33 Best Places to See North Carolina Fall Colors!
Are you looking for the best times to see North Carolina Fall Colors this season?
As a seasoned North Carolina traveler, and an NC resident, I’ve had the joy of witnessing the spectacular display of autumn colors that blanket our state each year since 1998.
From the highest peaks to the cozy valleys, North Carolina fall has a vibrant painter’s palette. So, if you’re planning to chase the best fall foliage this season, keep reading!
I’ve created a detailed guide to where and when to catch peak colors, complete with elevation levels and a dash of local charm and suggested activities.
Please keep in mind that these are predictions made off of elevation levels. While elevation levels are a basic indicator for North Carolina fall foliage changes, there are other factors to consider such as rainfall, heat, freezing temperatures and more.
These dates are set as loose guidelines. You can stay up to date on prediction changes with this interactive Fall Foliage Prediction Map.
Use the table of contents below to help you get to where you want to go, faster!
September 25 – October 2: Elevations Above 6000 Ft., North Carolina Fall
The highest points, above 6000 feet elevation of North Carolina are where you’re most likely to see the first signs of fall at the end of September and early October. Some of these places to check out are:
Mount Mitchell (6684 feet)
Mount Mitchell (6684 feet): Mount Mitchell State Park is a must-visit in the fall, offering breathtaking views from the highest peak east of the Mississippi, where vibrant autumn colors stretch across the landscape as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the season’s beauty from a truly unique vantage point.
Pisgah National Forest (2100 – 6110 feet)
Pisgah National Forest (2100 – 6110 feet): Starting with Mt. Hardy Parking Overlook at milepost 422.8, this area kicks off the color show. Higher elevations will dazzle first, so aim high for the most vivid displays.
Clingmans Dome (6644 feet)
Clingmans Dome (6644 feet): Clingmans Dome offers a panoramic explosion of color that’s worth the climb. Make it even extra special by booking a half day guided hike!
Roan Mountain (6285 feet)
Roan Mountain (6285 feet): Known for its grassy balds and rhododendron gardens, Roan Mountain transitions beautifully into a fall spectacle.
Waterrock Knob (6292 feet)
Waterrock Knob (6292 feet): Perfect for sunrise or sunset views, Waterrock Knob provides a breathtaking backdrop of layered mountain colors.
October 2 – 9: Elevations Above 5000 Feet, North Carolina Fall
Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest and areas between Asheville & Cherokee: Expansive views with a gradient of colors make every turn a photo opportunity. Want to take in the fall landscape from a different perspective?
Picture yourself viewing a calico, fall blanket draped across the Pisgah National forest from a helicopter!
Grandfather Mountain (5946 feet)
Grandfather Mountain (5946 feet): Grandfather Mountain in NC offers an unforgettable fall foliage experience, where you can take in the stunning autumn colors from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, feeling like you’re on top of the world as the vibrant leaves stretch out below. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and heart-pounding adventure.
Pro Tip!
Purchase your tickets for Grandfather Mountain in advance! It’s required to have your ticket and time reserved in advance. Get your ticket here.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Higher elevations like Clingmans Dome continue to shine, but the whole park begins to burst into color. Make it more special by booking a guided tour!
Beech Mountain (5506 feet)
Beech Mountain (5506 feet): Beech Mountain, NC, offers a stunning backdrop for fall foliage with its vibrant autumn colors, and it’s also home to the enchanting Autumn in Oz festival, set in a nostalgic Wizard of Oz theme park, making it a unique and magical destination for viewing the fall colors and joining in the festivities.
Pro Tip!
Tickets sell out quick and often need to be purchased in the summer to snag a spot!
Graveyard Fields (5000 – 6200 feet)
Graveyard Fields (5000 – 6200 feet): Unique for its flat mountain valley, Graveyard Fields is a mosaic of color with easy-to-access trails.
October 9 – 16: Elevations 4000 – 5000 Feet, North Carolina Fall
Rough Ridge (4773 feet)
Rough Ridge (4773 feet): Rough Ridge in NC is like nature’s own art gallery, where the fall foliage paints the landscape in fiery hues that are nothing short of spectacular—perfect for those who want to swap the ordinary for a front-row seat to autumn’s best show. Plus, it’s a hike that gives you those Instagram-worthy views without needing to be a mountain goat!
Mount Jefferson (4616 feet)
Mount Jefferson (4616 feet): Mount Jefferson is the perfect perch to soak in fall’s splendor, offering sweeping vistas that let you see the rolling colors of autumn stretch for miles. Unlike other spots, this mountaintop feels like your own secret hideaway, where the leaves put on a show just for you.
Highlands (4117 feet)
Highlands (4117 feet): An upscale, charming town with great shopping, & waterfalls that add a shimmering silver to the golds and reds.
Need inspiration for your fall trip to Highlands? Check out this article for everything you need to know to spend a day in Highlands, complete with a 1 day sample itinerary.
Linn Cove Viaduct (4100 feet)
Linn Cove Viaduct (4100 feet) Linn Cove Viaduct is a must-see for fall foliage lovers—where else can you drive on a road that practically floats over a sea of brilliant autumn colors? It’s like cruising through a postcard, only better because you’re in it!
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway: An Iconic drive with continuous scenic overlooks, perfect for viewing fall foliage at moderate elevations. One of my personal favorite overlooks in the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Craggy Pinnacle trail, a short hike to the summit give you a 360 view of the mountains and a front row seat to the splendor of the changing leaves!
Dill Falls (4184 feet) and Wildcat Falls (4724 feet): Waterfalls framed by fiery foliage—ideal for nature photographers.
October 16 – 23: Elevations 3000 – 4000 Feet, North Carolina Fall
Many of North Carolina’s waterfalls are located within this elevation level.
Linville Falls (3268 feet)
Linville Falls (3268 feet): Stunning rock formations and gushing waters surrounded by a riot of fall colors. While you’re there, swing by Linville Caverns and explore the ancient caves of North Carolina!
Crabtree Falls (3620)
Crabtree Falls (3620) As one of my top 2 favorite NC waterfalls, I can confidently say taht Crabtree Falls isn’t just another waterfall—it’s a cascading masterpiece framed by the vibrant hues of fall foliage, making it the perfect spot for a soul-refreshing hike. Trust me, when those leaves turn, it’s like Mother Nature herself decided to show off!
Hanging Rock (3944 feet)
Hanging Rock (3944 feet): Hanging Rock State Park in NC is a must-visit for fall foliage enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views from the Hanging Rock Trail and the chance to explore three stunning waterfalls on the nearby waterfall trail. With vibrant colors and scenic trails, it’s a perfect autumn escape.
Boone (3232 feet)
Boone (3232 feet): Boone, NC, offers a stunning showcase of fall foliage with its vibrant mountain landscapes, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives, hikes, and soaking in the crisp autumn air amidst the changing leaves. Plus, its charming downtown adds a cozy touch to any fall getaway. Want to add a little fun to your fall outing? Why not try a scavenger hunt in Boone? Enjoy the crisp air while you learn more about Boone with whimsical activities!
Banner Elk (3701 feet)
Banner Elk (3701 feet): Banner Elk, NC, is a perfect fall destination where you can immerse yourself in vibrant autumn colors while enjoying a thrilling ride on the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, weaving through the breathtaking landscape of changing leaves. It’s a blend of adventure and natural beauty that captures the essence of the season.
Blowing Rock (3566 feet)
Blowing Rock (3566 feet): Blowing Rock is a charming mountain town that’s perfect for soaking in the vibrant fall foliage, with its stunning vistas and crisp mountain air. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from family-friendly attractions like Tweetsie Railroad and the quirky Mystery Hill, making it an ideal autumn getaway for families.
Not sure what Mystery Hill is? Watch the video below to see what it’s all about!
Nantahala Gorge (3000 feet)
Nantahala Gorge (3000 feet): Nantahala Gorge, where the “land of the noon day sun” meets a riot of fall colors, offers an unbeatable blend of adventure and relaxation—from catching glimpses of hidden waterfalls to playing cornhole riverside.
Whether you’re driving in or hopping aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, this unique spot delivers autumn’s finest, with a side of fun you won’t find just anywhere. I’ve taken this excursion myself during the summer, but I’d ride it again in the fall just to see the changing colors of the season!
Dupont State Forest (3620 feet)
Dupont State Forest (3620 feet): Lush forests transform into a canvas of crimsons and golds, with waterfalls enhancing the scenic beauty. What better way to explore the fall leaves than with some coffee to keep you cozy while adventuring on a 3 waterfall hike!
October 23 – 30: Elevations 2000 – 3000 Feet, North Carolina Fall
Catawba Falls (2320 feet)
Catawba Falls (2320 feet): Nestled near the charming town of Old Fort, Catawba Falls is the perfect spot to enjoy a spectacular fall foliage show, especially now that it’s freshly reopened as of Spring 2024. Just a heads-up: arrive early to snag a parking spot because this popular gem tends to fill up fast!
Asheville (2134 feet)
Asheville (2134 feet): Asheville in the fall is an experience I just can’t quit—it’s like nature puts on this stunning show just for me. Every time I drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, I’m blown away by the explosion of color, and the Biltmore Estate’s grounds are a dream come true when the leaves start to turn.
Plus, wandering downtown to grab a bite or find something unique in the shops never gets old. There’s so many things to do in Asheville!
Out of all the cities in North Carolina, Asheville has my heart, especially when the leaves are putting on their autumn best.
Biltmore Estate (2000 feet): Fall at Biltmore Estate is something I look forward to every year—the vibrant foliage turns the entire estate into an autumn wonderland. Whether I’m taking in the stunning views from a rooftop tour or enjoying a peaceful horse and carriage ride around the grounds, there’s just something about this season that makes Biltmore even more magical.
Hendersonville (2152 feet)
Hendersonville (2152 feet): Hendersonville, NC, is a fall foliage paradise where the mountains practically glow with autumn colors, making it the perfect spot for appreciating the fall foliage. And while you’re soaking in the vibrant views, don’t miss a stop at Justus Orchard for apple picking, then unwind with a craft brew or hard cider at their cozy taproom—because nothing says fall like apples and ale!
Chimney Rock (2579 feet):
Chimney Rock (2579 feet): Chimney Rock offers a front-row seat to the fall foliage spectacle, where you can soak in the vibrant colors from a legendary vantage point—or better yet, take to the skies with a helicopter tour for a next-level experience that’ll leave your heart soaring as high as the mountains themselves. Trust me, it’s a sight you’ll be talking about long after the leaves have fallen!
Black Mountain (2333 feet)
Black Mountain (2333 feet): This town is one of my latest obsessions! This cozy village with striking mountain views, great restaurants and shops and a vibrant arts scene, is nestled among brilliant colors.
Hooker Falls (2240 ft.)
Hooker Falls (2240 ft.): Hooker Falls offers a perfect spot to soak in the vibrant fall colors, where the cascading water against a backdrop of fiery foliage creates a stunning, postcard-worthy scene that’s both serene and invigorating.
October 30 – November 6: Lower Elevations below 2000 ft.
Lake Lure (1119 feet)
Lake Lure (1119 feet): Enjoy the tail end of fall with reflections of the colors on the water, providing double the beauty. Be sure to stop by the Flowering Bridge and have a drink at Fae Nectar for an even more unforgettable experience.
Bryson City (1752 feet)
Bryson City (1752 feet): Bryson City in NC is a fantastic fall getaway, where you can savor the vibrant foliage aboard the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, explore the mysterious Road to Nowhere, and hike the scenic trails at Deep Creek to discover three stunning waterfalls.
Cades Cove (1807 feet)
Cades Cove (1807 feet): Cades Cove in North Carolina is like nature’s confetti, where the fall leaves throw a vibrant party across the mountains, making every twist and turn feel like a joyful celebration of autumn. Take a self guided audio tour along your route to learn more about this amazing area!
Marshall (1657 feet)
Marshall (1657 feet): Explore these valleys later in the season for a serene experience as the lower elevations catch up with their colorful display. While you’re in town why not book some time at the Spa at Capitola Mill while you’re there!
Whether you’re a North Carolina fall foliage enthusiast, a photographer, or just in for a relaxing drive, North Carolina’s elevation-diverse landscape offers a prolonged and varied fall color season.
Grab your camera, pack some snacks, and enjoy the drive—Mother Nature’s show is about to begin, and you don’t want a front-row seat to miss it!
