Fall Color in the High Country

September 8, 2020

The vibrant colors of fall will start to sweep through our mountains soon. The High Country of North Carolina offers beautiful fall foliage and one of the longest autumn color seasons in the country. Take a look at the Peak Color Forecast and a list of our favorite leaf peeping destinations.

Peak Leaf Color Forecast The leaf color predication is based on elevation. Higher elevations see color earlier due to the cooler temperatures. Here is a breakdwon by elevation: Last Week of September- Elevation: 6,000 (Mt Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain) 1st Week of October- Elevation: 5,000 (Beech Mountain, Rough Ridge Trail) 2nd Week of October- Elevation: 4,000 (Banner Elk, Jumpingoff Rocks Trail) 3rd Week of October- Elevation: 3,000 (Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, Price Lake) 4th Week of October- Elevation: 2,000 (Wilkesboro, Stone Mountain State Park, Yadkin Valley Overlook)

ASU Color Guy to read weekly color reports written by the Appalachian State University Biology Department. See their Fall Color Map below:

Be sure to check out the

Our Favorite Places for Fall Foliage The Blue Ridge Parkway You'll find electric autumn color along the Blue Ridge Parkway! There are endless ways to experience and enjoy the Parkway. Grab your camera, take a drive and be sure to get a shot of the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct . Enjoy a stroll around Bass Lake on a crisp fall day. Take a hike to Rough Ridge Overlook for some seriously breath taking views! For more Blue Ridge Parkway hikes, click here .

Grandfather Mountain Located in Linville, the best way view is from the top! Visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge and enjoy a hike on one of the many trails Grandfather offers.

Linville Falls This gorgeous area is great for relaxing, hiking and enjoying the breathtaking views of the waterfalls. You'll find a couple of overlooks that provide great fall color opportunities.