credibility for this forecast.
Timing Your Trip to See Fall Color in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Due to our extreme variations in elevation and a wide variety of deciduous trees, the mountains of North Carolina experience one of the longest lead color seasons in the world. The Blue Ridge Mountains’ extended color season means that no matter when you plan your visit, you’re sure to spot some brilliant leaves — as long as you know where to look.
Early Fall
The fall color changes begin at the highest elevations in late September, soon after the first calendar days of fall. Look for early color at Grandfather Mountain or at Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Linville Falls often boasts bright pops of gold early in the season, so be sure to bring your camera.
Graveyards Fields, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8, is the perfect place to experience the earlier changes. Grab your daypack and follow the 3-mile, round-trip hike to Graveyard Fields. Trek through the beautiful valley punctuated by fields and waterfalls.
Over the following weeks, color will make its way down the mountain slopes into the middle elevations. Early to mid-October is a great time to take a scenic drive along the Parkway, watch the leaves fall beside Crabtree Falls, stop for lunch at Little Switzerland or enjoy the 360-degree view from the summit of Mount Mitchell, the the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The only thing that can make your trip to its peak even better is taking in the view from one of the rocking chairs outside the gift shop. Many of the trees at Mount Mitchell are evergreens, but you can find color along the way to this popular destination.
Mid Fall
During the month of October, take a relaxing scenic ride on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. With numerous lookouts and vantage points along the route, the parkway offers sweeping views across the peaks and valleys of the North Carolina Mountains.
Once the lower elevations start to experience the color change around mid to late October, plan a visit to the Pisgah National Forest. Maximize your leaf-peeping from the heart of the forest with hiking trails in Curtis Creek. Mountain bikers, be sure to check out the Old Fort Gateway Trail System where you’ll fly through the flaming trees. The numerous waterfalls along the hiking and biking trails are spectacular this time of year.
Don’t leave the area without a visit to the awe-inspiring Linville Gorge. Located about 45 minutes outside of Marion and 40 minutes from the quaint little town of Little Switzerland, the gorge offers some of the best fall-color viewing in the area. The plentiful jagged rock formations are nothing short of majestic as they plunge 2,000 feet into the valley below to the Linville River. The blazing yellow, orange, and red trees lining the steep walls define autumn in the NC Blue Ridge Mountains.
Late Fall
By early November, the trees will be showing off along the main streets of Blue Ridge towns. Enjoy the autumn atmosphere as you browse shops, galleries and local restaurants in Old Fort and Marion. And don’t miss the beauty of fall reflected in the cool waters of Lake James.
Book Your Accommodations Early
Be sure to plan ahead for your fall getaway to McDowell County. Old Fort, Marion, Nebo, Little Switzerland, or Linville Falls are locations for all of your fall adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains! This is one of the more popular times to visit the mountains and accommodations do fill up quickly. Book a place to stay at a local hotel, campground, cabin or vacation rental.
