Blooming Red and Orange

Check out the graph above to see Neufeld and Michael Denslow’s predictions for this fall season.

Fall in Western North Carolina ushers in the relief of moderate temperatures, pumpkin and cinnamon concoctions from local coffee houses, and, perhaps chief among them, near-unlimited opportunities for leaf peepers. Vibrant splashes of red, gold, orange, and purple in this region draw millions of onlookers each year. 

Appalachian State University’s Howard S. Neufeld, aka the Fall Foliage Guy, is a reliable prognosticator of when and where autumn displays will be at their most brilliant. He states that, “if the weather begins cooling in mid-September through early October, colors will be on time. If we get a heat wave, they will be delayed five to ten days, depending on the severity of the heat. Severe drought in late summer could cause premature leaf fall, but that has rarely happened in the mountains.” Neufeld also warns predictions are getting more difficult to ascertain because of more variability in the climate.

September 29-October 9
For an early viewing, head to the High Country. Mount Mitchell, with its elevation of 6,684 feet, is a great place to go leaf peeping during this time. The higher the altitude, the earlier the leaves change, according to Neufeld. An observation deck in Mount Mitchell State Park offers sprawling, beautiful views. Grandfather Mountain sits at another elevation that’s offering early fall foliage displays. Guided tours beginning October 5 through the next week are sure to enhance your visit.

October 13-20
As temperatures decrease, lower elevations start experiencing color changes. West Jefferson’s Jumpinoff Rocks Trail is a great place to traverse through the changing colorscape. Blowing Rock and Banner Elk are also best bets for good leaf peeping now. At 3,333 elevated feet, Boone also should see its peak week for brilliant displays of fall color. Check out Linville Falls and Boone Fork Trail for excellent views. 

October 24-31
Asheville and Hendersonville should be full of fall color during this time. Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap should be a go-to spot, in addition to Yadkin Valley Overlook. Check out Waynesville’s 

Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see breathtaking views and vibrant fall colors. It’s the 16th highest elevation in the east. Looking Glass Falls is another wonderful spot—only a quarter mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway, fall visitors get to see both cascading waterfalls and a bright colorscape.

November 1-10
Leaf peeping winds down during this time, but not all is said and done. Hiwassee Dam in Murphy offers expansive views of the river and mountains, making it a perfect location for sweeping views of autumn in Appalachia. Over in Hayesville, don’t miss Fire Creek Falls, where another waterfall and brilliant views await.