Throughout the month of October, fall foliage in North Carolina peaks at its much-awaited stunning colors. The turning of the leaves is one of the hallmarks of fall in North Carolina, and one of the things our state is best known for. But, the mountains of NC are vast, so if you’re new to the area and have never been, you need a more narrowed list of where to start. So, we made this for you. Here’s the best of where to see fall foliage in North Carolina, from people that have been traveling and photographing the area for over two decades.
What follows is a list of the best spots in North Carolina for leaf-peeping this fall.
1. Highway 441
This scenic highway runs through the heart of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, from Cherokee, NC to Gatlinburg TN. Take in the colors of fall from one of the many overlooks, or enjoy a detour to nearby Clingman’s Dome, and experience the best view in the area from atop the observation tower. Mid October is a good timeframe to visit, while the weather is still pleasantly cool.
What To See In The Park
- Elk in the Cataloochee Valley
- Mingus Mill
- Newfound Gap Road
- Deep Creek Trail
2. Banner Elk
This quaint college town in the mountains is a short hop away from the larger cities such as Boone and Asheville, and is host to many quaint lodging and dining options for those planning on spending the weekend here. When it comes to where to see fall foliage in North Carolina this town is a favorite. It’s not as crowded as its neighbors like Blowing Rock but has really nice nearby hiking trails, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a kayak out on Wildcat Lake while the weather is still warm in late September.
- Roan Mountain
- Elk River Falls
- Apple Hill Farms
- Grandfather Vineyard
- Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
3. Biltmore Estate’s Walled Gardens
Arguably the most iconic site in our state, the Biltmore Estate boasts some of the best natural vistas you’ll find in western North Carolina. Early October is a great time to visit, as the leaves are just beginning to fall. The Walled Gardens surrounding the estate holds a variety of native trees and plants to observe.
What To See Near Biltmore
- NC Arboretum
- French Broad Park
- Craggy Pinnacle
- Black Balsam Knob
- River Arts District
4. Highlands and Cashiers – Where To See Fall Foliage in North Carolina For Yourself
If you like waterfalls, there is no place more accessible to see several absolutely stunning waterfalls and this time of year these falls really shine. Highlands, NC is known for three amazing ones: Dry Falls (which you can walk behind and stay dry), Bridal Veil Falls (which you can also walk behind), and the powerful Cullasaja (pictured below)! This one is my favorite because very few walk to the bottom, but from down there you can see its power. If you visit this area though please do not litter and do us a favor and pick up any that you see. Let’s keep this roadside paradise clean. If you head to Cashiers, Silver Run Falls is a beaut too! All four look so dramatic in the colors and mist of the Smokies!
What To See In Highlands
- Whiteside Mountain
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Silver Run Falss
- Dry Falls
- Cullasaja Falls
5. DuPont Forest
DuPont forest is a great place to experience nature without getting too far off the beaten path. With its moderate elevation, the colors in DuPont forest change a little bit later than in the mountains, making late October a good time to visit wearing your favorite sweater. The hiking trails in the area are easy, and visitors can experience the changing of the leaves while on the way to one of DuPont’s many waterfalls. Expect about a two and a half hour drive from Charlotte.
What To See In Dupont
- Triple Falls
- Hooker Falls
- High Falls
6. Grandfather Mountain
This is where to see fall foliage in North Carolina!!! If I had to choose one place outside of the Park and maybe Graveyard Fields, it would be here. The views are beautiful and you get to watch fall peak, from the high elevations all the way to the distant foothills. For those looking for an easy hike and a spectacular view, Grandfather Mountain makes a great escape. It is famous for its Mile High Swinging Bridge, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the quintessential North Carolina mountain landscape. For those who don’t like heights, the trail leading up to the bridge is also spectacular. Given the three hour drive from Charlotte, those traveling from the Queen City may want to consider making a weekend trip out of it, as there are lots of great lodging options in the nearby town of Linville.
What To See On Grandfather
- Grandfather Trail
- Swinging Bridge
- Wildlife Habitats
7. Pisgah Inn
Located at Mount Pisgah, about three hours from Charlotte, the historic Pisgah Inn offers dining by reservation. Enjoy a meal on the terrace while you take in the incredible view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend the day exploring the trails of Mount Pisgah before retiring for the evening in a quaint room with full hotel amenities. You’ll see why Pisgah Inn calls itself “the peak of the parkway”.
What To See Near Pisgah
- Fryingpan Mountain Tower Overlook
- Art Loeb Trail
- Graveyard Fields
8. Price Lake – Where To See Fall Foliage in North Carolina For Yourself
For those who love the water, a sight to see in the Blue Ridge mountains is Price Lake. Wreathed by trees, this tranquil lake is a great place to have a picnic in early to mid October, when the leaves have completely turned. Price Lake is situated nearby other beautiful fall vistas such as the Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather mountain, and is worth visiting while on a weekend getaway to the mountains.
What To See Near Price Lake
- Price Lake Loop Trail
- Price Park
- Boone Fork Trail
9. Beacon Heights
One of our favorite views on the Parkway this is a good one to do on the same day as a Grandfather Mountain or Rough Ridge visit. It’s an easy half mile hike with gorgeous views overlooking the foothills of the Wilson Creek Valley and Linville Gorge. Just stunning views here!
What To See Near Beacon Heights
- Rough Ridge
- Linn Cove Viaduct
- Stack Rock
10. Blowing Rock – Where To See Fall Foliage in North Carolina For Yourself
The famous Blowing Rock is a must see at any point in October. 3,000 feet above the Johns River Gorge, the iconic rock outcropping grates visitors a view for miles. Grandfather Mountain and the Linville Gorge area can be seen from here.
What To See Near Blowing Rock
- Downtown Blowing Rock
- Thunder Hill
- Moses Cone Manor
- Bass Lake
- Glen Burney Falls
11. Chimney Rock
Lastly on our where to see fall foliage in North Carolina list is Chimney Rock. Though the trail is steep, the hike up to Chimney Rock is well worth the effort. Take in the view of nearby Lake Lure, and the surrounding fall foliage. Chimney Rock is best visited in late October, once peak fall colors hit. Spend the evening down below enjoying dinner at one of Lake Lure’s many dining options before making the trip home.
What To See Near Chimney Rock
- Lake Lure
- Burnt Shirt Vineyards
- Bearwallow Mountain
BONUS: Chestoa View Overlook
Just look at this view of Table Rock from this beautiful overlook in between Linville and Asheville NC.
Words by Emerson Hardy
For more North Carolina Travel Guides visit discoverthecarolinas.com
