Best Time to See Fall Colors in North Carolina 2025 Guide

North Carolina in the fall delivers some of the most striking scenery in the Southeast. Think fiery reds, oranges, and yellows that set the Blue Ridge ablaze, mountains glowing gold at sunset, and valleys covered in patchwork quilts of color. This guide will help you find the best leaf peeping spots and when is the best time to see fall colors in North Carolina.

One of the perks of living in a state with so many elevations is that fall doesn’t just last a weekend—it rolls out gradually, sometimes over nearly two months. That means you’ve got plenty of opportunities to chase peak foliage throughout the month of October and into early November.

When Do the Leaves Change in North Carolina

Peak foliage varies by elevation, starting in late September at higher elevations and rolling down through early November in the foothills and piedmont. 

The timing of North Carolina’s fall foliage depends mostly on elevation. The higher up you go, the earlier the color show begins (although the scientists at Appalachian State University say that latitude also affects when the fall colors pop). Here’s a general timeline:

• Late September – Early October (elevation of 5,000+ feet)
  Look for early color around the highest points in the Blue Ridge Mountains:
  • Mount Mitchell–the highest point east of the Mississippi)
  • Kuowhi–the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is along the state-line ridge between North Carolina and Tenessee. Kuowhi, formally known as Clingman’s Dome, is the Cherokee name for the mountain as it the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland
  • Grandfather Mountain–towering over northwest North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is home to unmatched ecological diversity that it has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve.
  • Graveyard Fields–Graveyard Fields is famous for being one of the first places to pop, with especially vivid reds and oranges.
    
• October 9–16 (elevation between 4,000–5,000 feet)
  Peak color along much of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  
• October 16–23 (elevation between 3,000–4,000 feet)
  Vibrant color around Pisgah National Forest, the High Country (Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock) and then west of Asheville, including Maggie Valley, and Waynesville.
  
• October 23–31 (elevation between2,000–3,000 feet)
  Cities in lower elevations will be at their peak, like Asheville and Hendersonville (although many of the mountains within driving distance will be past peak because they are higher up!). This is good timing for leaf-peeping with fewer crowds, as many people will be out and about the weekend before!
  
• Early November (elevation below 2,000 feet)
  Color lingers in the foothills and Piedmont, though by mid-November much of the peak has faded.
  
  Keep in mind: these timeframes are predictions based on prior years. Weather and soil conditions can shift peak dates slightly, so it’s always a good idea to check the weekly fall foliage reports before you go.

Tips for the best leaf peeping experience: 

• Start high: the highest elevations will have color change first
• Bring layers: mornings and evenings in the mountains can be chilly.
• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends on the Parkway. 
• Don’t forget your camera—and maybe a picnic basket! 
• On sunny days the colors will pop, while on cloudy days the softer light will make the leaf colors look more dramatic (cloudy days are actually better for photos because of the soft, even light!)

Where to Find the Best Fall Foliage in North Carolina

From the sweeping overlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the hidden waterfalls of the Pisgah National Forest, the North Carolina mountains is a very popular place to go leaf peeping. The mix of bold color, crisp air, and mountain scenery creates a kind of magic that keeps you coming back year after year.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the ultimate fall road trip. Every curve in the road on this historic scenic drive reveals rolling mountains, hidden valleys, and endless layers of color. Don’t miss:

• Price Lake (Milepost 297): The perfect place for a picnic or a paddle among the fall foliage.
• Rough Ridge (Milepost 302): A short but steep hike leads to one of the most iconic fall views on the Parkway/.
• Linn Cove Viaduct (Milepost 304): The famous curving bridge is especially stunning when the ridges above and below are lit up with oranges, reds and yellows.
• Mount Mitchell State Park (Milepost 355): At 6,684 feet, it’s the highest peak east of the Mississippi, and has a nice viewing area where you can see the sprawl of mountains in all directions. 
• Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364): A short hike with a huge payoff of panoramic views.
• Graveyard Fields (Milepost 418): The valley is famous for its vibrant reds, oranges and waterfalls. 
• Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451): This is closer to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is popular for sunrise and sunset.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP)

Straddling the North Carolina–Tennessee border, the Smokies are another leaf-peeping gem. Colors peak a bit later here than in the highest elevations, making them a great second-chance option.

Our top spots for leaf peeping in and around the Smokies:

• Go for a scenic ride on Newfound Gap Road. Newfound Gap Road bisects the park (connecting Cherokee, NC in the South and Gatlinburg, TN in the North) and gives your access to a variety of scenic overlooks and hiking trailheads. 
• Try to spot some elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The elk graze in the pastures near the visitor center and mountain farm museum in the morning just after sunrise or in the evening just before sunset. 
• There’s over 850 miles of hiking trails in GSMNP, offering a variety of different lengths and difficulty levels for all types of hikers. Some of our favorite hikes in GSMNP are Mount LeConte and Alum Cave, Laurel Falls, Kuowhi (the highest point in GSMNP), Mount Cammerer, Chimney Tops and the Road to Nowhere.
• The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers a variety of different scenic adventures and excursions that range from just a few hours to a full day.
• The Nantahala National Forest (just outside of GSMNP) is known for its whitewater rafting, scenic drives, and hiking trails

Asheville 

Known for its booming brewery scene (Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city), creative culinary options (with several nationally recognized restaurants and a heavy focus on local sourcing), thriving arts and culture, outdoor adventures, deep history, vibrant spirit, and Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop, Asheville has become a top tourist destination in the Southeast, especially in the fall. There are also plenty of lodging options depending on what you’re looking for including cabins, bed and breakfasts and glamping.

The High Country

The High Country refers to a specific region in Northwestern North Carolina that gets its name due to its elevation (much of the area sits 3,000 feet above sea level). The small towns that encompass the High Country, including Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, Linville, Sparta and more, are quaint and family-friendly. The High Country is also home to Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls, Tweetsie Railroad and several local wineries.

The Piedmont

If you aren’t able to make it to the mountains, the good news is fall colors make their way east too! 

Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and their surrounding areas all show off in fall, a little bit later than the mountains because of their lower elevation. 

In the Queen City, colors usually peak around late October into early November. Places like Freedom Park, Reedy Creek Nature Center, and the tree-lined streets of Myers Park glow with golden yellows and oranges. If you want a quick day trip, head to Crowders Mountain State Park—just 30 minutes away—for a short hike with sweeping views of the Piedmont decked out in fall color. Just a little further away is South Mountains State Park and Stone Mountain State Park which will both show off fall color and are perfect for fall camping adventure.

The Triangle region tends to peak a little earlier than Charlotte, often in mid-to-late October. Raleigh is surrounded by forests, so you don’t have to go far for good color. Try William B. Umstead State Park, Eno River State Park or Hanging Rock State Park for quiet trails framed by vibrant leaves, or JC Raulston Arboretum or Duke Gardens for a mix of landscaped gardens and seasonal color. 

The Coast

While the mountains may steal the show in autumn, North Carolina’s coast has its own kind of magic this time of year. You won’t find fiery reds and golds along the shoreline, but you may find them in the sunrises and sunsets that rival any leaf display.

You’ll also find find mild temperatures, quieter beaches, and tons of fresh seafood. Just be aware of hurricane season, which lasts through the end of October or early November. The beach in the fall, especially to one of the beaches near Charlotte, NC is one of our favorite getaways!

Best Base Towns for a Fall Getaway in North Carolina

When you’re chasing fall colors in the mountains of Western North Carolina, choosing the right “home base” makes all the difference. Whether you’re looking for a lively city with breweries and arts or a sleepy small town with cozy cabins, North Carolina has a spot for every type of fall getaway.

Here are some of the best base towns for leaf-peeping:

• Asheville – Artsy, vibrant, and full of breweries, coffee shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. It’s also central to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and Dupont State Forest. 
• Banner Elk – A cozy High Country town nestled between Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain. 
• Black Mountain – Just 20 minutes east of Asheville, Black Mountain has a thriving arts community; perfect if you are looking for a town that is a little smaller and slower paced. 
• Blowing Rock – A storybook mountain town (think Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow) that’s cozy and family-friendly, with boutique shopping and gorgeous fall views just minutes away.
• Boone – A lively college town with great food, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain. 
• Brevard–Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” the Brevard area is home to 250 waterfalls including some of the most photographed waterfalls in the state including Looking Glass Falls and Triple Falls.  
• Bryson City –  Is known as the “Gateway to the Smokies” and is home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers scenic fall train rides (check out our full Bryson City travel guide)
• Cashiers – A small, upscale mountain village in the “Land of Waterfalls” with luxury inns and local restaurants. 
• Cherokee – Is the capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and part of the traditional homeland of the Cherokee people. It is also home to one of the entrances of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 
• Hendersonville – Known for its apple orchards and charming downtown festivals, Hendersonville is the place to go if you want a small-town vibe with family-friendly activities.
• Highlands – Perched high in the mountains, Highlands is known for boutique shopping, fine dining, and luxury lodging. Its higher elevation means early color, often starting in late September.
• Hot Springs – A small town tucked along the French Broad River near the Tennessee line, it’s known for its natural hot springs. After a day of hiking or rafting, there’s nothing better than soaking under the fall leaves.
• Saluda – Known for its arts scene, outdoor adventures and proximity to the Green River Gorge. Peak color here usually hits in late October, making it a perfect choice if you’re leaf-peeping later in the season.
• Waynesville – A charming small town west of Asheville, surrounded by Smoky Mountain scenery and full of local restaurants, breweries and shops.