As the fall color just begins to emerge at the higher elevations around Asheville, this week's themed fall scenic drive is High Points on the Blue Ridge Parkway (the northern route). Following this suggested route will allow you to pass through varying elevations, and stop at the highest elevations just north of the Asheville area:
- Starting from Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north to Mount Mitchell (elevation 6,684 feet). This is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.
- Continue north along the parkway, and you will pass by Linville Falls, and take one of two hiking trails to see either the upper or lower waterfalls here.
- Continue north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Grandfather Mountain (5,890 feet, pictured), where you can see the fall foliage appearing from the swinging bridge.
- Drive back onto the parkway, and head south to return to Asheville.
Also see: Fall Scenic Drives Fall Scenic Motorcycle Rides Fall Scenic Craft Trail Drives
7 comments:
Does anyone know when is likely the best time for photography of colorful landscapes over the next couple of weekends in October? (Especially important in trying to plan a one-time trip for pictures)
The great thing about this area is there is a wide variety of elevations, so you can surely find fall color somewhere within a short drive from Asheville... especially in the first couple weekends in October. I would also come back to see the fall color report on the blog here just before you arrive.
Thanks for the tip. Great blog! :-)
Any idea about the time line to drive this route?
Good question about drive time! I will add that info now to the blog post, but it's about an hour and a half each way of drive time. You could also do a modified version and shorten the drive time. Going to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mt. Mitchell, is a really nice drive and is 45 minutes each way.
I will be in the Asheville area, and southwest (in Rutherford County) for a week beginning Oct. 5th. Do you have any "predictions" for color display during that period?
Thank you for your feedback.
It's hard to say precisely this far ahead of time, but we have one of the most extended fall foliage seasons in the U.S. I would suggest coming back to this blog right before you visit to see the latest color report, and find out exactly where the best color is at that time.
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