north carolina travel fall

15 STUNNING Places to Enjoy Fall in North Carolina

The vibrant colors of autumn paint the vast natural wonders of North Carolina in varying hues of oranges, reds, and yellows for an awe-inspiring vision coveted by fall fanatics everywhere. Come mid-October, a crisp chill begins to creep into the air while the sun shines bright, creating the perfect atmosphere for a stunning outdoor adventure, all the while wearing a cozy light layer, of course. 

Hike to the highest heights, pick some apples , enjoy an NC winery , carve a pumpkin, and break out the warm beverages. For a fun and unique peek into the local culture, there are an array of seasonal festivities to be found in many of these Tarheel State towns and cities. 

Throughout this scenic Southern region are divine destinations for chasing that perfect fall feeling. Below are all the best places to spend the fall in North Carolina. 

When is Fall in North Carolina?

This is a tricky question to answer as there are so many varying factors regarding leaf-peeping season. Leaf color varies every year, and factors like elevation, location, temperatures, and type of plant always come into play.

Leaves always change at higher elevations first, and then the beautiful yellows and oranges work their way down as time goes on.

That being said, typically by the last week of September, there are some fall colors higher in elevation. Colors last throughout most of October, with leaves typically falling to the ground around early November.

Tips for Spotting Fall Colors in NC

• Book Your Accommodation Early: Hotels and B&Bs book up quickly during the fall season. It’s a popular time in North Carolina!
• Dress Accordingly : The weather is unpredictable and can change quickly in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Pack warm weather clothes like jeans, vests, sweaters, and a jacket. Rain jackets in the fall never hurt as well – you may even get some snow! The key is to dress in layers in case you get hot or cold.
• Wake Up Early and Stay Out Late: The best photos, with the fewest people around are in the early morning and before sunset. It’s worth waking up early for a little quiet time in nature without all the mid afternoon crowds.
• If driving the Blue Ridge Parkway : Make sure you have plenty of fuel. Some areas are remote and gas stations are few and far between.

Where to Spend a North Carolina Fall

Blowing rock.

Starting off this list of places to enjoy a North Carolina Fall is a classic. Often referred to as North Carolina’s oldest attraction, Blowing Rock is a popular pick for an autumnal paradise. It’s a quaint town providing unobstructed panoramas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

The short hike at Price Lake is a picturesque place for fall scenery, as well. Glen Burney Trail is another heavenly hike for taking in the stunning colors of the landscape. 

The namesake attraction sits some 3,000 feet out over the Johns River Gorge and provides sweeping vistas over the vast expanse of wilderness and the entire spectrum of colors it holds in this special season. The downtown feels festively fall-like as well, with a tiny Main Street offering affordable boutiques, bars, and bites. 

• Linville Falls

Technically an unincorporated community, Linville Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains . It’s located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway , so the journey there is sure to be just as scenic as the destination. 

The trek to the falls is only about a mile and a half, yet offers four different viewpoints, each one uniquely alluring. The five trails available range from moderate to strenuous but are well worth the work to soak up the natural wonders around. 

The three-tiered cascade plunges powerfully into a large pool below for a dreamy and dramatic experience. The steep gorge here is known as the Grand Canyon of the Appalachians. The dense forest is full of pines, hemlocks, birches, and oaks. 

The array of glowing reds and oranges of the foliage here are a fantastic sight to behold. There are even campgrounds on-site if you’re hoping to stay in the enchanting nature of Pisgah National Forest for a while. 

If you’re wondering where to see the fall colors in North Carolina, look no further. Boone is a haven for outdoor adventure, Appalachian culture, and one of the most scenic North Carolina mountain towns .

It boasts some of the highest elevations in the high country of North Carolina. Boone is home to Howard’s Knob, a prominent peak 5,000 feet above sea level, a spectacular vantage point to look out over the acres of lush and idyllic forests of foliage. 

Rough Ridge Trail takes you to the rugged mountain overlook above Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct. Large boulders at the top of the wooden walkway make for the perfect picnic spot with a breathtaking background. It’s home to an amazing array of breweries, as well. What’s better than a cold craft pint in the crisp fall weather? 

Appalachian State University in Boone even shares an annual map for the best spots to enjoy some lovely leaves that year. 

Banner Elk is a secret gem of this southern state, sitting between Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain, it is well known for its abundant skiing opportunities . However, the changing hues here often last from mid-September all the way to the end of October, offering ample time to witness their beauty. 

A paddle around Wildcat Lake is a relaxing way to take in the scenery of the charming town. There are plenty of places to try some rock climbing, too. 

The Wooly Worm Festival is a special event that has happened every fall in Banner Elk for many decades. It includes food, entertainment, handicrafts, and the famously fascinating wooly worm caterpillar races, where the winner of the race is then used to predict the winter season ahead week by week according to the color of its body segments. 

Aside from the chance to win a sweet cash prize and bragging rights by entering a worm into the race, naming them is a delightful tradition filled with whimsy, with classics like Dale Wormheart. 

North Carolina fall foliage doesn’t get much better than Asheville. Asheville is a cultural hub of the high country and a great jumping off point for exploring the majestic mountains of North Carolina. It’s home to the historic and beloved attraction—the Biltmore. The grounds of this estate provide picture perfect ways to enjoy the painted panoramas of color changing leaves. 

The Chow Chow Culinary Festival takes place here in September each year. Award winning chefs from all over join the already fabulous foodie scene in Asheville to concoct craveable culinary creations with a focus on community and sustainability. 

Just outside of the city are an array of idyllic waterfalls and mountain top vistas, such as Mount Pisgah, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, Mount Mitchell, and Table Rock Mountain. Asheville is one of the best places to spend the fall in North Carolina, perfect for hiking during the day and staying at a beautiful Asheville cabin in the evening.

Often called the crown jewel of North Carolina, Lake Lure is a magical mirage of a town in Western North Carolina and one of the most beautiful lakes in NC . It was originally created as a resort town, and as such is also known as the filming location of the famous movie Dirty Dancing. In fact, the Dirty Dancing Festival celebrating the iconic movie takes place in September. 

It boasts one of the most stunning man-made lakes in the entire country and is one of the most romantic places in North Carolina . The sparkling mirrored surface reflects the surrounding mountain peaks for an all round, ethereal way to experience the season. 

Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge, the terrain is marked with granite cliffs and lush forest. Rumbling Bald Trail and Buffalo Creek Park offer opportunities to hike, mountain bike, and boulder to enjoy the scenery actively. 

Atlantic Beach

It might be surprising to see some beach towns listed as a few of the best places to spend the fall in North Carolina. However, those in the know will tell you that the stunning sandy shores of this state’s superb coastline can be better to visit during this season than the summer. 

It means far fewer crowds on the idyllic but often busy beaches, especially in Atlantic Beach on the Crystal Coast. 

The temperatures are often warm enough to soak up some rays and have a swim during the day and then layer up for cozy sea breeze filled evenings. I love this season better than summer as the brutal North Carolina humidity is almost nonexistent. Also, the incredible Carolina Kite Festival takes place here in October. 

Imagine kites of all styles, shapes, and colors filling up the clear skies above soaring in the wind. What could be a more whimsical way to have some fall time fun?

Little Switzerland

Named after its resemblance to the Swiss Alps, you can see why Little Switzerland may be a perfect place to visit in the cooler seasons. It’s a fan favorite for fall colors, especially for those driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the peak foliage happening around the middle to end of October. 

Deemed to have some of the best leaf peeping in the east, it’s just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Discover picturesque views of Mount Mitchell, Table Rock, and Grandfather Mountain as you drive.

The Orchard at Altapass is right nearby and a very popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s one of the best places offering U-pick apples in the area, along with a general store for locally made goodies, some spectacular nature trails around the farm, and a captivating butterfly house. 

If you’re hoping to drink your fall fruits, head to the quaint Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery for creative apple ciders that are insanely delicious. 

Maggie Valley

Maggie Valley is a small mountain town with plenty of mom-and-pop magic. The Great Smoky Mountains are nearby and offer world-renowned wildlife and, of course, alluring autumnal vistas. 

The town has a laid back and simple feel with a charming vintage twist that comes alive during autumn. During the season, there’s plenty of bluegrass music and moonshine to enjoy in the seasonal spirit. 

The Fall Arts and Crafts Festival is a large gathering of artisans and craftsmen that come together from all over the southeast to sell their handmade wares. There’s an array of mediums available to appreciate or buy, like paintings, photography, pottery, wood work, furnishings, apothecaries, and jewelry.  It’s a gorgeous event to enjoy the beautiful fall weather while browsing works of art. 

While you don’t get the fall leaves in North Carolina here, you get a beautiful, quiet beach destination. Kitty Hawk is part of the chain of barrier islands off the Carolina coast called the Outer Banks. This nautical haven offers peace and tranquility in the fall that is hard to find anywhere else. Prices drop and tourists vacate, leaving pristine OBX beaches empty for a day of fun in the sun. 

Visit the famous site of the first ever flight by the Wright Brothers. It’s not too developed, allowing for the natural scenery to shine through, enhanced only with cute historic beach homes. 

Kitty Hawk Coastal Reserve is over 400 acres of maritime forest to discover. In early October they host the Oink and Oyster Festival to celebrate the culinary culture of the area with a classic coastal roast. 

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival takes place in the fall as well, where you can witness the largest natural wintering of waterfowl on the East Coast. It’s such a special sight to behold for any nature lovers. 

Mount Airy is famous for being Andy Griffith’s hometown and the idyllic inspiration for the Andy Griffith Show’s town Mayberry. Step back into a simpler time and let the nostalgia of this perfectly crisp season wash over you. Mayberry Days Festival is a week-long homage to this, and even incorporates characters and sets from the show. 

Every year in October, there’s the Autumn Leaves Festival , as well. It offers a little bit of everything, food, music, and arts and crafts. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to celebrate the season and its falling foliage. 

Mount Airy is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so it’s an ideal place to appreciate the leaves in all their gorgeous glory. Riverside Park provides a path along the Ararat River called the Granite City Greenway, and Westwood Park offers far more wooded nature trails in addition. 

It’s also part of the Yadkin Valley Wine Region, meaning you can spend time exploring the variety of amazing NC vineyards of the area. 

Tryon enjoys a reputation in the state as a cultural center and arts enclave. However, its biggest claim to fame is being the home of the Tryon International Equestrian Center . If you’ve ever dreamed of riding a horse through an autumnal paradise then this pick is for you. 

In the fall they host the Saturday Night Lights event, a free for all fun time that’s part carnival and part horse competition. 

The Overmountain Vineyard has 70 acres in the foothills for perhaps the most enjoyable way to soak up the seasonal scenery, with a glass of red in hand. They make handcrafted and distinctive French wines from their own estate grown grapes. 

The Tryon International Film Festival takes place in early October and truly lights up the entire town. A vintage state-of-the-art cinema, along with the Tryon Fine Arts Center, show high crafted cinema of full length films, shorts, and documentaries. 

It’s known as the friendliest town in the South, so you’re sure to get your fill of Southern hospitality here. 

Black Mountain

Black Mountain is perched high on the peaks of the Blue Ridge range and is a delightful tiny town to explore. Though small in stature, it’s big in personality, and you’re sure to fall (pun intended) head over heels with this charming hamlet. They host the LEAF Festival , which might actually sound more fall based than it is. 

However, it’s a great place to take in the mountain surroundings while also getting the chance to live out any Woodstock dreams and enjoy multiple days of music on this righteous and rocking retreat. 

Nature abounds here, as do the views at an elevation of 2,500 feet. It’s home to historic streets, fine eats, many breweries, and plenty of galleries. There’s an array of amazing hiking trails and the climate is extremely mild, meaning it should be the perfect temperature for a trek or two. 

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Driving the entire Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best things to do in North Carolina in the fall. There are plenty of stops on the parkway that sparkle during autumn, and you’ll find yourself wanting to pull over every two miles.

Take a few days to drive the parkway in its entirety in October. Some of the best stops along the parkway in the fall are

• Sharp Top Mountain
• Grandfather Mountain
• Linn Cove Viaduct
• Crabtree Falls
• Craggy Gardens
• Looking Glass Rock
• Graveyard Fields
• Black Balsam
• Devil’s Courthouse
• Thunder Struck Overlook
• Bunches Bald Overlook

Things to do in the Fall in North Carolina

• Go Apple Picking: There are plenty of apple orchards in North Carolina to go picking. Many have special events on the weekends in October. So grab the fam for a day of apple cider and farm rides.
• Go Waterfall Chasing: North Carolina has endless waterfalls and the earlier in October it is, the warmer splashing around one will be.
• Go Hiking: Some of the best hikes in North Carolina are Looking Glass Rock, Mount Mitchell, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Big Creek Trail.
• Stay in a Cabin: There’s nothing better than staying in a cabin in the mountains in the fall. We break down some of the best cabins near Asheville in this post.
• Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Asheville Balloon Company offers scenic flights in the fall. There are plenty of other places to take a hot air balloon up around NC , such as Statesville.

Plan For Your Trip to the South!

• We like to use VRBO when searching for vacation apartment rentals and Booking.com when searching for hotels.
• See our favorite cooler for the road!
• Get Around: We suggest renting a car for traveling the Carolinas. Check Prices on RentalCars.com
• Our Favorite Travel Shoes:  Our answer to this question is always  Allbirds.
• Check out our favorite North Carolina Souvenir!

About Natasha

Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and seven continents. After, many years of international travel they settled down a bit and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina.

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Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial & privacy policies .

[ Updated August 6, 2023 ]

Fall in North Carolina  is particularly special because the autumn leaves are around for an extended amount of time.

The vibrant fall colors almost seem to develop in shifts, gradually working their way down the sides of the Blue Ridge Mountains as seasonal temperatures begin to drop.

Leaves changing in North Carolina usually start in mid- to late-September at higher altitudes (see: Mount Mitchell, Clingmans Dome, Richland Balsam).

In the areas around Asheville , Cherokee , and Waynesville , the peak leaf-peeping season occasionally pushes into early November.

In North Carolina, fall is a true season, sprawling over 3 months. The North Carolina mountains  arguably offer some of the very best places to see fall colors in the United States.

Whether it’s hiking in Pisgah National Forest, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, or simply enjoying dinner/drinks with a stunning view, there are a bounty of options for enjoying fall foliage in North Carolina.

Read on for our picks for the 25 best places to see fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, including many breathtaking photos taken on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip!

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA

Fall Colors in NC Guide

• Graveyard Fields
• Grandfather Mountain State Park
• Beech Mountain
• Craggy Gardens 
• Clingman’s Dome
• Pisgah Inn 
• Black Balsam Knob
• Devil’s Courthouse
• The Blowing Rock
• Looking Glass Rock 
• Cowee Mountain Overlook
• Julian Price Memorial Park
• Linville Falls & Linville Gorge Wilderness
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Mount Mitchell
• Rough Ridge/Linn Cove Viaduct
• Thunderstruck Ridge
• Waterrock Knob/View Yellow Face 
• Chestnut Cove Overlook 
• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
• DuPont State Forest
• Brevard Waterfalls 
• Little Switzerland
• Beacon Heights Overlook

READ MORE: The 15 Best Fall Fairs in North Carolina to Visit

1. Graveyard Fields

The Blue Ridge Parkway fall colors have already got a fantastic reputation, so it’s just a matter of finding the best spots along the world-renowned route to stop and take them.

Graveyard Fields, which was named for tree stumps left behind after a storm several hundred years ago because they looked like gravestones, is most definitely in the running.

Located just 30 miles southwest of Asheville along the BRP, Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular (read: often crowded) of the famous roadway’s sites.

It has an amazing hiking trail  that leads trekkers to two wondrous waterfalls , past open blueberry patches, and through a picturesque high mountain valley.

This spot is also highly regarded for its vivid NC fall foliage, which frames many of the stunning waterfall views.

READ MORE:  The 35 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC

2. Grandfather Mountain State Park

Looming large at 5,946 feet, Grandfather Mountain is an iconic landmark in Banner Elk NC . It’s also the centerpiece of one of the most wonderful state parks in North Carolina .

Boasting nearly 2,500 acres of rugged backcountry wilderness, the park has a lot of space to explore within it.

But the vast panoramas viewed from the rocky outcrops along its 12 miles of hiking trails are what Grandfather Mountain State Park is most known for.

The photo above should help you imagine their glorious splendor when draped in North Carolina ‘ s fall colors.

In addition to the marvelous hiking trails, the nearby Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation offers a mile-high swinging bridge that can be accessed for a small fee (which goes towards the park’s conservation efforts).

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC

3. Beech Mountain

The highest town east of the Mississippi, Beech Mountain is widely considered one of the best places for snow skiing in North Carolina .

The peak’s lofty perch also makes Beech Mountain a picturesque spot for seeing the fall colors in North Carolina .

Riddled with outdoor recreation opportunities, from tennis to trout fishing, Beech Mountain is a resort town with all the amenities.

You’ll find scenic chair lifts, family-friendly activities, hiking trails, scenic dining spots, and lodging options for groups of all sizes from condos and chalets to private homes.

The Blue Ridge mountain town’s elevation– 5506 feet above sea level– supplies expansive views of the peaks and valleys below it.

In short, this is a prime spot for seeing North Carolina leaf-change in luxury!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!)

4. Craggy Gardens

Located just 19 miles northeast of Asheville, Craggy Gardens is another of the most treasured stops along the BRP.

It’s truly an ideal place for see Asheville in the fall, not to mention a stunning option for seeing   wildflowers in late spring and summer. 

Located at Milepost 364 (and several other nearby stops), Craggy Gardens is full of rocky terrain, with twisted tree trunks and low-slung hardwood canopies.

The mountain is pushing 6,000 feet in elevation, so the jaw-dropping landscape expands out for miles in every direction.

The prize-winning roost from which to enjoy the best fall colors of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the summit of Craggy Pinnacle, with its staggering 360º views.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Winston Salem NC

5. Clingman’s Dome

North Carolina’s   Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Rockies, and Clingman’s Dome along the TN border is the second highest.

Technically speaking, its highest point is in Tennessee , but of course views aren’t technical!

Located at 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingman’s Dome is arguably the ultimate highlight of a visit to  Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

There’s an amazing scenic drive up to approximately 300 feet below the summit. Then, at the very top, there’s a 45-foot tower from which to view all the awesomeness below.

A destination on both the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail , Clingman’s Dome is a literally the high-point of many hikers’ and leaf-peepers’ journey.

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Cherokee NC & the Qualla Boundary

6. Mt. Pisgah/Pisgah Inn

Located between Brevard and Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the  Pisgah Inn  was established in 1919 (nearly 20 years before Parkway construction began) and rebuilt in the 1960s.

Located way up high atop Mt. Pisgah, the inn is home to some of the BRP’s most iconic views.

This is a great option for those who are unable (or simply unwilling) to tackle big Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails , but still want to check out the fall colors in NC.

Though numerous trails are available nearby, the Pisgah Inn is a fantastic place to just sit back in a deck chair and soak it all in, with no sweat required.

There’s also outdoor seating at the hotel’s restaurant, as well as an observation deck and picnic areas.

READ MORE:   The 25 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls in North Carolina

7. Black Balsam Knob

The 28.5-mile Art Loeb Trail is widely considered one of the best Pisgah National Forest hiking trails .

Black Balsam Knob is its loftiest point and offers the best views of North Carolina’s fall foliage along the trail (and arguably in all of Pisgah Forest).

Fortunately, visitors don’t have to hike the entire Art Loeb Trail  in order to appreciate the scenery from Black Balsam Knob. Simply turn off of the Blue Ridge Parkway onto Black Balsam Road (FS 816).

This is a very popular spot, so it’s best to arrive early or be prepared for crowds vying to get the same scenic vistas.

Also, thunderstorms here are notorious for making a quick impression!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains

8. Devil’s Courthouse

Located relatively close to Graveyard Fields and Black Balsam Knob, the Devil’s Courthouse is another one of the more iconic natural attractions near Asheville .

At Milepost 422.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Devil’s Courthouse is a location filled with Appalachian folklore , as well as a fantastic lookout for NC fall foliage.

There is a half-mile hike up to a rocky viewing platform that boosts observations of four different states: North Carolina, western South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and North   Georgia .

It’s a lofty location so nice, even Peregrine Falcons have chosen to nest there!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall

9. The Blowing Rock

“The Blowing Rock,” which is dramatically poised above the Blue Ridge mountain town that bears its name, is one of the oldest and most revered tourist attractions in North Carolina.

It’s located at 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging the Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below.

So the Blowing Rock yields jaw-dropping views of Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill Mountain (not to mention all of the fall colors in between).

Unlike most of the state parks and national parks along the BRP, taking in views from “The Blowing Rock” costs a nominal fee.

But the town of Blowing Rock is free to visit, and there are lots of attractions in and around it.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Blowing Rock NC

10. Banner Elk NC

Banner Elk is one of the many great small North Carolina mountain towns in the High Country. It’s also one of the best destinations to visit if you want to see fall colors in NC.

The leaf color around Banner Elk (3,700 feet) typically peaks in the latter half of October, and there are many close options for viewing them.

You can paddle canoes and kayaks on local lakes , climb high at Emerald Outback, visit the Land of Oz (a Wizard of Oz theme park), or simply stroll along the beautiful  Banner Elk Greenway .

Located between Beech Mountain and the Linville Gorge Wilderness, Banner Elk also makes for a convenient home base for seeing Fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway from late September into mid-November.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC

11. Looking Glass Rock

An ancient pluton formed by hardened magma underneath the earth’s surface, Looking Glass Rock gets its name from the rock face’s glossy reflection after a rain.

However, it is also possible to hike 2.7 miles to the top of Looking Glass Rock for a phenomenal view of the forest (Pisgah National Forest, to be specific) from which it ascends.

The Looking Glass Rock Trailhead is located near Brevard NC . It can be accessed from US-276, which is the main thoroughfare through the southern section of Pisgah Forest.

It’s also worth stopping by for a glimpse of Looking Glass Falls, which is one of the most accessible roadside waterfalls of note in the forest.

READ MORE:  The Ultimate Pisgah National Forest Camping Guide

12. Cowee Mountain Overlook

Widely considered amongst the best Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks , the Cowee Mountain Overlook offers up many layers of mountain ridges in its wide, deep panorama.

Located at BRP milepost 430.7, this amazing overlook is southwest of Asheville and sits at over 5,900 feet in elevation.

Facing westward into the southern Appalachian Mountains , the Cowee Mountain Overlook is well-regarded as a great place for getting photos of sunsets.

So visitors should expect plenty of tripods and onlookers trying to get the perfect shot. Hey, it didn’t make this list for nothing!

READ MORE:  The 15 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County

13. Julian Price Memorial Park

If you love water as much as we do, Julian Price Memorial Park offers a campground, magnificent mountain lake and numerous streams lined with colorful hardwood trees.

The backdrop of majestic mountain peaks towering over them makes for some seriously stunning photos!

Located at Milepost 297, the memorial park is part of the larger Blue Ridge Parkway system, and has a very easy 3-mile trail that loops around the lake.

This place is incredibly special to locals and travelers alike for its immediate proximity to the beauty and grandeur of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall.

The equally gorgeous Moses H Cone Memorial Park is also nearby, and well worth a visit. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit

14. Linville Falls & Linville Gorge Wilderness

Linville Falls is one of the most celebrated waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. And Linville Gorge is so spectacular, it is often referred to as “the Grand Canyon of the East.”

The hiking trails that lead to Linville Falls have several spurs for getting different perspectives of the multi-leveled waterfall, which breaks out of the forest and plunges some 90 feet down.

Managed by Pisgah National Forest, the  Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is a unique and rugged landscape within the forest. There are nearly 40 miles of trails upon which to explore it.

The Linville Falls Visitor Center is located at Milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and has a quaint little trail that runs behind it.

READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals in 2022

15. Chimney Rock State Park

Pushing the limits of what we can call Western NC, Chimney Rock State Park is in the North Carolina Piedmont region.

Nevertheless, we’re still talking about a place less than 30 miles from Downtown   Asheville .

Chimney Rock State Park has one of NC’s most iconic rock formations– the spire for which the park is named.

For a fee, visitors can climb to the top of Chimney Rock to look down on Lake Lure (the filming site for  Dirty Dancing’s lake scenes) and Hickory Nut Gorge.

Aside from the spire itself, Chimney Rock State Park boats over 5,700 acres of wilderness, including the beautiful Rocky Broad River and Hickory Nut Falls.

Chimney Rock Village is a proper little mountain town with tattoo shops, greasy spoons, and an eminently walkable Main Street. In other words, this one is a great place for families!

READ MORE: Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 10 Best NC Apple Orchards to Visit

16. Mount Mitchell

Located near the town of Burnsville at BRP Milepost 355, Mount Mitchell State Park is named for the tallest mountain this side of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet).

Mount Mitchell is a popular tourist attraction all year round, offering seven hiking trails and about 15 miles worth of pathways to enjoy.

There’s also a concession stand, souvenir shop, and restaurant open during peak summer.

But it is particularly picturesque when the autumn leaves begin to turn at the upper elevations, which can be seen from the fairly short, accessible trail to the lookout at the summit. 

There are also exceptional views of the lower elevations from the picnic area near the summit parking lot, which includes two picnic shelters with fireplaces, 40 tables, stone grills, and fresh drinking water.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC

17. Rough Ridge/Linn Cove Viaduct

One of the more difficult scenic viewpoints on this list to reach, the  hike to Rough Ridge begins at the parking lot, which is located at BRP Milepost 302.8.

From there you’ll hike approximate 1/3-mile uphill, gaining 480 feet of elevation along the way, to a boardwalk atop the mountain that’s designed with the Leave No Trace principles in mind.

Hiking another 1/2-mile (with large boulders along the way perfect for taking breaks) will take you to the 4,773-foot Rough Ridge summit, with its breathtaking views of autumn on Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct, and the North Carolina Piedmont. 

For those who are unwilling (or unable) to make the short, steep climb, the scenery from the Linn Cove Viaduct below is equally gorgeous. 

READ MORE: The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in the NC Mountains

18. Thunderstruck Ridge

Located near Maggie Valley at BRP Milepost 454.4, the Thunderstruck Ridge Overlook offers exceptional vistas of the mountains and valleys below. 

But what really makes this overlook stand out is the varying elevations of the mountains behind the ridge, which seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon. 

Want crazy reds, oranges, and yellows? Check! Want an array of dynamic peaks? Check!

Want that trademark misty haze that gives the Blue Ridge Mountains their name? You got it!

READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Haunted Houses to Visit

19. Waterrock Knob/View Yellow Face 

Located in Sylva NC  at BRP Milepost 451, the Waterrock Knob Visitors Center is the highest on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with an elevation of 5,820 feet.

This is a very popular overlook, and with good reason: In addition to a Ranger Station where you can get advice on local hiking trails, there’s a nearly 360º view of the surrounding mountains from the parking lot. 

We got some great photos of the Parkway from there. But overall, I preferred the scenery at the View Yellow Face Overlook just down the road (Milepost 450.2). 

To understand why, just check out the photo above.

Each of the ridges in foreground shows the NC fall colors in varying degrees of intensity, with the crest of the Blue Ridge range stretching out in the background. 

READ MORE: The 10 Most Haunted Places in North Carolina

20. Chestnut Cove Overlook 

Located almost halfway between Asheville and Hendersonville at Milepost 398.3, Chestnut Cove is one of the more underrated Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks. 

But, as you can see in the photo above, it’s a gorgeous spot when the fall leaves in North Carolina are illuminated with morning light. 

This was one of our first stops as we made our way north from the Historic Engadine Inn to the Linville area.

The morning fog hovering at low elevations made the dramatic ridge look a bit like a sleeping dragon or crocodile. 

And with the lower elevation trees directly in the foreground, the contrast with the vivid mountains made it clear just how dynamic the colors of fall in North Carolina truly are.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC

21. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

In addition to being one of our favorite Christmas Towns in North Carolina , Bryson City is also a fantastic area for North Carolina leaf-peeping.

From the Tuckaseegee River and Fontana Lake to the  Deep Creek Trail waterfalls and the Nantahala National Forest, the town ranks high among the best places to see fall colors in NC. 

Riding the Smoky Mountains Railroad is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.

It takes you through the Nantahala National Forest , along the shores of Fontana Lake, and right next to the Nantahala River (one of our favorite places in North Carolina for white water rafting). 

For 2022 the GSMR is launching new Fall Sunset Train Tours from Bryson City towards Dillsboro. These special leaf-peeping trips will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays, from October 15 to 30.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

22. DuPont State Forest

The 12,000+ acre DuPont State Recreational Forest (a.k.a. DuPont State Forest) is one of the best places in North Carolina to visit at any time of year.

Located 12 miles eastern of Brevard NC in Transylvania County, the pristine park is home to some of the most beautiful North Carolina waterfalls we’ve visited, including Bridal Veil Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls , and Triple Falls.

The lush forest also offers more than 80 miles of multi-use trails (for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding ), several lakes (for swimming, kayaking , and fishing), and a great collection of picnic shelters.

But as lovely as it is in spring and summer, the forest reaches an otherworldly level of beauty in autumn, when its hardwoods glow in the sunlight with gem-like leaves of green, crimson, and gold .

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in DuPont State Forest, NC

23. Brevard Waterfalls 

Widely known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” Brevard and Transylvania County are home to more than 250 beautiful Western North Carolina waterfalls .

With glistening water tumbling over rock faces into tranquil pools, surrounded by wildflowers such as evergreen Rhododendrons, these waterfalls are aesthetically appealing all year round. 

But they’re especially picturesque in autumn , when they’re framed by brilliant hues of yellow, orange, and red.

There are an endless array of hiking trails to waterfalls to choose from, but popular options include French Broad Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, and the many waterfalls in DuPont Forest. 

READ MORE: The Top 15 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)

24. Little Switzerland

If seeing the North Carolina Fall foliage is a big priority, make sure your road trip includes a stop at Little Switzerland.

The tiny Alpine town  is located right along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 334. It’s the only commercial access point you’ll find on the BRP, with several hotels, restaurants , and charming little shops.

There are lots of great places in Little Switzerland to see fall colors, but two of our favorites include the areas around the Emerald Village Gem Mines and Crabtree Falls , one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Western NC. 

You can also see stunning sights while exploring the BRP, driving the winding roads of the scenic Diamondback 226 route, or getting some fresh apples from the historic Orchard at Altapass. 

READ MORE: 15 Best Things to Do in Little Switzerland NC

25. Beacon Heights Overlook

Located at Milepost 305.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway  (near Linville Falls NC), the Beacon Heights Overlook is home to one of the most beloved BRP hiking trails. 

The moderate hike is relatively short at just 0.8 miles round-trip, but the breathtaking vistas it offers along the way make it a must-see when the fall colors in North Carolina start popping. 

There are two big rock outcroppings at the mountain’s summit, offering sensational views of the surrounding scenery that seem to stretch endlessly. 

On clear, sunny days, you’ll be able to see the neighboring Calloway Peak at Grandfather Mountain, as well as the massive summits of Mount Mitchell and Table Rock Mountain on the horizon.  

READ MORE: 10 Wonderful Yadkin Valley Wineries Worth Visiting

1. Where is the best fall foliage in North Carolina?

Visiting in October to early November will offer excellent views of the Fall colors  in the mountains of Western NC. The best Fall foliage in North Carolina can be seen via the Blue Ridge Parkway , especially around the Linn Cove Viaduct, Rough Ridge, the Pisgah Inn, and Graveyard Fields. There’s also a killer view from atop Clingmans Dome, as well as on the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway near Brevard .

2. What month has the best fall colors in North Carolina?

Nature can be fickle, so it’s impossible to give exact dates when Fall colors will peak. But in our experience mid-October to early November offers the best color, so October in North Carolina is the best month for leaf-peeping. Trees at higher elevations will turn first, with trees at the lowest elevation changing last. But we have a fairly long Fall foliage season, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch a show.

3. How long do fall colors last in North Carolina?

Starting at the highest elevations in September and moving to the lowest in November, there are a good 6+ weeks to see NC’s Fall foliage . If you’re an early bird, head to the 6,000-foot summits of the Smoky Mountains . By mid-October, aim for altitudes of 3,000-5,000 feet, such as Grandfather Mountain. By the end of the month, lower altitude towns like Cherokee NC should hit the spot. 

4. When can you see fall colors in Asheville?

Making Asheville your base offers endless opportunities to see Fall colors , with Pisgah National Forest and the BRP just a stone’s throw away. Come in September to see the earliest leaves turn at high altitudes on Mount Mitchell , or October for cruising the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway. By early November, low altitude spots like Lake Lure and Chimney Rock will have the most colorful areas.  —by Jonathon Engels, Bret Love & Emma Gallagher; lead photo courtesy  Bryson City/Swain County Chamber of Commerce

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the  Leave No Trace   principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Jonathon Engels

After visiting North Carolina for the first time, Senior Writer Jonathon Engels and wife Emma spent 2 years exploring Western NC in search of a homestead property. They first lived in Brevard, where Jonathon taught writing at Blue Ridge Community College and extensively explored the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest. For the last several years they have lived just off the BRP near Elkin, Southwest Virginia, and the NC High Country. The couple also volunteers with the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the Elkin Valley Trail Association, and Reeves Downtown School of Music.

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12 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In North Carolina

Robin Jarvis

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No matter where you are in the Tar Heel State, you’ll find that fall in North Carolina brings with it brilliant hues, breezes that feel as if they’ll whisk you away, and a calm serenity as you enjoy both to the fullest. We’re fortunate to live in such a gorgeous state to experience it all beginning in just a few weeks. Until then, dazzle your sense of adventure with an enticing look at 12 of the best places to experience fall in North Carolina.

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The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In North Carolina

Where is your go-to spot for enjoying everything that fall in North Carolina has to offer? And will you be going there this year, or does the pandemic have you considering just staying home? We’d love to know, so join the discussion in our Facebook comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Where can I go to see the fall foliage in North Carolina?

If you're someone who celebrates the arrival of autumn every year, you'll be thrilled to hear that North Carolina is an excellent state for leaf-peeping. To see the fall foliage in North Carolina, you can visit just about any region of the state, although the mountains are where the foliage seems to shine brightest. Some of our favorite places to visit in North Carolina during the fall include Hanging Rock State Park, the Linn Cove Viaduct, Roan Mountain, Linville Gorge, and Mount Mitchell. If you're planning to visit any of these spots, keep in mind that they're popular and tend to draw significant crowds during the fall season. Our advice would be to visit early in the day or during a weekday!

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Fall In North Carolina 2023: 15 Best Places For Fall Colors

August 23, 2023 //  by  Southern Trippers

This list of gorgeous places to see fall in North Carolina will have you craving autumn all year long!

From sunset to sunrise, there is no better place to experience fall in the South than North Carolina. If you visit North Carolina , you may want to plan it during the autumn months to experience the vibrant colors of fall.

Making time to stop and enjoy the scenery is a priority! That camera on the shelf and the family photo shoot you’ve been putting off are calling your name!

Many of these locations will bring you to scenic Blue Ridge Parkway hikes you do not want to miss!

Even if you are looking for a more leisurely adventure, North Carolina holds some of the best places to see the season shift from cool greens to warm oranges and reds.

By the end of this list, you will want to map out your quest to stop at each location. Seeing is believing so grab a sweater and add these beauties to your must-see list!

Does North Carolina Have A Fall Season?

Yes, North Carolina experiences all four seasons, including fall!

Fall is one of the most popular times to explore this mountainous state. As the temperatures drop and the days shorten, North Carolina’s forests turn fiery with fall foliage.

There are over 200 tree species in the state, creating a varied hue of reds, oranges, and yellows.

The Great Smoky Mountains are found here too and are best known for their autumn glory!

What is the Best Time to See the Leaves Change in North Carolina?

The leaves of North Carolina begin to change at the end of September, starting at the higher elevations on the western side of the state. The color then moves down and out toward the east.

By around mid-October, most of the state has reached its peak fall colors. The color holds on the longest near the coast. By the beginning of November, most leaves will have fallen from their branches.

Overall, the best time to see fall colors in North Carolina is in the middle of October. Make sure to check the fall foliage report beforehand since some environmental factors might affect this.

Linn Cove Viaduct

Bob Ross is great but have you seen Linn Cove Viaduct in person? This is a 1,243-foot concrete bridge that takes you around the infamous Grandfather Mountain in Newland, North Carolina.

As this is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway , you will find several hikes that will lead you right through the glorious leaves.

Fall in NC can be appreciated at any point on the bridge or surrounding trails. The sea of orange and yellows rolls over and under the mountainside to create a picturesque view in the fall.

The bridge itself has its own museum that will dive deeper into one of the most difficult bridges to ever be built. Construction began in 1935 and wasn’t completed (thanks to many delays) until 1987.

The long-awaited bridge is now frequently traveled and adored by visitors seeking history with a view.

A one-mile hike starts at the visitor center and takes you underneath the bridge to see its carefully created architecture.

This short trail is paved and wheelchair accessible making it the perfect place for everyone to enjoy the forests of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will get a breathtaking view from atop or below the bridge.

Grandfather Mountain

Towering at 5,946 feet, Grandfather Mountain is a magical place to see vibrant fall foliage near Linville, North Carolina. The diversity of its ecosystem makes this a unique place to savor the fall in North Carolina.

Grandfather Mountain is estimated to be 300 million years old. Age means nothing to this lively mountain full of wonder and beauty. See North Carolina in the fall firsthand on any of the hikes or exhibits at Grandfather Mountain.

If you are not afraid of heights or looking to conquer that fear, there is a mile-high bridge waiting for you! On the Mile High Swinging Bridge, you will see the foliage from high above the ground.

The panoramic view between the two peaks may cause more appreciation of nature! The wind will make the bridge swing so it is fitting for a bit of thrill-seeking!

There are 11 trails and over 100 picnic spots which will have you slowing down and taking in nature and its autumn glamour.

DuPont Forest

For truly magical things to do in North Carolina in the fall, head to DuPont Forest! The vast forest has over 10,000 acres of lush foliage in the autumn months.

Couple the warm hues with four cascading waterfalls, and you get an enchanting hike through this forest located along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

You will find DuPont Forest near Brevard and Hendersonville, North Carolina. Make sure to check out all of the best things to do in Hendersonville while you are at it.

Hendersonville is also home to some of the best restaurants in the region .

Tourists and locals alike come to view the amazing scenery of DuPont Forest in the fall and check out the places where movies such as The Hunger Games have been filmed. May the fall colors in North Carolina be ever in your favor!

The Little River runs through the forest creating music with the singing rustling leaves of the forest. Rolling hills and mountains feature exposed granite domes and slabs.

If mixing textures and colors is not enough of a reason to add this to your list, the hiking experience will! There are several hiking trails, horseback adventures, and even kayaking that will bring out the explorer in you.

Guided waterfall tours are also available in DuPont Forest!

Visit the town of Banner Elk between October and November for an autumn trip like no other. There are a variety of trees creating a mix of gorgeous foliage on any of the hikes around the town.

Kayakers can see the glory of fall in a whole new way on Wildcat Lake.

This is truly one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina!

Wineries are available to tour as well and are an ideal place to take in the quaint town surrounded by the lovely landscape nature brings. There are also a number of breweries and delicious restaurants!

This small town offers pieces of history including the Banner House Museum which will take you back to the 19th century.

Make sure to check out our list of the best breweries in North Carolina to find some of your favorite local craft beer.

If you are looking for something a bit different, then the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is for you! Seeing the photo-worthy fall colors in North Carolina from atop a roller coaster may not be your first thought when going through your options.

At Banner Elk, this attraction is open all year, however, the colors of fall are even better as you ride past them on this coaster that allows you to control your speed. What an exceptional way to appreciate the fall foliage in North Carolina!

We put together this amazing list of things to do in Banner Elk for you to check out before you go!

Linville Falls

The massive Linville Falls will be a show-stopper as the weather becomes cooler and the leaves begin to turn into warmer shades. Cascading from 45 feet above the Linville Gorge, Linville Falls is mesmerizing.

It is a popular spot due to its convenient entrances from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

It is also one of the best waterfalls near As heville . Whether you choose to make a day trip or stay for a few days, this easily accessible waterfall is well worth the excursion.

Vantage points are located along many of the trails that weave through the jaw-dropping forests and mountains. The panoramic sights of fall in North Carolina atop the overlooks will provide you with a one-of-a-kind way to experience the waterfall.

You will see the upper and lower falls, the gorge, cliffs, boulders, and an endless sea of yellow and orange trees from different points.

If you are visiting North Carolina in the fall, you cannot pass up a journey to Linville Falls!

Blowing Rock

The quaint village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, has several features that are great for the whole family! You will have your pick of adventures during the fall in North Carolina.

Where will you get one of the best vantage points? At the High Gravity Ariel Adventure! This is a vertical playground for ages 5 and up. It includes zip-lining and obstacles that will physically and mentally challenge you (in a fun way!).

That includes adults too! You will be anywhere from 15-50 feet off the ground giving you a fun new way to experience the crisp fall of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For a more grounded adventure, there are places to fish, hike, hunt, and birdwatching! These North Carolina hikes include skill levels from east to strenuous, making this the perfect place to walk through the autumn-clothed forests.

You can also find Doc’s Rocs Gem Mining to feel even more like Indiana Jones! The crunchy autumn leaves are calling for you at Blowing Rock!

Any time of the year, there are a ton of fun things to do in Blowing Rock !

East of Asheville and in the center of Hickory Nut Gorge, you will find Lake Lure.

This small town sits quietly at the water’s edge of Lake Lure (thus the name of the town). Clear waters filter through rapids coming from the Rocky Broad River.

The vibrant fall foliage of the forested hills and mountains that surround the town of Lake Lure is simply captivating. From the vistas to the waterfalls, you will find a unique scene everywhere you turn!

There are places for golfing, biking, and even rock climbing for the daredevils! The town offers several recreational parks that hold picnic tables to slow down the day after your quests. There are kayak, boat, and canoe rentals as well!

The hiking options abound at Lake Lure that will give you a chance to connect with nature and bask in the beauty of fall in North Carolina.

Pisgah National Forest

For the whole get-a-away package, the Pisgah National Forest should be added to your fall vacation list! Getting a break from the hustle and bustle of the city can be just what the doctor ordered.

There are several camping sites and cabins to choose from. Each of them will have the serenity of the Appalachian Mountains surrounding you.

The cool autumn breeze will flow through your hair as you ride horseback down a trail or do OHV riding!

Views of fall in North Carolina from any of the peaks of trails and mountains will give you a real rush. The hardwood forests make an amazing scene in the autumn months in western North Carolina.

Be sure to stop by one of the stunning waterfalls in North Carolina that are held in Pisgah National Forest! Each one will provide you with a unique history and view.

The Outer Banks

No treasure map? No problem! The Outer Banks have everything you could wish for in a trip to the shores of the Atlantic. As exotic as these natural Outer Banks beaches are, they are just a car ride away!

Fall in North Carolina just became nautical!

You’ll find some of the best beaches in North Carolina starting at the Virginia border, and they flow south for 120 miles until Ocracoke Island. While the beach may trigger summer vibes, the fall has much to offer at the Outer Banks!

Dive into the shipwreck sites, check out a lighthouse, or head to any of the various state parks for a novel venture. Festivals and cruises can be found in the autumn months for a delightful stay.

With so much open beach, you can plan for a calm and relaxing North Carolina weekend getaway also. Sunsets and sunrises over the horizon are exceptionally grand on the Outer Banks.

There are so many fun things to do in the Outer Banks, NC !

Pilot Mountain State Park

View the fall in North Carolina at Pilot Mountain State Park. Pinnacle, North Carolina has several ways to explore and take in the serene scenes of autumn.

Pilot Mountain was mapped in 1751 and was a guide for Native Americans and early European settlers.

The summit of Pilot Mountain will give you a one-of-a-kind view of the valley below. As you make your way up the mountain, you will be in awe of the rock walls and vegetation that tower at about 1,400 feet over the base of the valley.

Whether you’re an equestrian looking to gallop through the woods or a novice hiker wanting a peaceful stroll, Pilot Mountain State Park is sure to become a favorite place to visit!

Kayakers can also experience the massive mountains from the river banks.

Traditional camping and canoe camping are available with grills, tent pads, and tables. Grab your camera before walking out the door because you will adore the superb foliage of fall when you visit Pilot Mountain State Park.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the marvelous city of Boone, North Carolina. The colorful leaves in the autumn gift you glorious oceans of forest and rolling mountain views.

Before the winter wonderland season hits, come enjoy the many things to do in Boone for great outdoor fun like hiking, fishing, and birding. If you want to dip your toes in the water there are places for tubing, kayaking, and rafting!

There are also many waterfalls near Boone !

Tweetsie Railroad is another popular spot for interactive history and family activities.

Taking a stroll through downtown is a leisurely event that allows you to encounter specialty shops, breweries, vibrant history, and art. When you think of fall in North Carolina, Boone should be on the list of places to travel to!

You’ll find it is one of the cutest small towns in North Carolina !

Little Switzerland

The quaint town of Little Switzerland can brighten up your day! With the lush forest surrounding the village, you will feel as if you were transported to another time.

In the fall, you will have a rare view of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Little Switzerland.

You can find this gem just an hour north of Asheville. The buildings were inspired by Swiss architecture and are adored and visited by people from around the world.

Along with fall views, there are many other things to do in Little Switzerland . There is a touch of history at every turn.

Be sure to head over to The Emerald Village to see the historic mining equipment and pan for gold and gems! The North Carolina Mining Museum has a self-guided tour of an old mine that even offers a Black Light Mine Tour.

With a town sign saying there is a population of 46, you will have a precious experience at any of the local shops. Cafes, bookstores, museums, what’s not to love?

Price Lake near Blowing Rock is one of the best lakes in North Carolina to visit during the fall. Rent a canoe, rowboat, or kayak to get out on the water and see the reflection of colors. You can also rent fishing equipment.

Hike the 2.7-mile Price Lake Trail around the 47-acre lake to see the beautiful fall views from every angle. This loop trail is rated easy making it one of the perfect things to do in North Carolina in October for the whole family.

Pack a lunch and eat at a picnic table in Julian Price Park. The park is found at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway so it is a great stop on the Parkway if you are doing a fall foliage road trip in North Carolina .

Biltmore Estate

Visiting the Biltmore Estate is a great idea any time of the year, but it is even more magical during a North Carolina fall. This expansive estate was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s. It first opened to tourists in 1930.

With 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, a winery, a conservatory, gardens, and more, there is so much to explore during a tour. Learn about the history of the property with an audio tour. Another fun thing to do is a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Nature lovers will adore strolling the sprawling formal and informal gardens. You might also enjoy a wine tasting. Plan to spend a few hours here if you want to see it all.

The Biltmore Estate is one of the best things to do in Asheville in the fall!

Rough Ridge

The Rough Ridge Trail is one of the best hiking locations to see North Carolina fall foliage. This Blue Ridge Parkway overlook is at milepost 302.8.

It is one of the best fall day trips from Asheville since it is about 30 minutes from the pretty Southern city .

This trail is part of the 13.5-mile Tanawha Trail. The Rough Ridge portion is 0.8 miles one way with boardwalks and stairs. It is relatively easy but be prepared for the steepness.

There are three viewpoints on the trail which will provide panoramic views of the fall-colored trees. There is often fog here too which adds a level of mood to your mountain photographs

Hiking the Rough Ridge Trail is one of the best things to do in North Carolina in September since the higher elevation means the color changes sooner.

This is also one of the best places for hiking near Boone and Blowing Rock .

Best Corn Mazes in North Carolina

Are you ready to get lost in a corn maze in North Carolina? This is one of the best fall activities for families and there are so many mazes to choose from!

• Rural Hill’s Amazing Maize Maze
• Ken’s Korny Corn Maze
• Hubb’s Corn Maze
• Shelby Corn Maze
• Darnell Farms

Corn mazes are perfect for anyone who loves solving puzzles in an outdoor setting. Getting lost is part of the fun! Most of the mazes are ready to explore in September and run through the season.

The NC corn mazes are full of twists and turns with fun patterns. Some are as big as 10 acres so get ready for a challenge!

Best Pumpkin Patches in North Carolina

What is a better fall family tradition than visiting the pumpkin patch and searching for the perfect pumpkin? There are many great farms with pumpkin patches in North Carolina!

• Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such
• Hill Ridge Farms
• Vollmer Farm
• Smith’s Nursery
• Lineberger’s Farm

These NC pumpkin patches are found on working farms that go all out for the fall season. Along with pumpkin patches, they offer hay rides, apple orchards, jump pillows, and other activities.

Many also sell fresh baked goods, apple cider, and pumpkin donuts. Yum!

If you are wondering what to do in North Carolina in the fall, the list is really endless! There are so many waterfalls, lakes, scenic drives, and mountains with opportunities to see fall foliage in North Carolina.

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10 Best Places to Experience Fall in North Carolina

August 1, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   2 Comments

Wondering where to see the best areas for fall in North Carolina ? It’s a mystery no more! Fall in North Carolina is a top experience people flock to the state for. Vivid colors line roads and highlight the Appalachian Mountains, providing bright sights for all ages. Oranges, yellows, and reds are scattered across the mountain range, making up a unique view. Along the roads, you can also find many spots to hike and find fantastic waterfalls hidden in the forests. The bright foliage rivals any, making North Carolina a top spot in the fall.

The Appalachian Mountains host a variety of locations that are the best for fall in North Carolina. Laying in western North Carolina, the Appalachian Mountains have a long history, from old folktales to the filming location of the popular “The Hunger Games” series.  While exploring the forests, you can also hike, shop, or try out a variety of local breweries! This is something everyone should experience, and below, we list the ten best places to experience fall in North Carolina.

Stay in this area for one of my favorite weekend getaways in North Carolina !

1. Grandfather Mountain

Known for its amazing landscape, Grandfather Mountain is a must-see on your trip to experience fall in North Carolina. It is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range, which stretches from Pennsylvania to Georgia.

When the weather is right, and humidity is down, it’s possible to see the skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina, which is 100 miles away. The mountain is also known for the mile-high bridge that swings in the wind, connecting the two peaks. Grandfather Mountain also has reported wind speeds up to 200 mph (320 km/h), making the journey across the bridge an adventure in itself.

Grandfather Mountain offers some of the most challenging hiking trails in the South. You can gain access to these trails from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway or NC 105. Grandfather Mountain is located outside of Linville, North Carolina, a quaint town that has a variety of other attractions, such as country and golf clubs, as well as a historic district.

Check out some of the Coolest Airbnbs In North Carolina!

2. Linville Falls

Linville Falls is a gorgeous waterfall with easy access from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It might be the most popular waterfall in North Carolina during the fall due to this. There are five lookouts, offering unique views of the four levels of the waterfall as it hurries into Lake James. Each access point has different levels of difficulty with hiking. We suggest you spend a full day here if you plan to hike to all five access points. After you finish hiking, you can admire the views from the nearby Linn Cove viaduct.

The name is a bit deceiving because it’s about a seventeen minute drive away from the town of Linville, and about 31 minutes away from Grandfather mountain. Linville Falls has a long history, once a seasonal location of the Cherokee people. They named it a fitting name, “River of Cliffs”. Venture out to enjoy the fresh air while you hike, a special thing only found in the fall in North Carolina.

3. Lynn Cove Viaduct

Just along Grandfather Mountain, there is the Lynn Cove Viaduct. Since the Lynn Cove Viaduct is in a national park, the nearest village is outside of the park, aptly called Linville. This Viaduct was opened in 1987 to the public.

Seen on everything from postcards to It hosts Tanawha Trail, which is only for hiking, but has some asphalt walking areas. The trail is known for its photogenicity, offering some of the most famous and popular views on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The wide variety of trees means a wide array of different colors, which is a feast for the eyes. It’s one of the only hiking trails that is wheelchair accessible, making it an easy climb for all ages.

Since it’s a popular spot, we recommend coming in the morning, when the air is crisp and less people are there! Seen on everything from postcards to car commercials, a visit to Lynn Cove Viaduct in the fall of North Carolina is a stop worth making.

4. Blowing Rock

The name Blowing Rock comes from the winds that float light objects upward, giving this scenic view a magical touch. Blowing Rock stands proudly against the gorge, allowing tourists to have unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge mountains around them. It’s often noted to be North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction.

The village that lays at its feet is also called Blowing Rock. Its website calls a quaint storybook mountain village, and we couldn’t agree more. It’s a quiet town which gifts tourists with a unique shopping experience. Many shops sell products from locals, or provide places for a meal. Along with the beautiful leaves, this makes it a perfect visit in the fall in North Carolina.

5. Brevard and the Pisgah Forest

Brevard is a small town that is nestled within the Pisgah Forest. Many people are surprised to learn that Pisgah Forest is a rainforest, so be prepared for cozy days amongst the changing leaves. Brevard is known for its stunning environment, from the softly rolling hills of downtown, edged with quaint houses, to the large mountains with stunning waterfalls around it.

The Pisgah National Forest is home to many of the Blue Ridge’s stunning waterfalls. “Pisgah” is cited sometimes as the Hebrew word for “mountain.” The most popular waterfall is the Sliding Rock waterfall. After a short hike, you can get to the top of this waterfall, and slide down it, letting the icy waters carry you down.

This is a perfect spot in the summer, but we recommend stopping along the way in the fall. Another stunning waterfall is Looking Glass Falls. Here, you can park along the road, and take pictures of the waterfall. It’s framed by cliffs, and leads to a shallow pond that you can climb down to. Other waterfalls are Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, Slick Rock Falls, Roaring Fork Falls, and six others!

This national forest is the perfect place to experience fall in North Carolina, allowing you to take in the beauty of the changing leaves around you, and the gorgeous waterfalls.

6. Banner Elk

Want to find a quaint, small southern community to experience fall in North Carolina? Banner Elk is definitely the place for you. Banner Elk prides itself on being the “Center of The High Country” in North Carolina. Known for its skiing opportunities, this small town lays between Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain.

Here, you can ski, snowboard and ice skate! There are only around 1,000 permanent residents, not including the 700 undergrad students of the local college. Near Banner Elk, in Valle Crucis, there is the original Mast General Store, which is a must do for anyone visiting the mountains of North Carolina. We highly recommend it, because it highlights the “old ways”, and still has relics of the past.

In October, you can go to the Woolly Worm Festival. It’s a tradition similar to Groundhog Day, in which the citizens of Banner Elk use the woolly bear caterpillar to predict the winter forecast. This is a unique opportunity to experience a unique heritage of fall in North Carolina.

Named after the adventurous Daniel Boone, Boone, North Carolina is a place where you can bring out your southern side. Home to Appalachian State University, Boone is a center for bluegrass, in which you can bring the feeling of the mountains to your ears.

Boone has many brewing companies, which is a trend that is taking over many North Carolina towns. Tap into a barrel of beer, or tap into nature during the fall in Boone, North Carolina. There are many local hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and native gardens.

If you’re feeling adventurous, like the town’s namesake, you can experience an adrenaline rush at Mountain View Speedway’s dirt racing track. Or, if you’d rather slow down, there are many unique boutiques or antique markers in the small town.

8. The DuPont Forest

The official name to this forest is the DuPont State Recreational Forest, but many call it the DuPont Forest. Its most popular attribute is being the filming location for The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans . Since it’s a state forest, there aren’t any towns in it, but there is plenty to do.

In the fall, you can mountain bike, hike, kayak, go horseback riding, or if you’re brave enough, swim! There are remarkable views along these hiking trails, such as Stone Mountain and Cedar Rock. Lakes and waterfalls also dot the DuPont Forest, allowing you to experience calm, gentle waters, as well as powerful, rushing waters.

Some waterfalls are Triple Falls, which is the most popular, Bridal Veil Falls, Hooker Falls and High Falls. Triple Falls definitely earns its popularity, as there are three waterfalls staggered, as each flows into the next.

As you hike to see the Triple Falls, there are numerous outlooks, each framed by stunning trees, which will be a variety of colors when you visit during the fall in North Carolina. It’s easy to see why this forest was home to The Hunger Games ’ District 12. 

9. Lake Lure

The DuPont Forest isn’t the only filming location in the mountains of North Carolina. Known as the Crown Jewel of North Carolina, this town surrounds a man-made lake.

It’s been the filming location for Dirty Dancing , My Fellow Americans , Thunder Road , Firestarter , T he Last of the Mohicans , and Careful What You Wish For . It’s a small resort town, where you can sit along the lakeside in Morse Park or Lake Lure Beach Park and enjoy the fall weather.

A whimsical garden lays in the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, letting visitors walk amongst nature without having to climb up a mountain. Lake Lure also offers mountain trails for hiking and biking.

10. The Outer Banks

When you think of places to experience fall in North Carolina, many people think of the mountains. However, September to November is a perfect time to experience the Outer Banks, because the price drops and there aren’t as many tourists.

The weather is still warm and sunny, often around the 70s and 80s, but very mild compared to the blazing heat of summer. In the Outer Banks, you can find many lighthouses, like Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and  the Bodie Island Lighthouse. For some, there is a peacefulness to the Outer Banks during the fall, and it’s a perfect option if you prefer the beach to the mountains.

Many festivals take place in the Outer Banks during the fall. While you’re there, the Annual Food Truck Showdown, the Seafood Festival, the Outer Banks Jeep Jam, Oink N’ Oyster Roast, and the Duck Jazz Festival, as well as the Outer Banks Parade of Homes are all occurring during the fall, leaving no option but to have fun!

These are the ten best places to experience fall in North Carolina. We hope you have an amazing time exploring these towns, waterfalls, and forests. Fall in North Carolina is definitely a unique experience. If you are considering taking a trip to North Carolina in the fall, we highly encourage you to take the jump and do it!

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Fall Colors and Foliage Guide 2023

Tens of thousands of people visit the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and North Georgia each year to see the beautiful Fall Colors and foliage. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer one of the most colorful and longest running fall color seasons in the world.

One of the many reasons for this is because of the varied elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which show prime fall colors for over a month. Fall colors begin at the highest elevations in early October, and work their way down to the lower elevations until early November.

Updated: 11/02/2023

2023 Fall Color Forecast for the Blue Ridge Mountains

One of the most common questions we get asked in our Facebook Group this time of year is: When is the best time to visit to see the fall colors??

Fall color varies year to year, elevation to elevation and even by the direction the mountain side is facing. To complicate matters, the intensity of the color is determined by several very complex factors, including the type of plant, amount of rainfall, and temperatures.

Leaves change color at higher elevations first, and the color change works its way down in elevation.

Here is our current prediction for peak 2023 Fall Foliage for the Blue Ridge Mountains:

September 25 - October 2

At the highest elevations, at and above 6,000 feet, spotty and muted color will appear. The views from these locations will be mostly green because of the areas viewed from here are at lower elevations.  

Areas that turn early in this date and elevation range include primarily Graveyard Fields and Rough Ridge, both located off The Blue Ridge Parkway .

Graveyard Fields is consistently one of the first areas in the entire Blue Ridge Mountains range to show fall colors. Graveyard Fields is also incredibly vibrant, because of the type of foliage that grows there. You'll often see lots of vivid reds and oranges during peak.

October 2 - 9

Peak time for areas above 5,000 feet. This would include  Clingmans Dome , Grandfather Mountain , Mount Mitchell, Waterrock Knob ,  Graveyard fields (the first location on the Parkway to turn), and Beech Mountain NC .

Also included are the higher elevations of The Blue Ridge Parkway (between Asheville NC and Cherokee) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

October 9 - 16

Peak time for elevations from 4,000 - 5,000 feet.   This would include almost all  Blue Ridge Parkway locations and most of the higher elevation areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well.

Also included is  Linn Cove Viaduct , which is gorgeous in the Fall.

October 16 - 23

Peak time for lower elevations, from 3,000 - 4,000 feet. This would include places like:  Pisgah National Forest  which includes  Sliding Rock  and  Looking Glass Falls ,  Dill Falls ,  Wildcat Falls , and many  other waterfalls .  

Other areas include Linville Gorge, Nantahala Gorge, and Cataloochee Valley . Towns included are:  Boone NC ,  Banner Elk NC , Blowing Rock NC ,   Maggie Valley NC , Waynesville NC

Also included are the upper elevations of Skyline Drive in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains.

October 23 - 30

Peak time for elevations from 2,000 feet - 3,000 feet. This would include: The cities of Asheville NC ,  Brevard NC, Bryson City NC , Cherokee , Hendersonville NC , and many others.  

Places of interest include Dupont State Forest  and  Biltmore Estate , Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway , and Cades Cove .  

October 30 - November 6

Peak time for remaining elevations, including Gatlinburg, TN, Chimney Rock State Park , Lake Lure NC , Helen GA , Ellijay GA , Blue Ridge GA and other remaining lower elevation mountains.   

Please remember, these timeframes are estimates based on prior years and current weather and soil conditions. Actual peak times may vary some from this forecast.

23 Best Places to see Fall Color

See our top picks for places to see Fall Colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Top Tours to See Fall Colors

Taking one of the many Blue Ridge Parkway Tours during the Fall Color season is a great way to not only have a unique experience, but to see the beautiful Fall colors as well.  There are a variety of tours available, from guided motor coach tours and walking tours to scenic drives and bike rides. 

Here are our top picks for Blue Ridge Parkway Tours:

Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour with Expert 

Overall Rating: 5 /5

With your guide at the helm, you and your small group will hike to gorgeous waterfalls, up to panoramic mountain views, and through the technicolor meadows, hills, and valleys that make Asheville and the Pisgah National Forest so beloved.

Scenic Driving Tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway without having to keep your eyes on the road with this chauffeur-driven tour. Your naturalist driver will do the driving, pointing out special sights and teaching you about the natural history of the area along the way.

Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Overall Rating: 5/5

Enjoy both the freedom of independent travel and the structure of a guided tour with a self-guided driving tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Download the app and get started from Cherokee, Asheville, Roanoke, or Afton.

What makes us an authority on Fall Colors?

Maybe you're wondering what makes us an authority? Well, we live here, and specifically in Waynesville NC . We've been doing this forecast for 10 years, and we're out in the fall colors each year updating our followers and this guide on color status and taking photos. We have a history of over 15 years of photos to know when various areas change colors.

As Fall 2023 approaches, we'll be out and about taking photos and reporting on current conditions and updating you in real time. If the color season changes, we'll update our forecast and let you know.

We also stay in touch with regional experts to get the latest information on current conditions and fall predictions.  

You'll find our dates and photos to be some of the most accurate available, and we always provide frequent updates WITH photos.

Top 22 Best Stops for Fall Colors on The Blue Ridge Parkway

Check out our top 22 picks for the THE best stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway to see Fall Colors in 2022

2023 Weekly Fall Color Updates

One of the key features of our 2023 Fall Forecast & Guide is that each year, we provide weekly updates on Fall Color here in the Blue Ridge Mountains . We use this information to make tweaks and adjustments to our 2022 Forecast to help insure you see peak colors when you visit.

Fall Color Update #8 - Week 10/29 - 11/4 - Our Last Update for 2023

Pretty Place SC

Color Above 5,000 feet:  Leaves are mostly gone

Color Above 4,000 feet: Past peak - some late color remains, but most have fallen

Color 3000 - 4,000 feet:  Past peak - many leaves have fallen

Overall Color Status:  Past peak for most locations with many leaves on the ground

The time has sadly arrived for us to post our last Fall 2023 Color Update. The fall of 2023 has been beautiful, difficult to predict, and came and left far too quickly.

Colors were late early in the season, then quickly caught back up because of a cold front that moved in, then slowed up yet again as very warm temperatures moved in during the last portion of October. Then suddenly, the leaves began falling quickly.

Color was also very different across the Blue Ridge mountains with some areas, such as Grandfather Mountain being exceptional vivid and beautiful, and other areas being far less vivid, with more golds, yellows and browns. Overall, the color was very hit or miss, and you really had to drive around to find pockets of gorgeous bright colors.

Overall, a very stunning year for fall color, and a while not as vivid as prior years, it was an exquisite color year. The photos posted by thousands of photographers in our Blue Ridge Mountain Life Facebook group this year were simply amazing, and some of the most beautiful we have seen in years.

For those still looking for some color, your best bet will be to visit the lowest elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains . Peak areas will be Chimney Rock State Park , Lake Lure NC , Ellijay GA , Blue Ridge GA, Helen GA , and surrounding areas. 

Here in Western NC, old man winter has arrived, and we're seeing lows in the 20s and highs in the 30s and 40s! Freezing temperatures are causing the leaves to brown up and fall quickly. Fall has definitely come and gone for most of Western NC.

Fall Color Update #7 - Week 10/22 - 10/28

Color Above 5,000 feet:  Past peak and many leaves have fallen

Color Above 4,000 feet: Past peak

Color 3000 - 4,000 feet:  Peaking now and this peaking over the week depending on area

Overall Color Status:  Beautiful color - Now is the time to come see colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains .  

The upper elevations are now past their peak, and many of the leaves have fallen due to wind and due to the leaves naturally falling. How bright the colors are varies by location. We're seeing some areas very vivid, while other areas aren't.

While areas around Grandfather Mountain and Linn Cove Viaduct , including Boone and Banner Elk NC , are now past peak, there is still some pretty color to see.

We are in the Maggie Valley and Waynesville NC areas of Western North Carolina, and peak color is here and will be over the next week. Colors all over the surrounding mountains are gorgeous right now. Sylva, and Bryson City would also be excellent areas to visit as well.

We also hear that lower elevations such as Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are turning, and will peak in the next 1-2 weeks.  

Also included in this would be North Georgia locations, such as Ellijay , Helen , and Blue Ridge GA. Virginia along the Shenandoah Valley and Skyline Drive are peaking as well, and just gorgeous! We have some friends there now, and the photos they are sharing are gorgeous!

Given that, it looks like we'll have fall color here in the Blue Ridge Mountains through the first week in November.

Elk Rut is still active, but winding down for the season. The larger bulls will become less active over the next 1-2 weeks, but the younger bulls will step in to keep things going for a bit.

Here are a few photos we captured of current colors at our home near Maggie Valley NC, and heading into Maggie Valley over the weekend.

If you are out seeing the colors, please be sure to share some photos with us in our Blue Ridge Mountain Life Facebook Group !

Fall Color Update #6 - Week 10/15 - 10/21 - Snow!

Color Above 5,000 feet:  Past peak

Color 3000 - 5,000 feet:  Peaking now and this peaking this week depending on area

Overall Color Status:  Fall Color is back on schedule and colors are vivid.

A cold front arrived late last week, and has persisted for the past 3-5 days, really kicking the fall colors into high gear. We seem to be back on a normal schedule at this point. Colors are also coming in nicely in elevations below 5,000 feet, and are very vivid.

We did get a big surprise over the weekend, and snow arrived in the highest elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Areas like Clingmans Dome , Newfound Gap , Waterrock Knob , and Cowee Mountain Overlook got a decent amount of snow. So much so that as of today, most of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Waynesville is closed.

Fall Colors at 4,000 feet in Maggie Valley NC - Still lots of green

For brilliant color, visit locations all along the Blue Ridge Parkway such as Linn Cove Viaduct , Rough Ridge, Graveyard Fields , Black Balsam , Crabtree Falls , Craggy Gardens and Grandfather Mountain .

Towns to visit this week include Waynesville , Maggie Valley , Banner Elk , Beech Mountain , Boone and Blowing Rock .

Fall Color Update #5 - Week: 10/8 - 10/14 - Colors are late.

Color Above 6,000 feet: Past peak

Color Above 5,000 feet: At peak or peaking this week

Color Below 5,000 feet: Spots of color, and early color everywhere. Still lots of green.

Overall Color Status: Fall Color seems to be about 3-5 days right now, but may catch up some due to a cold front that moved in.

We visited Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday (Monday, 10/9), and while beautiful, it has not yet peak. Generally it would have already peaked by now. Other areas in the mountains are also are showing similar signs of slower than normal progress.

Colors as of right now about 3-5 days delayed from the normal schedule, and our schedule above. We attribute this to the warm temperatures we had in late September. A cold front has moved in over the past few days, and we expect this to kick start the color progression again, but probably not enough to make up for the delay.

We are also seeing muted colors and leaves falling off some trees quickly. While if you look at the numbers, we should be fine for rainfall, the muted colors and dried up leaves would indicate otherwise.

Our initial predictions based on rainfall where, for a vivid color season, we now revise that forecast to average or slightly below average color for 2023.

Now, with all of that said, it's still gorgeous out there, especially above 4,500 hundred feet. The Graveyard Fields area, and upper elevations of Highway 215 are full of beautiful color.

As is the Linn Cove Viaduct area around Grandfather Mountain . Upper Elevations of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are stunning as well.

From now through the first week in November, is the perfect time to visit for beautiful fall color here in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Here are our photos from our adventures this weekend, so you can get an idea of current color:

Graveyard Fields,on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Photos from Graveyard Fields on 10/9/2023 and also from our drive up to the Parkway from Waynesville.

Highway 215 near the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina

Lake Logon on Highway 215 in North Carolina

Fall Color Update #4 - Week: 10/1 - 10/7

Primary Color above 6,000 feet: At or near peak.

Primary Color Below 5,000 Feet: GREEN - BUT, with about 25-50% of fall colors mixed in.

Is Fall Color On Schedule? YES - Fall colors are on schedule and tracking to our forecast right now, and we do not expect that to change at this point. There is some colder weather in the forecast in the next week or two, but we do not expect this to change the overall schedule.

Updates for this week:

The fall colors at the highest elevations here in the Blue Ridge Mountains really started kicking in over the past week. Areas above 6,000 feet should peak this week and early next week, along with Graveyard Fields . Remember, peak is subjective, and is different for everyone. What this means is when we say peak colors, we mean the colors should be stunning for the next 1-2 weeks.

Thanks to me pulling my back this weekend, we weren't able to get out as planned, but thankfully our friend Mandy at Making Memories Photography visited Graveyard Fields yesterday on Sunday, 10/1, and captured the current colors.

Based on these photos and feedback from her, we estimate color progression at Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway to be about 50-75%.

As we've mentioned, Graveyard Fields is one of the very first areas to peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains because of the elevation and type of foliage.

We expect Graveyard Fields to peak later this week and early next week.

The weekends of 10/7 an 10/14 should be absolutely gorgeous in these areas, and surrounding areas on the Parkway.

Also peaking later this week and next week will be Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and the highest elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, like Clingman's Dome.

Mountain Ashe is also in full bloom right now in the high elevations, and the brilliant red colored berries are stunning, especially against those blue skies we all know and love.

Fall is here folks, and the beautiful colors are definitely beginning to show! Get out there!

Here is a full gallery of all of Mandy's Photo's from yesterday around Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be sure to head over to her page, Making Memories Photography and give her a like!

Fall Color Update #3 - Week 9/24 - 9/30

Current Color Forecast: On schedule with vivid colors coming

Primary Color:  GREEN with reds, yellow and oranges beginning to appear at the highest elevations.

We visited  Beech Mountain  this past weekend for Land of Oz, and spent a lot of time not only visiting Land of Oz, but hiking as well.  Beech Mountain is the highest elevation town in North Carolina at 5,506 feet.   Peak times are forecast for the first week in October.

While the primary color is still green, beautiful color is beginning to show as the mountains begin to transition towards peak colors.

We definitely saw much lighter shades of greens, lots of muted yellows, some oranges an even reds.

We are also hearing that  Graveyard Fields  is progressing, and while the primary color is still green, oranges and reds are beginning to show.

Overall, colors are progressing in the highest elevation areas, as they should be, and we are right on track for peak colors in the highest elevations within the next week or two.

Here are a few of our photos from our visit to Beech Mountain.  As you can see, still mainly green, with hints of yellows beginning to show. 

Fall Color Update #2 - Week 9/17 - 9/23

Current Color Forecast: On schedule and we expect to see a very vibrant fall with reds, oranges, and yellows

Primary Color:  GREEN

Fall Colors are progressing!  It definitely feels like Fall here in Western NC.  Morning temperatures have been in the high 40s and low 50s and that recognizable fall crispness in the air and fall smells are clear.

We visited Graveyard Fields and areas around Graveyard Fields yesterday to check on fall color progression. There is big progress since our update from last week, and we're definitely seeing lots of early fall color.

We specifically visited the Blue Ridge Parkway in and around Graveyard Fields , including Black Balsam , and Looking Glass Rock overlook. We then headed north on Highway 215 here in North Carolina, between the parkway and Canton NC.

As we have mentioned, this area is the very first area of the Blue Ridge Mountains to have peak colors during the first week in October.

While the primary colors are still green, we definitely saw lots of lighter shades of green, some yellows, and even a little red here and there.

One of the primary colors at Graveyard Fields that makes it so stunning are the vibrant reds from the many blueberry bushes. While most of them were in the early stages of turning, some were already very red. We could definitely see the early stages of Graveyard Fields signature red color.   

Based on comparisons to prior years' photos from the same locations, we continue to track to our current peak forecast and best that we can tell, colors will be very vibrant . We've had some rain, temperatures are nice and cool, the perfect combination for beautiful fall colors!

10 more days until the peak show begins!

Fall Color Update #1 - Week: 9/10 - 9/16

Signs of Fall 2023 are definitely here , and trees are beginning to show signs of changing color, particularly at the highest elevations. Other signs include prevalent Golden Rod blooms, Mountain Ash, Locust Trees and Buckeye trees beginning to brown, and some sugar maples and other urban trees beginning to change color.

Elk Rut season is starting in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Bull Elk are herding females, they are bugling, and beginning to spar for females and territory.

All of this is in line with what we would expect to see during this week, and is in line with similar changes we've seen over the years for this week.

We have had lots of rain recently, and temperatures are dropping, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. All of this, if it continues, should combine to create a gorgeous fall color season!    

We visited Graveyard Fields yesterday (9/11) to check on the status of the color change, as this is the very first area in the highest elevations to change color each year. Color is progressing, with a very notable lightening of the tree colors from green to light greens and yellows!   

Here are some current photos of Graveyard Fields , at MP418.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 5,020 feet.

11 Top Waterfalls to Visit for Fall Colors

See our top picks for the best Fall waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Fall Videos

Here are some of our latest Fall videos from our YouTube channel:

2022 Fall Elk Rut Season

One highlight of Fall for us is Elk Rut Season, where Bulls put on a show, and often battle with other bulls over female Elk and territory. The "show" includes bugling, sparring with other elk, and herding their "harems" or groups of cows.

Elk Rut Season begins in mid-September and ends in mid to late October.  See our Elk Guide for all the details, including photos and videos!

2023 Fall Foliage Maps

The following maps will help you determine the best Fall Foliage times for various areas in the Blue Ridge Mountains.s

Western North Carolina Fall Foliage Map 2023

The following Fall Color Map is for Western North Carolina, and provided by the Biology Department at Appalachian State University :

Virginia 2023 Fall Foliage Map

The following Virginia Fall Foliage Map is from Virginia Department of Forestry :

Virginia Peak Periods:

• October 10 - 20 (Left Side of Map)
• October 15 - 25 (Center of Map)
• October 20-31 (Right Side of Map)

Tips for 2023 Fall Foliage Viewing and Photography:

• Book reservations early.   Hotels, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts will be filling up fast.
• Be patient.  There are lots of people here during the fall, and having a little patience will go a long way to making your visit far more enjoyable.
• Bring your digital camera . You never know when the perfect photo opportunity will present itself, be prepared.
• Be prepared for weather changes.  Weather in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains changes quickly, so don't be upset if you can't get any photos because of the fog or rain. Just hang out for a bit and be patient. Chances are it will blow by and the sun may even come out. We've found that some of our best photos are just after a storm.  Oh, and if you're coming in late October/Early November, you might just get some snow too!  
• Stay on the roads.  We see lots of people stuck trying to venture down some narrow mountain road, or trying to drive through grass they think is dry in order to get that "unique" photo.  Unless you have 4-wheel drive, stay on paved or well-maintained roads.
• Polarized sun glasses and a polarizing filter for your camera enhance fall colors and reduce glare.
• Travel on the Parkway .  If you are traveling the parkway, read over our Parkway Travel Tips .
• Wear layers of clothing or bring a few extra jackets or sweaters. Temperatures here in the Blue Ridge can vary base on weather and altitude.
• Mornings and evenings are the best times for photos.  Mid day sunlight is often too harsh. The benefit of getting out early or very late is that you'll avoid most of the crowd too and get great photos too!
• Avoid thick clouds and fog in your photos.  If the sky is very cloudy and/or foggy, try to keep the fog and clouds out of your photos. The white of the clouds and fog is overwhelming, and will just make your photo look smaller. As an example, see the waterfall photo below. Graveyard fields was completely clouded over that day, so when I framed the picture, I kept the sky out as much as possible.
• Make sure you have plenty of gas.  Some areas, especially on the parkway and in the national parks, are a long way from the nearest gas station.

Fall Color Graveyard Fields

Things to do in the Blue Ridge during the Fall

• Visit Apple Orchards -  The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for some of the best tasting apples you can find anywhere.   Apple Orchards in the Blue Ridge make for a fun family adventure, especially in the fall.  You can ride hayrides, play games, pick your own apples, enjoy hot and fresh baked apple products, hot cider, and more!   See our Guides to find the Best Apple Orchards: Best Apple Orchards in Western North Carolina and Top Apple Orchards in the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Go Hiking!  Check out our Blue Ridge family favorite hiking trails , and our favorite trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park .  There are tons of other trails too.
• Visit some Waterfalls - Waterfalls and fall colors make a great combination.   Here's our list of our favorite  Waterfalls .
• See the Elk - Be sure and visit Cataloochee Valley , which is not only beautiful in the Fall, but full of Elk as well.
• Visit Maggie Valley NC - Next to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park - It's the perfect mountain small town in Western NC.
• Visit Asheville NC , Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg TN - These towns all have tons to do and are right in the middle of all the fall color.  We highly recommend visiting many of the small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains as well.
• 25 Best Places to see Fall Colors!  - See our guide to the very best places to see gorgeous Fall Colors.

Fall Colors Photo Gallery

Just a few of our favorite Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain Fall photos we've taken over the years.

Larry Deane

About the author

Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. Along with his wife Jenn, they combined these passions to create Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a travel guide to these stunning mountains they are fortunate to call home. Larry has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and journalist, and has established himself as a leading voice and expert for Blue Ridge Mountains. He is also an avid hiker, photographer, and videographer. He loves sharing his mountain adventures and knowledge with more than 500,000 people per month on Blue Ridge Mountain Life.

Want to learn more?

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Woolly Worms! Fall Festivals In North Carolina

The latest from carolina traveler.

Welcome to our weekly dose of Carolina charm, featuring some of our favorite fall festivals in North Carolina! Get ready to dive into the heart of fall with a sneak peek at the Woolly Worm Festival, where fuzzy critters predict cool temperatures. Then, step back in time at the Carolina Renaissance Festival and don your saucy maiden costume for a chance at glory. All aboard for a scenic train ride through the Nantahala Gorge, where nature's hues paint the landscape. Lastly, summon your courage for the Haints in the Holler Haunted Hike, exploring Appalachian mysteries. Join us as we uncover the best events and fall festivals in North Carolina, from whimsical to spine-tingling! 🍂🎭👻 Learn how to join our Carolina Traveler Facebook group and become a subscriber to the Carolina Traveler magazine !

Table of Contents

Head to Banner Elk For One Of The Best Fall Festivals In North Carolina

VIP Subscriber Offers

• Renaissance Festival (Sep. 30 – Nov. 19, Huntersville, NC) – Up to 2 adult and 2 child passes
• Renaissance Festival VIP parking contest (Sep. 30 – Nov. 19, Huntersville, NC) – see the Carolina Traveler page on Facebook
• Dickens Christmas Show and Marketplace (Nov. 9-12, Myrtle Beach, SC) – Two passes
• Chistmas Carousel marketplace (Nov. 24-26, Raleigh, NC) – Two passes

Top — Midway at the NC State Fair Bottom — Midway at the SC State Fair

The Fair Is Here!

Did you know the North Carolina State Fair is ranked in the top ten state fairs ?  Running from October 12-22, 2023, the NC State Fair is organizing a host of new events :

• Tuesday, October 17 — Senior Citizens' Day (seniors age 65+ get free admission)
• Wednesday, October 18 — Military Appreciation Day (parade at 10 AM)
• Thursday, October 19 — Smithfield Hunger Relief Day (bring six cans of food in exchange for free admission)

Attend the South Carolina State Fair from October 11-22, 2023. Returning for its fourth year, the CIRCUS at the Fair is free with fair admission and takes place daily at 2 PM, 4:30 PM, and 7:30 PM showings, which run 40 minutes.

Returning for a fourth year at the South Carolina State Fair, the CIRCUS at the Fair is back and better than ever with fresh and exciting entertainment, familiar and new! Experience the breathtaking talents of aerial artists, acrobats, clowns, magicians, and even a laser illumination performer!

We suggest planning your visit on a weekend between two of the best fall festivals in North Carolina — that way you can take part in as much autumn NC fun as you can!

Experience the glory of yesteryear on a fall train ride through the Smoky Mountains on the steam engines of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

All Aboard The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad's Premier Fall Foliage Excursion

Get ready for a real deal journey through North Carolina's transportation history while soaking in the fall vibes in the Smoky Mountains! If you want the ultimate autumn spectacle, jump on one of the train rides the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has got lined up.

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion is like the holy grail of fall foliage trips. Picture this: a 4.5-hour round trip starting from Bryson City, covering a solid 44 miles in the mountains. You'll be cruising alongside the cute Nantahala River and through the Nantahala Gorge. Oh, and don't miss the historic Fontana Trestle – a cool bridge over Fontana Lake .

Now, if you're craving that authentic small mountain town vibe, the Tuckasegee River Excursion is your go-to. It's a 32-mile roundtrip adventure lasting around four hours. Trust me, this is the way to experience North Carolina's fall colors – straight from the cozy seat of a train! 🚂🍂

Step into a world of medieval wonder and whimsy at the Carolina Renaissance Festival!

Do You Have What It Takes To Claim The Title Of “Sauciest Maiden?”!

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Gather at dusk in the Appalachian woods for a Haints in the Holler haunted hike, where the most diabolical and conniving spirits of western NC may lurk around every spindly tree…

Double, Double, Toil And Trouble: Two Spooky Tours in North Carolina

If fall festivals in North Carolina are not quite up your alley, and you prefer more of an intimate gathering to celebrate the Halloween season, we've got two exceptional tours for you and your close friends and family.

Prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the unknown with this eerie trek – not meant for the faint-hearted. As darkness descends, your odyssey commences, guided only by the feeble glow of lanterns that cast ghostly, flickering shadows. The trail meanders through ancient trees, revealing mischievous apparitions from our Appalachian past.

Amidst the ominous atmosphere, storytellers will weave tales of local legends and spectral folklore, intensifying the suspense that cloaks the adventure. Their words breathe life into the forest, leaving you to ponder the lurking mysteries just beyond the tree line.

This Halloween hike guarantees an unforgettable and bewitching experience suitable for adults and children aged ten years and up. Brace yourself to confront the eerie tales deeply embedded within the Appalachian woods, departing with memories destined to haunt your dreams! 🌲👻  Book a haunted hike in the woods .

Embark upon a foreboding journey through Raleigh, NC, delving into an architectural tour that unravels the secrets of the city's oldest and most enigmatic downtown residences. The eerie exploration includes sites such as 1 E Edenton St, 206 New Bern Pl, the hauntingly historic Haywood Hall House and Gardens, and 200 N Blount St.

Among them, the Heck-Andrews House stands as an ominous relic, constructed in the aftermath of the Civil War and earning its distinction as one of Raleigh's inaugural post-war dwellings. As you navigate these spectral edifices, prepare to confront the shadows of the past and glean insights into the mysterious tapestry of Raleigh's architectural history.

This haunted tour seamlessly combines education with an unsettling glimpse into the enduring mysteries that cloak these time-honored residences.  Book a haunted architectural tour .

Yacht Basin is home to many of Southport's seafood restaurants

Take The Southport Ferry To See “Old Baldy”

Kick back and soak in the coastal vibes in Southport, your gateway to a laid-back family weekend. Nestled close to the famed beach towns of NC, it's the ideal spot for an autumn retreat.

A quick jaunt worth considering is a ferry ride to Bald Head Island, just a breezy 20 minutes away. Adults (12+) snag round-trip tickets for $23, while the little ones (3-12) ride for $12, and the tiny tots under 2 catch a free wave.

Bald Head Island, a gem of a destination, has a unique charm – no cars allowed. Cruise around on rented bikes or golf carts, and just go with the flow. With 14 miles of pristine beaches, it's a paradise for sun-soaking, swimming, and crafting the perfect sandcastle. Meander through the marina, explore quirky boutiques, or paddle through the island's serene creeks.

And here's a tip: don't skip Old Baldy, North Carolina's OG lighthouse. Climb its 108 stairs for panoramic views that'll sweep you off your beachcombing feet! 🏖️🚲

Looking for more information on fall festivals in North Carolina? Visit our Carolina Traveler Facebook page and website for all things seasonal in NC and SC.

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Fall in North Carolina | Bucket List of Best Things to Do

Table of Contents

Fall in North Carolina is an extraordinary time of year. The state comes alive with vibrant colors, festive food, and long-awaited events. We’ve created a list of things to do in the mountains, on the coast, and everything in between.

As you plan your fall season, many activities spanning the state from the coast to the mountains shouldn’t be overlooked. As lifelong NC residents, we are using both experience and hours of research to curate our top picks for your Fall in North Carolina Bucket List.

Strap on your boots and pour yourself a cup of apple cider– this will be your best autumn yet!

Best Places In North Carolina To See The Fall Foliage

Chasing leaves? Check out these spots to see the leaves change color.

Blue Ridge Parkway

When planning for fall in North Carolina, I’d be willing to bet that most people’s first thought is the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for good reason. The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous all year round for its glorious views of the NC mountains, but nothing can beat a drive down it in the fall as the leaves are changing.

North Carolina Mountains

The mountains of North Carolina are magical this time of year, and I highly recommend a trip to experience it.

Wanderluster Tip: A quick Google search will show you updated leaf forecasts so you can appropriately time your trip.

As our mountains vary in height and how far west they are, the leaves change in tides, giving you more time to catch the transition between seasons.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

While in the mountains chasing fall leaves, don’t miss North Carolina’s Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster , an exhilarating ride that winds through the trees and mountains in Banner Elk, NC. Fall is the perfect time to experience this coaster because you’ll see the colorful leaves up close as you coast by!

I know not all of us can drop everything to chase leaves in the mountains. But there are plenty of spots with breathtaking views within a reasonable distance from Charlotte, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem.

Are you planning on backpacking in North Carolina? Check out our essentials for backpacking in NC .

My Favorite Nearby North Carolina Mountains For Fall Foilage

• Crowder’s Mountain
• Pilot Mountain
• Hanging Rock

Best Fall Views in Raleigh

My favorite place in Raleigh for views of the trees is Green Hills County Park, an old landfill now a park and giant hill. You’ll find picnic tables and 360-degree views of Raleigh atop the hill.

Wanderluster Tip: I love having picnics at Green Hills County Park in the fall.

Best Places To Visit In The Fall That Aren’t Mountains

While the mountains are astounding this season, beautiful towns and regions in the state are perfect for a quick fall trip.

The coast is wildly underrated in the off-season, and any of our beaches would be a spectacular getaway with fewer crowds and beautiful weather.

Carolina Beach In The Fall

We had a blast exploring during my family’s most recent trip to Carolina Beach during the fall! First and foremost, there are tons of excellent options for food in Carolina Beach. We wrote about some of them in our fall guide to Carolina Beach.

There are also plenty of activities to enjoy during the fall.

• Carolina Beach Boardwalk
• Carolina Beach Arcade
• Carolina Beach State Park

Read more about our weekend in Carolina Beach . It was such a nice trip for our family.

The Outer Banks In The Fall

We love the Outer Banks during the fall season.

Because the weather isn’t quite warm enough to spend all day on the beach, we fill our days enjoying other activities.

• Travel to see the different lighthouses.
• Take a tour to see the wild horses.
• Learn to hang-glide in Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the largest dune on the East Coast.

Of course, we enjoy the restaurant scene in the Outer Banks, too!

The Crystal Coast In The Fall

Growing up, my family loved visiting the Crystal Coast during the fall. Exploring the charming coastal town of Beaufort was an excellent way to relax.

However, the most important reason we loved heading there in the fall was for the surf fishing. Fall is an excellent time to cast a lure in the ocean to see what you catch. And trust us when we say nothing beats shore fishing during sunset on the Crystal Coast.

Fall in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is the perfect city for a fall getaway in North Carolina.

You’ll want to check out Old Salem , a historic village dedicated to telling the history of people, specifically the Moravians, dating back to the 1700s. There, you’ll be able to:

• Walk the cobblestone paths and admire the colonial architecture.
• Enjoy reenactments.
• Indulge in fresh-baked goods using century-old recipes.

North Carolina Zoo During The Fall

Fall is, without a doubt, the supreme time to visit the North Carolina Zoo . The cool autumn air welcomes visitors when exploring 2600 acres of exhibits and animals. But be forewarned, as the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, much walking is required!

Our zoo’s natural habitat means trees are everywhere, giving you an opportunity to watch the leaves change.

Moreover, the drive to Asheboro is stunning in the fall. Nothing beats winding backroads with hills covered in red, yellow, and orange! 

Fall Events And Festivals In North Carolina We Know You’ll Love

Nc state fair.

You KNOW we must start with perhaps the most iconic event in NC history: The NC State Fair.

Every year in October, the state fair is set up in Raleigh. It is truly a spectacle that locals travel from all over the state to experience.

We wrote a guide about why it’s such a big deal. Get the inside scoop on NC State Fair tickets, parking, attractions, and food.

If you haven’t experienced our state fair yet, make this the year!

NC Eat & Play’s Fall Hootenanny & Foodie Festival

We’re pleased to announce our Hootenanny & Foodie Festival will be hosted at Haven Farm , starting with the fall one on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Tickets will be on sale soon. Sign up to be the first to know !

You didn’t think I’d forget my own festival, did ya?

Each fall, our team creates an immersive Southern experience like no other. Local food, live bluegrass music, kid’s activities, and more can be found at our Fall Hootenanny & Foodie Festival .

Autumn At Oz

Once a fully functioning theme park in the 1970s, Land of Oz is tucked away in the mountains and comes alive each year in the fall. For a few weekends only, guests are invited to experience Oz through festivals, theatrical performances, character meet & greets, and more.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Land of Oz (@landofoznc)

Carolina BalloonFest

If Statesville, NC, is known for one thing, it’s the Carolina BalloonFest , where the sky is painted with vibrant hot air balloons for a few days each October. This festival includes hot air balloon contests, tether rides, photo opportunities, live music, kids zones, and more.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Carolina BalloonFest (@carolinaballoonfest)

More Great Festivals We Think You’ll Love

There are so many festivals during the fall we can’t possibly include them all, and we had the most challenging time narrowing them down! Here are a few more we think should be on your radar:

• Mayberry Days (a celebration of The Andy Griffith Show)
• Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
• Carolina Renaissance Festival

Halloween Activities In North Carolina

SCarowinds is a highly-anticipated spooky attraction in North Carolina. The amusement park is turned into a haunted destination filled with live entertainment, scary decorations, and plenty of screams.

If you plan to visit, check out our rankings of Carowinds’ best rollercoasters !

Tweetsie’s Ghost Train

Tweetsie Railroad is iconic in the North Carolina mountains. It is a family-friendly amusement park with a train and other classic rides.

Beginning mid-September through October, the park transforms every Friday and Saturday night. Decorations, themed characters, rides on the haunted Ghost Train, trick-or-treat stations, and more await guests at this family-friendly, spine-chilling attraction.

Other Haunted Attractions

• Panic Point is located in Youngsville, north of Raleigh. This Haunted Forest has five terrifying attractions, like Killers in the Corn, Dark Trail, and more.
• Lake Hickory Haunts aims to give guests a night like no other. You won’t find the typical haunts at this joint. Instead, experience a one-of-a-kind petrifying attraction and explore terrifying caves, treetop mazes, a circus, a shipwreck, and more.
• Woods of Terror in Greensboro is one of the biggest haunted attractions in the state, with more than fifteen chilling experiences that play on your worst fears, from creepy crawlers to graveyards.

Real Haunted Houses In North Carolina

Are you looking for the real deal?

Maybe paid actors and elaborate decorations aren’t your thing and you’d rather hunt down a real paranormal experience? Try out these spots:

• Creepy Cape Hatteras Light House
• Terrifying Teach’s Hole
• The Great (and Ghoulish) Dismal Swamp
• Lydia’s Bloody Bridge
• Biltmore Eerie Estate
• Devil’s Tramping Ground

Check out our blog, where we dig deeper into and rank the most haunted locations in North Carolina.

Apple Picking

There are quite a few apple orchards throughout the state of North Carolina. The closest one to Raleigh is Millstone Creek Orchards . In addition to apple picking, you’ll find fresh cider and scrumptious baked goods!

No matter where you pick your apples, you’ll want to use them for the best apple crisp recipe , right?

Pumpkin Patches

There are pumpkin patches sprinkled all over North Carolina that are worthy of a fall visit!

One of the most famous is Carrigan Farms , just outside Charlotte in Mooresville. You can enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch and a petting zoo there.

College Football

Fall rings in college football, and North Carolinians are serious about their college sports!

If you don’t have a team, pick one and attend a home game. You’ll be an official fan before the game even starts! The energy is contagious, and there’s no shortage of rivalries to raise the stakes.

In addition to college ball, NC has a professional team, the Carolina Panthers , who are also a blast to watch play, and their season lasts into winter.

What is your favorite thing about fall in NC?

Did we hit some of your go-to activities and destinations in North Carolina’s autumn season? If you have any ideas you’d like to add, drop us a comment!

Thanks for sharing this! We are new to Greensboro and have been hard at work renovating our house. This Saturday, we have a big yard project we want to get done before winter. When I say big, I mean we need to rent a dumpster big haha We’re hoping to have it wrapped up my Saturday night so we can celebrate Sunday by exploring our home. I think taking a drive down to Asheboro to visit the zoo will be perfect! Thank you again.

Great list! Thanks for sharing! We will have to check out a few of these new places! 🎃🍎

Hi, Billie! Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi, North Carolina. My name is Shelley Dhanai. Must say everything in the land looks so beautiful paradise. Read all your falls events very interesting though. Would love to visit some day. Keep up the beautiful works of life. God blessings to you all

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North Carolina Mountains Fall Foliage

North Carolina Mountains Fall Foliage 

The North Carolina mountains fall foliage season is a beautiful show each and every year. The fall leaf color changes start in the higher elevations of the Western North Carolina mountains about the first week of October. Color changes will work their way down to the lower elevations of the mountains toward mid-November. Due to the varied elevations of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, you can always find the best show of color somewhere in the fall months of September, October and November. North Carolina has about 6-8 weeks of fall foliage to view! The biggest factors involved in the changing colors of the foliage are elevation and the weather. The warmer the weather the slower the progression of color. Cooler temperatures and an early frost will speed up the leaf color change show. 

Linn Cove Viaduct on Blue Ridge Parkway In Autumn

To get a vibrant display of fall foliage cool temperatures are needed during the month of September with sunny days and some rain. Too little rain and dry conditions make the trees drop their leaves too early before the colors appear. Too much rain and windy conditions will also have a detrimental effect on the fall foliage show. 

Fall Foliage Report 2023 And Weekly Updates:

11/1/2023: The lower elevations, those at or below 2000′ are peak in the NC mountains. The High Country is way past peak, as are the mid and higher elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Lower locations near peak or just past peak include Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, Pilot Mountain, and  Lake James. Other lower-elevation areas to visit are DuPont State Forest, Lake Junaluska, and South Mountain State Park.  The Asheville area including Biltmore Estate is reported to be very beautiful now. Cashiers.  A ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway this week will still offer some pretty views of the fall foliage. The overlooks that have a long-range view will be a great place to stop and get some pictures. Enjoy the last few days of the fall foliage season before the holiday season arrives! The 35-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree on the grounds of Biltmore Estate in Asheville arrives on November 1, 2023.  Christmas at Biltmore starts November 3 this year!

10/24/2023 :  It is a very busy time of year in the North Carolina mountains with lots of people visiting to see the fall foliage. The BRP near Blowing Rock and Banner Elk was extremely busy this past weekend! There is still plenty to see in the mid and lower elevations till the end of October. Visit Chimney Rock State Park, Pisgah National Forest, Asheville, Biltmore Estate, Brevard, Sylva, Burnsville, Waynesville, and Maggie Valley.

10/18/23:  Peak color this week in the areas of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Linville. Reports from Grandfather Mountain are there is great color in the mid-levels. There was snow in the highest elevations along the BRP. Graveyard Feilds was quite the winter wonderland a few days ago! Cashiers and Highlands have great color. Price Lake reports lots of color. There is great color along the Cherohala Skyway south of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Peak in the areas of Stone Mountain State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, and Chimney Rock State Park should be happening next week. Rain with a cold front moves in on Thursday and Friday. After that, it should be nice for several days. There is still a lot of time to take a trip to view the fall foliage in the NC mountains and along the BRP. The Asheville area also peaks next week.

10/11/2023: This year’s fall foliage is behind schedule by about 5 days. There is another cold front coming this weekend. The front brings rain but also colder temperatures to the GSMNP and the North Carolina mountains. Most of the highest elevations in the GSM and NC mountains have had frost or freezing nighttime temperatures. Leaves in the highest elevations are dropping and turning brown. In the 3000ft- 4,500 ft elevations, color is developing nicely. Peak color in these elevations is expected this weekend and early next week. A visit to The High Country (Linville, Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk) next week should reward you with peak color taking place. Grandfather Mountain had not peaked yet. Some experts report this season’s colors will probably be muted as compared to last year. The lower elevation ( below 2000ft) is predicted to peak in the last week of October. This would include Asheville, Franklin, and Dupont Forest

In the Great Smoky Mountains, there is still a lot of green.  Most of the color you can see is from the sugar maples and dogwood trees. A cold front at the end of this week is bringing rain as well as colder temperatures. The mostly green color of the Smokies should soon rapidly turn to those fall foliage colors of red, orange gold, and yellow. The highest elevations have already had frost and freezing nighttime temperatures. Many trees at elevations over 5,55500 ft have turned brown and are dropping leaves.

10/4/2023: The highest elevations in the North Carolina mountain are showing the most color now (above 5000ft). North of Asheville, Grandfather Mountain and Banner Elk are starting to show a lot of color. Graveyard Fields (MP418.8) on the BRP is reported to have a nice color this year. The colors that are visible now are the red, oranges, and yellows from the dogwood, red maple, sugar maple, and sourwood trees.  Soon more types of trees will start to add to the fall foliage display in the NC mountains. Peak color in the mid-elevations of the NC mountains will peak in about 10-14 days. A cold front passes through Western NC this weekend. At or near freezing nighttime temperatures are predicted for the highest elevations. The cold front will more than likely speed up the progression of color.

Shadow of the Bear

Don’t forget about the Shadow of the Bear ! It only makes an appearance from mid-October until early November. The bear-like shadow is only visible for 30 minutes each sunny day between 5:30-6:15 PM. Watch from the Rhodes Big View Overlook on scenic US Highway 64 a few miles west of Cashiers and five miles east of Highlands. 

9/28/2023: The highest elevations in the North Carolina mountains have begun to show lots of color. The fall foliage show has begun in elevations above 5000 feet. This weekend great places to go are Waterrock Knob (MP 451.2 on BRP), Graveyard Fields (MP 418.8 on BRP) Mount Mitchell (inside the Pisgah National Forest in Yancey County, 30 miles northeast of Asheville) and Craggy Gardens (MP364.4 – 367.6  on the BRP). Below 5000 feet it is still pretty much green. The last few days have been cool and mostly cloudy which helped start the show of color. Next week turns warmer and with sunny days. It’s a great start to an exciting fall foliage season in the NC mountains and along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blowing Rock, Boone and Grandfather Mountain is showing about 30% fall foliage. Remember to go to Grandfather Mountain you have to reserve a ticket online first before showing up. This helps with crowd control. Weekdays are not quite as busy if you go early. Traffic on roads in the NC mountains and on the Blue Ridge Parkway during the fall foliage season can be very busy. Stay safe and be patient.  Peak colors are expected during the second and third week of October for the mid-elevations. 

Fall Foliage Predictions For 2023

This year’s fall foliage prediction is a great one. Long-range weather forecasts point to a slightly warmer than usual fall. Slightly warmer temperatures usually mean a delay to the start of our fall foliage season. A warmer September, October and November will be perfect for a great fall foliage season 2023. The North Carolina mountains have had a good amount of rain this summer. There are no current drought conditions to mute the colors. There have been no hurricane remnants or severe storms to blow the leaves off the trees prematurely. Everything looks good so far for a colorful fall foliage show in the NC Mountains.

Right now (9/16) the experts say there will be a slight delay in the development of color of about 3-5 days. If a significant cold front should pass through then we are back on track for a normal fall foliage season. The way the long-term weather forecast for the mountains of NC stands now, the predictions for fall foliage season 2023 look great! Long-range weather forecasts predict partly to mostly sunny days with daytime temperatures in the 70s and nighttime lows in the 50s. Of course, the higher elevations in the mountains will have much colder temperatures. The fall foliage show begins at the highest of elevations as early as late September! Peak color can be seen first in the highest elevation (above 6000′) including Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Waterrock Knob, and Graveyard Fields.

 Weather And Elevation Is The Key

The key to the start of fall foliage color changes depends on the weather. One of the most important ingredients is cool air. Cool air is needed to promote the formation of colorful pigments. Also important is enough moisture in the weeks and months prior to autumn. A dry summer is not good. Drought conditions stress the trees and the leaves drop early. Next needed is the right weather conditions. A cool, dry, and sunny autumn with warm sunny days and cool but frostless nights. In some years the development of color is better than in other years. It all depends on the weather leading up to autumn and the weather during autumn.

Peak color happens in the highest elevations (over 5000ft) first and spreads down to the lower elevations as the weeks go by.  Color changes usually start in late September in areas that include Clingmans Dome, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Waterrock Knob, and Graveyard Fields.  Color continues to develop and spread well into early November into the lower elevations such as Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Sunny days and cool nights are ideal weather for the development of vibrant colors in the leaves. 

Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains

North Carolina Mountains Fall Foliage Guidelines and Tips For Viewing

NC Fall Foliage

The North Carolina mountains fall foliage show starts each year in the highest elevations of the North Carolina mountains. That will be in the mountains with elevations at and above 5000 feet. Color in the highest elevations usually appears in early October. Mid-level elevations are 3000-4000 feet and typically peak in mid-October. The lower elevations below 2000 feet will peak last near the end of October and into early November. The southern mountains in North Carolina are in the lower ranges-areas such as Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and the Piedmont area of North Carolina.

Whiteside Mountain

Typical Peak Color Time Table

Here is a typical schedule for peak colors per elevation for the North Carolina Mountains Fall Foliage

• First week of October (about October 1-10) highest elevations of 4,500’ at peak
• Mid October (about October 10-16) mid-elevations of  4,500’ to 2,500’  at peak
• Last week of October (about October 16-31) in the Asheville area  lower elevations 2,500′ – 2,000’) 
• Late October and early November (about October 24- November 5) areas south of Asheville such as the Chimney Rock area with elevations at or below 1,500′ at peak

Typically the start of the North Carolina mountains fall foliage color change starts to take place in late September in the highest elevations of the NC mountains. Look for the color show to begin in the elevations above 5,000 ft such as  Clingmans Dome,  Mt. LeConte, Cataloochee, and Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains. Grandfather Mountain and the Boone area will start to show color in the highest elevations as well as Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, and Rough Ridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Fall Foliage in the NC Mountains

The North Carolina Travel webcams page has some nice webcam links to Asheville, Biltmore, and Boone that show some pretty fall foliage views during the fall months.

Where to go to view NC mountains fall foliage:

• Great Smoky Mountains
• Blue Ridge Mountains
• Grandfather Mountain
• Highlands and Cashiers area
• Asheville area
• Mt. Mitchell
• Boone, Blowing Rock and West Jefferson areas
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Chimney Rock State Park

A typical North Carolina mountains fall foliage season

Normally about the very last of September or the first or second week of October, the leaves start changing in the highest elevations (above 5000 feet). Then the second to third-week elevations above 4000 feet start the change. In mid-October, the show is well underway and includes the 3000-4000 feet elevation areas. By late October and early November, the lower elevations of 1300 feet are changing. By the second week in November, the peak season and the show is all but past for the mountain regions of North Carolina but in the lower elevations across the Piedmont to the coast, the fall foliage show can last through last November.

NC Fall Foliage Map  Showing Typical Peak Times Updated for 2022

Fall Foliage Peak Times For NC Mountains 2022 (by Michael Denslow and Howard Neufeld)

Great places to view North Carolina fall foliage would be:

Clingmans Dome off US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains (between Cherokee and Gatlinburg) Elevation of 6,643 feet.

Linn Cove Viaduct on Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway – where overlooks offer long-range panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Craggy Gardens at Milepost 365.

Mount Mitchell –  in Yancy County, NC. Has an elevation of 6,684 feet and is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.

Grandfather Mountain – near Linville, North Carolina. Has an elevation of 5,946 feet. Just south of Boone.

Asheville and Biltmore Estate – peak colors usually occur in the third and fourth week of October. The elevation in this area is 2000 to 3000 feet. Seeing Biltmore Estate during fall foliage season is a real treat.

Chimney Rock – Save this area for late October and early November to see peak fall foliage. The elevation in the area of 1000 – 2000 ft. But Chimney Rock has great long-range views including the beautiful Lake Lure.

Timing Is Everything! When To Plan Your Fall Foliage Viewing Trip

The typical best times to plan a trip to view north carolina mountains fall foliage by regions and based on the past years would be:.

● Western North Carolina Highest Elevations – Late September to Early October ● Western North Carolina – Early to Mid October ● Western to Central North Carolina – Mid October to Late October ● Central North Carolina – Late October to Early November

If planning a trip to view the NC mountains to view fall foliage here i s a general guide and timeline by week:

October 4-10

North of Asheville in the highest elevations above 5,000 feet is where the fall foliage show begins and is where the most color typically occurs. These areas include Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway , Grandfather Mountain and Rough Ridge.

October 8-18

Fall foliage color will then start to appear in elevations greater than 4,000 feet. Areas include the Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam, Devil’s Courthouse, Waterrock Knob and Graveyard Field. Peak color also occurs in this time period for the Highlands area, including Whiteside Mountain and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

October 15-24 In the surrounding mountains of Asheville, there is plenty of color in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. A ride north or south on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville will be a beautiful site this week. A ride through the Pisgah National Forest (Looking Glass Rock or Cradle of Forestry) normally is a great trip. North of Asheville Linville Gorge (Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain) would be a nice fall foliage hiking trip.

October 20-30 The city of Asheville at the 2,000 feet elevation has the peak colors during this time period, as well as areas around Hendersonville and Brevard. DuPont State Forest or the NC Arboretum are great places to enjoy the fall foliage colors. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is also at peak leaf color during the latter part of October.

October 24-November 5 The fall foliage color show nears its end in the Chimney Rock area with an elevation of 1,300 feet. Visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for a last look at the beautiful fall foliage season in the North Carolina mountains for 2013. In late October and early November, the fall foliage show makes its way across the piedmont region such as  Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and Raleigh, and then spreads to Eastern North Carolina. The North Carolina coast has few hardwood trees so there isn’t much color change in the coastal region of the state.

Why North Carolina is a great place to view fall foliage

North Carolina is lucky to have about 6-8 weeks in the autumn to undergo this fall foliage show. In the mountains of North Carolina, the annual fall foliage show starts in late September and spreads across the state into early November. If traveling in North Carolina in the fall there will always be an opportunity to view peak color somewhere in the state.

Fall colors video in the Asheville area…

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Fall in Asheville

Fall in love with asheville.

Asheville is fortunate to have one of the most dramatic displays of fall foliage in the country. Extreme elevations, and more than 100 species of deciduous trees, give the Blue Ridge Mountains one of the longest and most vibrant leaf seasons. Plan your visit now with the help our weekly fall color report .

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Where to Get Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Fix in Asheville

In Asheville, fall's arrival is heralded by some telltale signs: crisp mountain breezes, chunky knit sweaters, and leaves ablaze in vibrant hues. And, of course—Pumpkin. Spice. Everything. This warming spice blend makes its way into our… read more

8 Unique Ways to See Fall Color in Asheville

The autumnal bliss that overtakes Asheville throughout the fall months is not something to be missed. There’s nothing like a mid-October drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so check out these great spots for… read more

Fall Scenic Drives: Early Color

A first look at fall color near Asheville, NC In the early fall, trees begin changing color at the highest elevations surrounding the Asheville area, so head out on these scenic drives in late September and early October. Visit our weekly fall color… read more

Fall Scenic Drives: Middle to Low Elevations

When the fall color reaches the middle elevations (about 2,500-4,000 feet), it brightens the mountainsides and begins to show up like candy dots in the valleys. While the highest elevation areas such as Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell have peaked… read more

Fall Scenic Drives: Late Season Color

From late October to early November (varies slightly each year), lower elevations around the Asheville area feature stunning color, which you can enjoy on these late-season scenic drives. Since the color changes happen often, visit our weekly leaf… read more

Great Tours for Fall in Asheville, NC

Fall is a magical time in Asheville. The city and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer one of the longest fall color seasons in the world — giving you ample time to explore! A guided tour can be the perfect way to experience the stunning… read more

Where to See the Monarch Butterfly Migration in Asheville

Shortly before fall in Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains, thousands of Monarch butterflies pass through the Asheville area as they migrate south to Mexico. The butterflies travel more than 2,000 miles on their journey, and we're fortunate… read more

Apple Picking Near Asheville, N.C.

Fall is a truly special time to visit Asheville. Not only can you experience fall in Asheville with stunning leaves and special events but also with the mountain harvest. In addition to many working farms in Asheville, the city is less than a half… read more

Scenic Fall Routes on a Motorcycle

View the changing autumn color at many elevations in one afternoon, with the wind in your hair. Our friends at Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley helped us put together some favorite motorcycle rides, leaving from the Asheville… read more

An Evening with the Elk

Pack a Picnic for Cataloochee Valley A quick trip to the gorgeous Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains offers big rewards. The biggest is getting a close-up view of the majestic elk that weigh up to 900 pounds, making them the largest… read more

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5 Fall Fairs And Agricultural Experiences In North Carolina

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North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the country, with people here moving from all over the U.S. and the Northeast in particular. North Carolina is a mix of sophisticated cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. It has a rich history in places like Greensboro, tons of farmland, and beautiful coastal communities like Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure Beaches.

A couple of years ago, I road-tripped the Piedmont region, which extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region has farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the I-40 stretch near Hillsborough. I started in Raleigh, then drove the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and on to Charlotte where I attended the inaugural BayHaven Food & Wine Festival. It was October and the leaf-peeping was spectacular. In a few days, I discovered what all the buzz is about.

Fall is a great time to visit the state with all its fairs and agri-fun going on. Here’s a look at some events to add to your North Carolina getaway.

1. North Carolina State Fair 

This 10-day event, October 12–22 at the North Carolina State fairgrounds in Raleigh, is the granddaddy of fall festivities. Expect everything from monster truck rides, horse pulls, tractor pulls, live music for all tastes (from bluegrass and rock to hip hop), horse and bird shows, livestock competitions, comedy performances, fire arts, the flower and garden show, an antique farm machinery exhibit, a demolition derby, a slew of vendors, rides, games and much more.

If you want to trip down memory lane, the Heritage Circle is where you can see volunteers working in the tobacco barn and curing tobacco the old-fashioned way. At the Old Grist Mill, you can experience a historic, working grist mill (which grinds grain into flour) and be rewarded with a hush puppy sample to enjoy.

2. North Carolina Apple Festivals

North Carolina ranks seventh in the nation for apple production. Fall is full of apple festivals. Two favorites are the North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville, held over Labor Day weekend and noted for its King Apple Parade; and Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, one of the largest 1-day arts and crafts festivals in downtown North Wilkesboro, held on the first Saturday of October. Brushy Mountain features more than 400 arts and crafts vendors, 100 food concessions, music stages, folk and square dancers, and more.

Elsewhere in the state, the third weekend in October is apple time too. That’s when Taylorsville hosts its apple festival with some 400 booths, rides, friendly competitions, pitching booths, puppet shows, mechanical bull rides, music, and a flea market. Then there’s the NC Mountaineer and Apple Butter Festival in Bakersville, featuring a homemade apple butter demonstration, a chili and cornbread cookoff, a car show, music, arts, and crafts. In Waynesville, that weekend is all about the Apple Harvest Festival. Anticipate apple pies, tarts, caramel apples and ciders, music, arts and crafts, and old-school fun like hand-cranking ice cream and pressing apple cider.

3. Valle Country Fair

Odds are you’ve never gone pumpkin bowling. You can check that off your bucket list at the Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis/Banner Elk. The day-long event, October 21, includes alpaca visits, bluegrass and country bands, Brunswick stew, roasted corn on the cob, barbecue, and fresh-pressed apple cider. See if you can keep up with the foot-stomping of the clog teams.

4. Clayton Harvest Festival 

This 4-day fete, October 26–29, in Clayton is chock-full of festivities. Enjoy the car show; the Latin American Festival with music, food trucks, and dance troupes; the Squealin’ on the Square BBQ pig-cooking competition; pony rides; the motorcycle show; the talent showcase; carnival rides; and more.

5. North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival

Make your way to Whiteville from November 3–4 for the Pecan Harvest Festival. See who takes home bragging rights for the best pecan pie and the burger brawl. The vintage car show, parade, vendors, and live music up the fun factor.

Pack Your Bags 

While the fall festivals and fairs may draw you to these cities, there’s plenty more to their stories.

Take, for example, Raleigh, the state capital. The culinary culture holds its own against big cities that are havens for foodies. Then there’s the lively music scene. The abundance of public art and murals is also easy on the eye. Care for a cold one? The Raleigh Beer Garden serves one of the world’s largest draft beer selections. 

You’ll find more beyond the Harvest Festival in Clayton. The city’s downtown boasts a sculpture trail and you can enjoy a concert or performance at the Clayton Center. Whiteville, with a population of just under 5,000, and Taylorsville, just over 2,300 people, both have small-town charm. There’s no time like the fall, when the hot summer heat is long gone, to experience North Carolina.

Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel. Her work has appeared on CNTraveler.com, TheDailyBeast, Fodors, Afar, Global Traveler Magazine, ShermansTravel, and Newsweek.com among others.

From Our Mountains to Our Beaches – Travel NC!

 North Carolina Travel Guide

North carolina mountains to beaches – we have it all.

North Carolina has it all. From the mountains in the west to the clean sandy beaches on the Outer Banks. This beautiful state has so much to see and so much to do. Travel NC and visit popular beaches as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Meet the friendliest people in the South. North Carolina has it all from the mountains in the west to the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean on her east coast.  What other state in the US can you snow ski in the winter and lie on a warm sandy beach in the summer?  From the highest elevations in the NC mountains, down to the foothills, across the Piedmont Plain to the sandhills, and to the coast, North Carolina is full of things to do.

North Carolina is a unique state. It has big cities like Charlotte, small quaint towns and communities, and remote islands located on the world-famous Outer Banks, It offers a beautiful fall foliage display in autumn, popular wintertime activities in the mountain regions, a colorful blooming season in the spring, and a summer full of sand, sun and beach activities. NC weather is ideal with 4 distinct seasons: cold winters with snow; mild springs with flowers; hot humid summers; and a mild fall with a beautiful fall foliage display. Use Travel NC to find out what is going on by following NC Happenings where events, festivals, and travel news are posted .

NC Beaches and Mountains

The NC beaches and the NC mountains are both very popular vacation destinations.  North Carolina resorts are numerous and located in various areas of the state including the NC mountains, the NC beaches, Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville, and Pinehurst.  The North Carolina mountains to the west offer summer and winter activities like hiking, fishing, and snow skiing .  The coastal regions offer popular activities like fishing, boating, and sightseeing. The Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast are very popular vacation destinations any time of the year. NC beach rentals are very popular during the summer season as well as NC mountain cabin rentals.

If you love to golf North Carolina is full of award-winning golf courses. Pinehurst is a popular golf course that has hosted the men’s and women’s US Open. If you love to golf at the coast Wilmington has golf courses with a nice ocean breeze to keep you cool on those warm summer days.

The Outer Banks on the coast have numerous attractions such as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Wright Brothers National Memorial where the first air flight took place, Fort Raleigh Historic Fort where the first English colony was attempted, and Jockeys Ridge which is the largest natural sand dune in the United States .

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the western part of the state, as well as Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell which is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Chimney Rock is located in the southern chain of the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Asheville. The NC mountains have numerous Fraser Fir Christmas tree farms where you can choose and cut your own tree .

Biltmore Estate located in Asheville is a popular attraction. The estate is open for tours year-round. Biltmore Estate decorated for  Christmas is a beautiful festive display starting the first week of November each year.

North Carolina cities offer visitors a wide array of travel opportunities. From the state capital of Raleigh ; to Asheville located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; to the large metropolis of Charlotte ; or the coastal town of Wilmington ; the cities, towns, and communities of North Carolina make for a great traveling and touring experience no matter what season of the year.

Use Travel NC as a guide to planning a visit or a vacation to North Carolina. With so many NC attractions to choose from the hard part may be which one to do first! In the fall try a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway , or a ride in the  NC mountains to see the beautiful fall foliage show. In the hot summer, a NC beach vacation is a must. In the winter a NC snow ski resort stay is perfect after a snowfall.

Four Weather Seasons To Enjoy

North Carolina weather has 4 distinct seasons: fall; winter; spring and summer. Falls are mild with the trees changing colors starting first in the higher elevations of the mountains in the west and progressing across the state to the coast by mid to late November. The North Carolina mountains are a great place to view fall foliage in the autumn months. The variety of elevations in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina offers a long leaf viewing season each fall. A ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall is a beautiful ride when the colors start to show. The Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, and the Nantahala National Forest in the southern mountains of North Carolina offer colorful fall foliage scenes .

NC mountain rentals are very popular in the fall when the leaves change colors. Winters are cold but not frigid with some snow. An NC snow ski vacation is a must in the Boone area. Spring starts with the blooming of daffodils, azaleas, and dogwood trees in March. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures in the 90s and some 100-degree days. A beach vacation on the NC coast can be a welcome relief to the hot humid dog days of summer. Travel NC and see all that the state has to offer.

Where is North Carolina Located?

North Carolina is located in the Southeast United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, Tennessee to the west, South Carolina and Georgia to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Travel NC and see North Carolina from its beautiful mountains

To its clean sandy beaches.

A.J. Dybantsa Wants to Visit North Carolina in the Fall

Memphis, TN - A.J. Dybantsa was not a happy camper. Despite scoring 21 points, and going a near perfect 8 for 9 from the field, the nation's top rising senior felt he had let his team down.

The favored Oakland Soldiers fell behind to the hometown Team Thad squad in what had all the makings of an old-time chippy AAU game. Frustration crept in, and Dybantsa picked up a first half technical foul in front of a jam packed crowd that surrounded Court 2 at the Memphis Sports and Event Center.

The Soldiers rallied, and so did Dybantsa. He had a big-time rebound in the clutch, and a game clenching dunk in transition on the way to a 69-66 win. That was the closest game they would have on the way to a 3-0 weekend.

The player who may be the top talent in all of high school basketball walked away from the Bluff City leading the EYBL in scoring through three games with a 26.3 point average in 24 minutes of play. He also went for 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Dybantsa went 52.2% from the field, 1 for 6 from three point range, and 30 for 35 from the foul line for 85.7%.

But the conclusion of the Soldiers' Saturday afternoon game was when the mob of media members from every part of the country surrounded Dybantsa. Tar Heel Illustrated was part of that assembly as he addressed questions about his recruitment, and several of the programs involved.

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A video shows people trying to pull 2 black bear cubs from trees in North Carolina

Clare Marie Schneider

A black bear cub is pictured at Triple D Game Farm in Kalispell, Mont., in 2005. AP hide caption

A black bear cub is pictured at Triple D Game Farm in Kalispell, Mont., in 2005.

Wildlife experts are warning people not to get close to black bears after a video earlier this week showed people in western North Carolina attempting to grab two bear cubs from a tree.

The incident took place outside an apartment complex in Buncombe County and was captured on video on Tuesday.

In the video , posted by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, several people attempt to pull two black bears from a low-hanging branch. One person manages to grab a cub and appears to pose with the wild animal for a photograph. After yelling out, the person drops the cub and the animal is seen running along a fence as the person chases after it.

'Hank the Tank,' the bear behind 21 home invasions, has been captured near Lake Tahoe

Rachel Staudt, a resident of the apartment complex where the event took place, told the Asheville Citizen-Times that she decided to start recording the episode after asking the other residents to stop pulling at the cubs in the tree.

Ashley Hobbs, a biologist for the NCWRC and coordinator for BearWise , a nationwide education program to help people co-exist safely with black bears, told NPR that the cub seen running along the fence in the video was found wet and shivering in a retention pond near the apartment complex. The NCWRC news release said the other bear shown in the video has not been located.

The found cub was brought to an NCWRC rehabilitation facility and Hobbs told NPR the bear is now "doing excellent." She said it's eating and drinking well and that after NCWRC staff were able to do a full evaluation of the cub, they didn't find any lasting injuries from the encounter.

That being said, Hobbs warns that the incident isn't without consequences. "We want wild bears to stay wild," she said.

The rescued cub will be raised in captivity before being released into the wild in the fall

Raising wildlife in captivity can cause stress to animals and sometimes rehabilitation facilities are unable to mimic the conditions and care animals are accustomed to in their natural environments, said Hobbs. For their safety and preservation, Hobbs says raising cubs in captivity is avoided whenever possible.

Black bear cubs usually stay with their mothers for about 18 months, according to the National Park Service . The cubs seen in Newcombe County were only a couple of months old, said Hobbs.

A black bear on a tree in Walt Disney World temporarily shut down parts of the park

"They are still reliant on their mother for milk" at that age, she added.

Because the cub was removed from the tree and couldn't be reunited with its mother, it will need to be raised at the NCWRC rehabilitation facility before it can be released into the mountains of western North Carolina when it's fully weaned in the fall, Hobbs said.

What to do if you encounter a black bear cub

A female Baribal American black bear and her newborn cub stroll through their enclosure at the Planete Sauvage zoological park in Port-Saint-Pere, near Nantes, western France, on May 3, 2019. Loic Venance/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A female Baribal American black bear and her newborn cub stroll through their enclosure at the Planete Sauvage zoological park in Port-Saint-Pere, near Nantes, western France, on May 3, 2019.

It's common for female black bears to leave their young in safe areas while they look for food. "She'll forage for a few hours and she'll come back and pick them up," Hobbs said.

She also said it's normal to see more black bears in the springtime when they're more active than in the winter when they hibernate in North Carolina.

For that reason, Hobbs warns that if you see a cub alone in a brush pile or even on your back porch, it doesn't mean it's actually in danger or in need of help. "Most of the time, that's not the case. So if you see a cub alone, it's not necessarily a bad thing. And that's why it's good to give them lots of space."

If you see a cub, Hobbs recognizes it can be tempting to approach them because they are some of the "cutest little animals you'll ever find." But she warns, "you should never approach or try to handle a black bear cub."

It's dangerous for the cub because you could accidentally injure it while handling it or put it at risk of being orphaned or separated from its mother.

Hobbs said interacting with cubs can also put people at risk. According to BearWise , black bears rarely become aggressive. But, Hobbs said, they will harm a person if they feel the need to defend their food or offspring.

If you encounter a black bear cub, give them lots of space, "back up and go in the opposite direction."

If you feel tempted to take a photograph, only to do so from a distance. "We have zoom on our cameras nowadays. Definitely use the zoom if you want to take a picture," Hobbs said.

Commission spokesperson Anna Gurney told The Associated Press in an email on Friday that no charges would be filed against the people who disturbed the cubs.

It's a 'no-brainer': Passenger rail study supports Goldsboro route from Wilmington to Raleigh

After more than 56 years without passenger rail service in Wilmington, a newly commissioned passenger rail study has proposed routes for the Wilmington to Raleigh train service -- recommending travel through Goldsboro rather than Fayetteville.

"We think that the decision to go on this side is a no-brainer versus going the Fayetteville side," said Steve Unger, co-head of Eastern Carolina Rail , a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to returning passenger service to the Port City. "This has been long identified as the best route ... but this is finally putting a stamp on it."

Previous Coverage: The return of passenger rail to Wilmington is 'not a done deal,' but it's in the cards

WGI Inc., an engineering firm of West Palm Beach, released a draft of the Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study in April, citing decreased travel times alongside lower construction and maintenance costs as primary factors driving the routing decision.

The Goldsboro route would save approximately $170 million in estimated project costs and decrease travel time between Wilmington and Raleigh by approximately one hour in comparison to the Fayetteville route, according to a news release from Eastern Carolina Rail. Fayetteville will get a consolation prize, allowing for expansions in the passenger service between the city and Raleigh.

The current report calls for passenger stops at Raleigh's Union Station, Clayton, Selma's Amtrak station, Goldsboro, Wilmington, and two other additional sites yet to be chosen.

“This is excellent and exciting news,” said Gene Merritt, co-head of Eastern Carolina Rail, in the release.  “This report (shows) we are finally on our way.”

Eastern Carolina Rail would like to see least one passenger stop in every county and has also recommended the Wilmington International Airport as a possible location for a stop, Unger said.

"We've already made presentations in Burgaw, Wallace, and Warsaw," Unger said. "Imagine if you could hop on a train in Burgaw and come into Wilmington and commute without having to drive down (I-40)."

In September 2023, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo expressed his support for the reintroduction of passenger rail in the Port City. "Wilmington can and should be a part of a passenger rail system in North Carolina," Saffo wrote.

Unger agreed that the implementation of the route has been long-awaited, highlighting the potential benefits in Wilmington and the surrounding areas.

"It would provide at a very reasonable cost, probably under $30 a ticket one-way, public transportation that moves just about the same speed as hopping in your car and driving to Raleigh or vice versa," Unger said. "The economic benefit to the towns and cities along the way is tremendous."

A second rail line is also being considered between Wilmington and the State Port, which would be used for freight. Currently, one sole track services Wilmington via Lumberton with no backup, according to the release.

"This would offer a second line and a direct route to Raleigh, a direct route to reaching the (North Carolina) Global TransPark, (and) it will also help connect the two state ports," Unger said. "For the military to be able to move goods in and out of Wilmington...having this line here would be a tremendous asset and a strategic asset."

Preliminary federal grants of $500,000 have been awarded for both projects in addition to five other passenger rail projects in the state. A portion of the funds will be allocated to track upgrades, allowing for trains to run at a 79 mile per hour speed, and the re-establishment of passenger rail depots.

Looking forward, planning and construction will eventually necessitate a combination of both federal and state funding, according to the release. The selection of the two additional passenger stops will ultimately depend on a variety of factors.

"Part of it is community interest ... how bad do you want service? The need (for cities and towns) to press their case is important" Unger said. "To some degree, (it's) up to the county and town officials...but we're making the case for the whole line."

Already underway is a local project in Goldsboro -- an effort to save the city's historic Union Station -- one that hasn't been used for trains since 1968. An event titled Saving Union Station Day , focused on fundraising and community awareness, will be held at the location on May 14 this year.

More: Book recalls bygone railroad that chugged between Southport and Wilmington, slowly

Following a public comment period for stakeholders in May, the next step is the final report, Unger said. This would lead to a Service Development Plan, or a "high-level business, operating, and capital plan with the objectives of demonstrating operation and financial feasibility," according to the draft report -- requiring a 10 percent state match to the 90 percent federal funding.

Three daily trains are expected to carry more than 80,000 riders annually from Wilmington, according to the release. With bus being the only current public transportation method connecting Wilmington to Raleigh, the potential for passenger rail would be "awesome," Unger said.

"It doesn't pollute nearly as bad as air travel does and it'll take a few cars off the road if people choose to ride the train," Unger said. With Raleigh developing into a major passenger rail hub, the route could allow for rail travel from Wilmington to other states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in the future.

Overall, the project would be expected to take between seven to 12 years to complete, Unger said, with a total cost of $810 million.

"The Hampstead Bypass ... which is about maybe a 10 mile stretch ... is going to cost well over $300 (million)," Unger said. "You think of 800 million being a lot of money, but in comparison to other transportation projects, it's a real bargain."

Reign fall 1-0 at North Carolina, as losing streak reaches five

Tyler Lussi scored her third goal in three matches, and the North Carolina Courage defeated the visiting Seattle Reign 1-0 Saturday.

The Courage (4-2-0) extended their home regular-season undefeated streak to 13 matches and have earned shutouts in 12 of their last 16 games at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

In the 37th minute, Ashley Sanchez got the ball in space on the left side of the field and crossed it into the box for Lussi, who volleyed it in with the outside of her foot.

The Reign had several chances to equalize.

Tziarra King smashed a shot off the post, Ji So-yun nearly snuck her shot into the right corner, and Casey Murphy came up with a big save on one of the last plays of the game to earn the shutout.

The Reign (1-5-0) have now lost five straight matches and sit at the bottom of the NWSL.

Quinn, who helped Canada win a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, came out for the Reign in the fifth minute with a knee injury.

The Reign will try to end their losing streak when they host San Diego on Friday.

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President Joe Biden to visit NC to discuss Investing in America agenda

by News 12 Staff

Eastern North Carolina — President Biden is expected to visit Wilmington later this week.

White House officials confirmed that President Biden is set to travel to North Carolina on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

According to a recent press release, the purpose of his visit is to discuss the administrations Investing in America agenda regarding the rebuilding of our infrastructure and creating good paying jobs in Wilmington and across the United States.

On Saturday April 20, former President Donald Trump was scheduled to speak in Wilmington however the event was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

North Carolina is considered by some to be a battleground state for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

News 12 will continue to provide updates as we receive additional information regarding President Biden's visit to our state.

Medical plane crashes in North Carolina, injuring pilot and doctor on board

A unc health plane crashed at raleigh-durham international airport (rdu) at around 10 a.m. wednesday, injuring dr. paul chelminski and pilot art johnson.

A small medical plane crashed at a North Carolina airport on Wednesday, injuring the pilot and a doctor on board.

The aircraft came to a complete stop in grass after crashing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) at around 10:10 a.m. ET. The doctor and the pilot were taken to a separate hospitals, according to UNC Health .

The general aviation aircraft was arriving at the airport from Wilmington, North Carolina, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop, halting planes from departing from the airport and diverting arriving flights to other airports. The stoppage was lifted around 11:30 a.m.

There are conflicting reports about the plane type. The FAA told USA TODAY its aircraft registry lists the aircraft type as a single-engine Socata TBM-700 while the tail number records say it's a TBM-850.

Physician identified as Dr. Paul Chelminski

The physician on the plane has been identified as Dr. Paul Chelminski , who is in internal medicine at UNC Health. He was taken to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and has since been released, UNC Health news director Alan M. Wolf said.

Chelminski, a professor of medicine and pharmacy, was returning from Wilmington after giving a lecture at the Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

The pilot, identified as Art Johnson, was taken to Duke University Hospital in Durham and was in fair condition, Wolf added.

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to investigate the accident.