Where to See Fall Foliage Near Asheville
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Fall is the most beautiful time of the year in Western North Carolina. Dazzling colors liven up the forests, line one of the country’s most scenic drives, surround the historic mountain towns, and provide a beautiful backdrop at any local park or restaurant patio. Known for having one of the longest and prettiest leaf peeping seasons, the WNC region is a fall vacation bucket list contender. It’s the busiest time of the year in terms of tourism. Asheville is the perfect place to plan a fall escape. Not only is the city itself a hotspot for leaf peeping, but there are many places to see fall foliage near Asheville thanks to its’ close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, the most visited NPS site, sees heavy traffic during the peak of fall. It’s best to plan your adventures during the week. At the very least, get out to more popular Parkway hikes and overlooks very early in the morning. Regardless of the high traffic, the Parkway and WNC in general, is a perfect vacation destination for anyone who loves the fall. After living in the area for 2 years, I can say that I was really impressed with the overall beauty of the area. Check out my favorite leaf peeping hotspots.
Asheville – the perfect base
Asheville will likely be your base for exploration as it is located within close proximity to pretty much everything of interest in the region. Because of the varying elevations in the mountains, different areas peak at different times. Thus, it can be quite a hassle to time your hike perfectly. However, on the bright side, this means a longer window for leaf peeping. There is almost always somewhere that is alive with color beginning in late September and continuing on until November. Stay updated by checking out the Fall Foliage predictor via Explore Asheville.
Featured below are a handful of my favorite fabulous leaf peeping destinations, in and around Asheville. All are located within an easy hour drive (at most) from the city limits. Be sure to dress in layers as the temps can feel much colder at 4000-5000+ feet.
Rough Ridge via the Tanawha Trail
One of the Parkway’s most fantastic leaf peeping destinations is found via a short hike up to an overlook known as Rough Ridge. This trail begins along a lengthier trail (The 13.5 mile Tanawha trail). The views are simply stunning, and thus, this one draws major tourist traffic every fall. Parking is a nightmare if you arrive after 9am. This hike features several overlooks (one just 0.3 miles into the trail) and another more dramatic viewpoint via the summit (elevation 4773 ft) about a mile or so in, so you can go out to your comfort level. The full hike is a bit more intense, but worth it for the long range views. The colors tend to turn a bit earlier here, making Rough Ridge the perfect choice for those visiting the region in early fall.
- Location: Milepost 302.8
- Peak color: Late September – early October
Graveyard Fields
As one of the more popular destinations along the Parkway, the Graveyard Fields parking lot (although quite big) fills up fast on weekends. What sets this hike apart from others in the vicinity is that you get to see 2 pretty waterfalls via one hike. If you are limited on time (or energy) simply check out Second Falls. This easy walk comes in at under a half mile, is very colorful in the fall, and features views of a picturesque 60 foot waterfall.
If you time your visit just right, you will enjoy a picture-perfect fall scene. The colorful foliage of the season surrounding the falls creates a photo worthy site. Anyone up for a decent workout can continue on another 3 miles to Upper Falls. And, if you feel like bypassing a workout altogether, simply stop at the overlook and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the mountains. Unending red and golden hues draws fall photographers in droves.
- Location: Milepost 418.8
- Peak color: Early October
Note – while you are in the vicinity, you may want to check out Devil’s Courthouse. This short (0.5 mile) but very steep trek up to a stunning overlook is one of the best short hikes on the Parkway. While the view consists mainly of pines, there are some deciduous trees in the mix. An average fall color hike, but a true beauty all year-round. Located at Milepost 422.4.
Blue Ridge Parkway
“America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway, is an adventure lover and fitness buff’s dream fall destination. First off, the drive is over 400 miles, so you can cruise all day long if you please. Second, beautiful hikes and waterfalls can be found around every curve and turn. The Parkway is one of the country’s top tourist destinations, and expectantly, each autumn tourists arrive from around the country to enjoy one of America’s top leaf peeping destinations.
Whether you feel like taking a cruise, relaxing on an easy nature walk, hiking to an incredible summit, or simply enjoying a picnic in lovely natural surroundings, this drive will give you plenty of opportunities to rejuvenate far away from civilization. A few notable leaf peeping hikes include Crabtree Falls, Linville Falls, Craggy Pinnacle, and Devil’s Courthouse.
A view of an autumn drive taken on October 20, 2021 (Mt Pisgah picnic area at Milepost 408 to Devil’s Courthouse overlook at Milepost 422.4)
- Location: Varies – check out the BRP map
- Peak color: Varies by elevation (earlier in high elevation)
Catawba Falls
One of the closest waterfalls to Asheville also happens to be one of the prettiest leaf peeping destinations in Western North Carolina. Catawba Falls, an enchanting 100 foot multi cascade waterfall, is a definite contender for best of WNC. A mere 30 minute drive and a moderate 1.5 mile out-and-back hike is all it takes to see this stunner. During the fall season, you will notice vibrant foliage lining the entirety of the hike. The way the vivid golden trees drape around the waterfall creates a particularly picturesque scene each autumn. It’s no surprise that Catawba is one of the top bucket list waterfalls (out of the 200+ options) available to new visitors.
- Location: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC
- Peak color: Early November
