12 great leaf peeping destinations in the Carolinas
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
7. Botanical Gardens at Asheville
This small free non-profit garden is a great stop for anyone visiting Asheville seeking a break from the tourist action. Take a lovely stroll and enjoy the natural plant life of the Southern Appalachia area. The garden has been in operation for almost 60 years and now houses 600 native plants. A few rare/endangered highlights include Oconee Bells, Swamp Pink, and Broad-leaved Coreopsis.
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a cool stroll and take in the pretty foliage. Surprisingly, the garden does not see big crowds this time of year. Take this time to enjoy a much appreciated peaceful nature experience. I stroll around here often just to take a nice break in nature. Definitely check it out if you need a rejuvenating nature break.
Learn more about the botanical Garden of Asheville
8. Dupont State Forest
This large 10,0000 acre state forest in Western North Carolina is home to so many fabulous waterfalls and hiking trails. My recommended pick is the Triple Falls trail which takes you past 3 wonderful waterfalls. The 2 larger falls come in at a whopping 125 feet. You may remember seeing the base featured in The Hunger Games.
You are guaranteed mesmerizing views anytime you visit, although hiking during fall leaf peeping season makes the journey even more awe-inspiring. Vibrant red, orange, and golden hues typically begin popping up in mid-late October. The dazzling medley of colors, the crisp dry cool air and brilliant cloudless blue skies. Really this is fall at its’ best!
9. North Carolina Arboretum
The gorgeous North Carolina Arboretum is a must-see on any visit to Asheville. The world-class arboretum features a spectacular bonsai exhibit, over 10 miles of maintained trails, a beautiful quilt garden, and ongoing annual events. The best time to plan your visit is definitely during the beautiful autumn season. I was here at least 2-3 times a week basically the entire month of October and November. Asheville, and really all of Western North Carolina, is known for its’ spectacularly long and colorful fall season. I was really surprised on how colorful the area is, comparable to the best of New England in my opinion.
Begin your adventures on the gorgeous nature trail, featuring interpretative signs to help you identify the diverse range of native plants.
See more pics of the North Carolina Arboretum in autumn
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
The iconic 469 mile drive passes through 29 counties in Virginia and North Carolina. Asheville is a great starting point for exploring the Blue Ridge region. As expected, the parkway is super popular once autumn rolls around, so much so that you can expect backed up traffic on weekends. Leaf peepers from all over the south are drawn to the region’s splendid beauty. I try to hike early in the morning on weekdays to avoid the tourist crowds. If you can plan a weekday trip, definitely go for it. And set that alarm for sure!
Color typically begins popping up in mid to late October, earlier in high altitude areas. There are too many fantastic stops along the NC portion of the route to mention them all, although Chimney Rock State Park, Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain, Graveyard Fields, Rough Ridge, and Craggy Gardens are all must-do list contenders.
A brief video view of peak leaf peeping season along the Parkway (taken early morning on October 20, 2021 from Milepost 408 (Mt. Pisgah) to Milepost 422 (Devil’s Courthouse)). Color will vary by year depending on weather conditions.
See the full Blue Ridge Parkway map to plan your adventure.
11. The Omni Park Grove Inn
This beautiful resort is nestled within the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Amazing vistas of the mountains surround every inch of the property. Whether you are dining at the wonderful Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet, taking a stroll around the grounds, soaking in the spa hot tub, or enjoying a drink on the terrace, you will be surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains.
Even if you do not want to shell out big bucks for a night here, do enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the Blue Ridge buffet. This is my favorite brunch spot in the region. The food is wonderful and the views via the floor-to-ceiling windows are even more mesmerizing. Fall is the best time to plan your visit as the entire area is bursting with bright fall colors. Walk around the grounds, enjoy a cup of coffee outside and admire the beautiful fall scenery. Or, even better, embark upon the resort’s short, but scenic Sunset Trail.
More info on the Omni Park Grove Inn
12. Downtown Greenville & Asheville
Both of these charming Main Streets are well worth a visit on any vacation to the region. From foodie restaurants, to boutique shops, to annual events, to museums and cultural attractions, to local coffeehouses, there is something to do for everyone, anytime of the year. Both downtowns are lined with beautiful trees and especially gorgeous during the fall. Falls Park in Greenville is my favorite spot to be this time of year.
Both downtowns feature plenty of al fresco dining, so you can enjoy the cool temps, sunshine, and dry air while also enjoying a great meal. Asheville highlights include The Battery Park Champagne Bar, Double D’s Coffee (enjoy a coffee in a unique double decker bus), High Five (great coffee & bagels), Wake Foot Sanctuary (amazing handmade foot baths), Downtown Books, Asheville Pinball Museum, and Mehfils (delicious Indian buffet).
Greenville highlights include the beautiful waterfall at Falls Park, the Greenville Museum of Art, Roost (farm-to-table restaurant with a great outdoor patio), Mast General Shop (outdoor gear plus old-fashioned gifts and candies), Sully’s Steamers (unique steamed bagel sandwiches), Methodical (renowned local roaster), and the Saturday Market (runs May through October).
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