Is it ever too early to start planning for how and when we’ll view fall foliage in the North Carolina mountains? I think not. Each year, SmokyMountains.com releases a fall foliage prediction indicator that pinpoints just where – and more importantly – when the leaves are expected to begin turning and also when they’re expected to peak. Factoring in things like weather, altitude, and early frost, it’s actually somewhat possible to plan exactly when to see fall colors in North Carolina. Check out the North Carolina fall colors map below, and start planning some fall adventures in our beautiful state!
To better predict where and when to see the best fall colors in North Carolina this year, we are using the Smoky Mountains map. Toggle the bar to see when your part of the Tar Heel State is expected to start seeing fall colors.
Jackie/Flickr Depending on where you are located will affect when you experience peak fall foliage! For example, those in the far western corner of North Carolina will peak weeks before folks along the coast.
Even when not on the highest peak east of the Mississippi, various high elevation spots like Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain, and the Graveyard Fields area will experience an early bloom with leaf colors peaking early-to-mid October.
Flickr / bobistraveling
If you’re wondering how exactly to predict foliage dates, it’s best to go by elevation. Areas above 5,000 feet will experience peak season earlier, followed by lower elevations around the 4,000-foot region like Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam, and Cashiers.
Flickr / Tim Lumley
For an amazing spectacle that only happens in spring and fall, check out the Shadow of the Bear on Whiteside Mountain during peak season predicted this fall. This will be one of the most incredible places to see the fall colors in North Carolina, according to the map!
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Meanwhile, the third full week of October is the perfect time to explore and hike in the Pisgah National Forest, sit beside Looking Glass Falls, or even take a fall trip to Asheville. Mid-October is the best time for exploring mountain communities like Banner Elk and Blowing Rock as well as cruising along lower sections of the Parkway around 3-4,000-foot elevation while experiencing the splendor of the leaves changing fall colors in North Carolina.
Flickr / Jeff Gunn
Mid-October is the perfect time to plan a trip to the “Grand Canyon of the East,” AKA Linville Gorge and Falls. Known as the “gate to the Blue Ridge” the charming, nearby town of Morganton offers plenty to do in between exploring one of North Carolina’s best landmarks.
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Areas of slightly lower elevation will finally get their chance for fall the third and fourth weeks of October. Other areas of North Carolina including the Piedmont, Charlotte, and central could see fall colors in North Carolina peaking anywhere from mid-to-late October.
Photo credit: Photo by James Adaickalasamy / Getty Images By November, however, all of the state will be past peak fall foliage.
When planning a fall trip to make the most of the gorgeous landscape — it seems the time is now! Luckily, this interactive map helps you plan exactly where and when to see fall colors in North Carolina. When and where are you planning to witness the beauty of a changing season?
Jackie/Flickr
Depending on where you are located will affect when you experience peak fall foliage! For example, those in the far western corner of North Carolina will peak weeks before folks along the coast.
Flickr / bobistraveling
Flickr / Tim Lumley
Flickr / Frank Kehren
Flickr / Jeff Gunn
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Photo credit: Photo by James Adaickalasamy / Getty Images
By November, however, all of the state will be past peak fall foliage.
If you want to make the most of fall in North Carolina, how about a fall foliage road trip?
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The OIYS Visitor Center
When To See Fall Colors In North Carolina September 15, 2022 Sarah M. What is there to do in North Carolina in the fall? Autumn in North Carolina brings a world of opportunities to get outside and play. From camping to hiking, exploring state parks, taking a walk on the beach, and of course, plenty of fall festivals! Harvest festivals are great places to gather with friends and wonderful events for the entire family to enjoy themselves. For fall hikes in North Carolina suitable for even the little ones in the family, be sure to read our feature article! And here are some of our favorite fall festivals in North Carolina – we look forward to these seasonal events year after year! Where can I see the best fall foliage in North Carolina? For the best fall foliage in North Carolina, head to highlands, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or go straight to the Great Smoky Mountains. The colors this year are expected to be phenomenal - as long as you plan your visit to coincide with the peak season for the region you’re visiting. For the best fall foliage predictions and where to see the best colors based upon those predictions this year, refer to the article above. Why should I visit North Carolina in the fall? North Carolina is an ideal place to visit any time of year. Every season has something different to offer in the way of activities and scenery. From the mountains to the sea, fall is an ideal time to visit because of the mild climate and cooler temperatures found in North Carolina at the end of the dog days of summer.
The OIYS Visitor Center
When To See Fall Colors In North Carolina
September 15, 2022
Sarah M.
What is there to do in North Carolina in the fall? Autumn in North Carolina brings a world of opportunities to get outside and play. From camping to hiking, exploring state parks, taking a walk on the beach, and of course, plenty of fall festivals! Harvest festivals are great places to gather with friends and wonderful events for the entire family to enjoy themselves. For fall hikes in North Carolina suitable for even the little ones in the family, be sure to read our feature article! And here are some of our favorite fall festivals in North Carolina – we look forward to these seasonal events year after year! Where can I see the best fall foliage in North Carolina? For the best fall foliage in North Carolina, head to highlands, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or go straight to the Great Smoky Mountains. The colors this year are expected to be phenomenal - as long as you plan your visit to coincide with the peak season for the region you’re visiting. For the best fall foliage predictions and where to see the best colors based upon those predictions this year, refer to the article above. Why should I visit North Carolina in the fall? North Carolina is an ideal place to visit any time of year. Every season has something different to offer in the way of activities and scenery. From the mountains to the sea, fall is an ideal time to visit because of the mild climate and cooler temperatures found in North Carolina at the end of the dog days of summer.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Autumn in North Carolina brings a world of opportunities to get outside and play. From camping to hiking, exploring state parks, taking a walk on the beach, and of course, plenty of fall festivals! Harvest festivals are great places to gather with friends and wonderful events for the entire family to enjoy themselves. For fall hikes in North Carolina suitable for even the little ones in the family, be sure to read our feature article! And here are some of our favorite fall festivals in North Carolina – we look forward to these seasonal events year after year!
Where can I see the best fall foliage in North Carolina?
For the best fall foliage in North Carolina, head to highlands, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or go straight to the Great Smoky Mountains. The colors this year are expected to be phenomenal - as long as you plan your visit to coincide with the peak season for the region you’re visiting. For the best fall foliage predictions and where to see the best colors based upon those predictions this year, refer to the article above.
Why should I visit North Carolina in the fall?
North Carolina is an ideal place to visit any time of year. Every season has something different to offer in the way of activities and scenery. From the mountains to the sea, fall is an ideal time to visit because of the mild climate and cooler temperatures found in North Carolina at the end of the dog days of summer.
