Fall Leaf Color Forecast & Events 2014 -

Blue Ridge Parkway & Great Smoky Reports




The Asheville fall leaf color show in the North Carolina mountains attracts visitors from around the world. With the 5,000-foot elevation change within 50 miles of Asheville, our lush Blue Ridge Mountain range puts on one of the longest-running autumn leaf color displays in the country. After enjoying nature's grand show, head to downtown Asheville to enjoy the many local restaurants and shops. See fall color photos from 2013

North Carolina Mountains Fall Leaf Color Forecast 2014

See our mile-by-mile Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.. Ride zip lines on canopy tours through the colorful trees! Take the LaZoom Haunted Comedy Tour on the big purple bus. Fall at Biltmore Estate Whitewater Rafting offers a unique experience for viewing leaves. Take a fall train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Hike to DuPont State Forest waterfalls. See our Top 60 Waterfalls. See the Shadow of the Bear!

September 18, 2014 Update: Overall, the leaves appear to be changing a little early this year. Leaves in the highest elevations are starting to turn and autumn weather has arrived. If you haven't made your reservations for a B&B, cabin or hotel, you better do it right now! To help you plan your trip, see our new photo collage: Top 50 Fall Things to Do. And see below for our list of festivals and events in September and October.
The number one question is: “When is the peak color?” No matter when you plan an autumn visit in October or early November, you can take a short drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or other mountain roads to find the best color of fall leaves. Elevation and weather are the biggest factors in the color show. Leaves begin their color change on the highest peaks and gradually work down to the lowest elevations. An early frost speeds up the show and warm weather prolongs it. Below is our best guess of the progression of the color show:
October 1-9: Highest elevations north of Asheville above 5,000 feet show the most color, especially in the Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain, Rough Ridge and Graveyard Fields areas.

October 8-16: Color will increase in elevations greater than 4,000 feet, including the Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam, Devil's Courthouse, Waterrock Knob, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It will also be peak color in the Highlands area, including Whiteside Mountain, with plenty of waterfalls to enjoy, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including hikes to Alum Cave and Chimney Tops.

October 14-23: Many of the surrounding mountains around Asheville show plenty of color, especially in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. Take the Parkway north or south from Asheville. A great hike in Pisgah National Forest would be Looking Glass Rock or Cradle of Forestry. North of Asheville, head to Linville Gorge with hikes to the top of Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain.

October 20-29: The city of Asheville (2,000 feet elevation) shows the brightest colors, along with areas around Hendersonville and Brevard. This is the perfect time for a waterfall hike in DuPont State Forest or leisurely walk at the NC Arboretum. This is also the peak leaf color for Biltmore Estate.

October 25-November 2: The color show concludes in the Chimney Rock area (elevation of 1,300 feet). Ride to the top of Chimney Rock or take a boat tour on Lake Lure. Also peak at Lake James and South Mountains State Parks.
Also see our favorite Scenic Drives, Motorcycle Drives, Mountain Views, and Pet-Friendly guides.
Also find the best bed and breakfasts, cabin rentals and hotels in the mountains!