Asheville is at its Peak

The long-awaited peak of the leaf season has arrived in Asheville! Lingering green leaves joined the color party this week and will continue to display a festive blend of golden orange, rusty maroon, sunshine yellow, and deep burgundy for the next week or two. If it's bright beautiful fall color you seek, this weekend is the perfect time to visit Asheville.

Two excellent places to view fall color in Asheville are The North Carolina Arboretum and Biltmore Estate, due to the exceptional diversity of plant life, seasonally landscaped gardens and stunning scenic vistas. In downtown Asheville, Kimberly Avenue is a beautiful drive that stays within city limits, just north of downtown near the historic Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. For a longer color-filled ride that stays local, Town Mountain Road and Elk Mountain Scenic Highway also provide excellent views of fall color.

Happy Halloween!

Late October

Halloween is just around the corner and the golden orange we associate with pumpkins has colored trees and forest floors, along with reds and yellows. There's still a bit of green here in Asheville, but not for much longer. Leaf season will last for just a few more weeks, so make sure you don't miss out on fall's grand finale.

Simply Gorgeous

The North Carolina Arboretum is breathtaking right now. Director of Horticulture Alison Arnold notes that many colors are brightening the landscape, including brilliant reds from dogwood and maple trees, blazing oranges from black gum and persimmon trees, and glittering gold from a variety of shrubs and perennials. Maples are showing a full spectrum of reds, yellows and oranges. The beautyberry shrubs have turned royal purple, basking in the bronze orange of the dawn redwood and bald cypress.

Hickory Nut Gorge

Find your way to Hickory Nut Gorge, where fall is rolling in right on schedule. Foliage peaks here later in the season due to the lower elevation. The biggest change this week has been in the oak and hickory trees. Scarlet oaks are burgundy red, while chestnut oaks are golden yellow. Hickories are also showing some pleasant yellows. Sourwoods and dogwoods continue to boast beautiful red leaves. Peak colors are estimated to arrive at Chimney Rock Park in the next two weeks.

The Lower Lakes

From Hickory Nut Gorge you can see majestic Lake Lure and Bills Mountain, both full of fall color. Lake James, also set at the foot of the mountains, is another great place to view the foliage.

America's Favorite Drive

Although leaf season is past its peak at higher elevations in Western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway continues to offer excellent vantage points as the leaves give way to views. Right now, the best color along the Parkway is in the Asheville corridor, which has been slower to peak, extending this year's color viewing season. Another area to find vibrant foliage is between mileposts 299 and 304, north of Asheville on your way to Grandfather Mountain.

Updates

Foliage experts and attractions from around the region are providing weekly updates for leaf peepers. Check back soon for updates on where to find the best color in Western North Carolina. And, as you’re out this fall in the Asheville area, share your fall photos with us.

Insider Tips

Fall Harvest Tailgate Flavors of the Week: At the markets this week you will find fresh squashes, potatoes, mixed greens, broccoli, tomatoes, beans, okra, eggplant, sweet peppers, beets, mushrooms, turnips, kohlrabi, radishes, onions, garlic, herbs, pastured pork and lamb, free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, and farm-raised rainbow trout.
Budget Tip: Enjoy a fun fall getaway and treat your vehicle to some free gas in the Asheville area when you book one of several available Gas Promotions, which will stretch even further with dropping prices at the pump.

Bears on the Blue Ridge Parkway

A family of black bears was sighted romping along the Blue Ridge Parkway on Monday.

On the Verge of Peaking

Asheville has received the first frosty mornings of the season, which will accelerate color change for the remainder of the fall. Currently, the best color can be found at elevations between 2,500 and 3,500 feet, and that range will continuously travel down the mountains as autumn progresses. Asheville sits at 2,134 feet above sea level, which means our foliage is anticipated to enter peak color range any day now.

Fall Color in Asheville

Two excellent places to view fall color in Asheville are The North Carolina Arboretum and Biltmore Estate, due to the exceptional diversity of plant life, seasonally landscaped gardens and stunning scenic vistas. In downtown Asheville, Kimberly Avenue is a beautiful drive that stays within city limits, just north of downtown near the historic Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. For a longer color-filled ride that stays local, Town Mountain Road and Elk Mountain Scenic Highway also provide excellent views of fall color.

Vantage Points

Although leaf season is winding down at the very highest peaks, such as Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain, you can be sure that the drive up to these mountains will offer spectacular views and reaching their summits will provide excellent vantage points to see color changing in the surrounding valleys.

Immersed in Color

Colorful routes in the area include NC 181 between Linville and Newland, NC 194 between Elk Park and Valle Crucis, and NC 105 between Boone and Linville. Julian Price Lake and the Tanawha Trail remain excellent places to immerse yourself in fall color. The drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mount Pisgah, currently at peak conditions, provides great views and overlooks to see fall color splashed on the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A Variety of Trees

Now is the perfect time to see tulip poplars, birches, sweet shrubs, spice bushes, and silver bells all popping out yellow. Sugar maples and sumacs are a blazing orange, and the black gums and sweet gums range from orange to maroon, and everywhere in between. Dogwoods, sourwoods, and red maples fill the spectrum between red and burgundy, and the Virginia creeper continues to offer some of the brightest reds in the forest.

Extended Leaf Season

Western North Carolina's wide range of elevations makes for an extended leaf season. If you haven't had the chance to experience the vivid fall colors here yet, don't worry because lower elevations such as Chimney Rock are still mostly green. Lower regions such as Hickory Nut Gorge and DuPont State Forest should reach full color in two or three weeks. In the meantime, fall wildflowers including goldenrod and white snakeroot continue to bloom.

Updates

Make sure to check back each week for updates on where to find the best color in Western North Carolina. And as you’re out this fall in the Asheville area, share your fall photos with us.

Insider Tips

Fall Harvest Tailgate Flavors of the Week: At the markets this week you will find delicious locally grown vegetables such as squashes, broccoli, tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and turnips. You will also find locally raised meats such as pastured pork and lamb, free range chicken, grass fed beef, and farm-raised rainbow trout.

Budget Tip: Enjoy a fun fall getaway and treat your vehicle to some free gas in the Asheville area when you book one of several available Gas Promotions.

Footage from Fall 2008

This video features a collection of scenery from western North Carolina, capturing all the lively colors of fall. A park ranger shares with us where to find the best foliage as well as what kinds of trees produce which colors.

Frost in Asheville

As I stepped outside this morning, I saw something I hadn't seen in quite some time. A thin layer of frost had formed on the grass. Until now the nights had been cool in Asheville, but not quite cold enough for a frost: perfect conditions for anthocyanins and carotenoids (red and yellow pigments) to form in the leaves.

Many of Asheville's leaves are still rich with chlorophyll (green pigment), but that is all about to change. Frost causes leaves to lose their chlorophyll, revealing all the red and yellow pigments that have been building up since the nights started to cool off back in September. Asheville's foliage will peak in the next week or so, and the fall colors will be brighter than usual due to the late frost.

Although the nights have been colder, the days are still mild, with sunny days in the 60s forecast this week. The weather is perfect for enjoying fall foliage in Asheville.

Autumn in Full Swing

Autumn is in full swing, as the mountaintops explode with vivid color and leaves paint Asheville crimson, orange, and gold. Foliage is peaking at higher elevations above 5,000 feet, while mid- and lower elevations are just starting to show signs of color. For those color hunters that haven't made it to Asheville yet, don't worry. The green leaves that remain in the mid- and lower elevations are sure to burst into vibrant autumn hues in the coming weeks.

Peak Conditions

Mount Pisgah, Richland Balsam, Graveyard Fields, Grandfather Mountain, and anywhere else above 5000 feet are currently at peak conditions. Mount Mitchell, the highest summit east of the Mississippi River, is certainly no exception. The birches that dominate Mount Mitchell's forests have filled its slopes with golden yellow. All of these areas are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. This weeks mild temperatures makes it the perfect time for a fall vacation.

The Major Players

In addition to yellow birches, you will find blazing orange sugar maples, and orange-red sumacs. Red maples generally have the brightest color, ranging from bright red to burgundy. Dogwoods and sourwoods have a rustier shade of red. Wild blueberry leaves have a maroon color. Silver bells, sweet shrubs and spice bushes also display yellow. Mountain ash is a brilliant orange and is producing heavy branches of red fall berries at higher elevations. As you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway you will notice bright red vines up in the trees and sprawling over rocks and boulders; this is the Virginia creeper at work.

Fall Color in Asheville

The foliage here in Asheville is just beginning and signs of a great foliage season are everywhere. Kimberly Ave., running just north of downtown near The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, is a beautiful drive that stays within city limits. For a longer drive that stays local, Town Mountain Road and Elk Mountain Scenic Highway also provide excellent views of fall color. Leaf peepers also share that Interstate 26 headed north is boasting some incredible fall scenic views.

Late Bloomers

Western North Carolina's wide range of elevation makes for an extended leaf season. Although the highest mountains have had color for weeks, the leaf season is just getting started at lower elevations. The first colors of fall have finally arrived at Hickory Nut Gorge at Chimney Rock Park as well as DuPont State Forest, where the season is expected to peak in two weeks and last until mid-November. While the leaves have yet to unleash their full color in these areas, fall wildflowers are coloring the landscape. If you are planning a trip soon, you'll catch pink turtleheads and white snakeroot, as well as goldenrods and asters which continue to display yellow, lavender, and cream.

Scenic Hikes

In addition to the mountains listed above, you can find amazing fall vistas by hiking the Julian Price Lake Loop, Sims Pond Loop Trail, or any portion of the Tanawha Trail.
UpdatesMake sure to check back each week for updates on where to find the best color in Western North Carolina. And as you’re out this fall in the Asheville area, share your fall photos with us.

Insider Tips

Fall Harvest Tailgate Flavors of the Week: At the markets this week you will find delicious locally grown vegetables such as squashes, broccoli, tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and turnips. You will also find locally raised meats such as pastured pork and lamb, free range chicken, grass fed beef, and farm-raised rainbow trout.
Budget Tip: You don't have to spend a lot of money to have an enriching vacation experience in the Asheville area. In fact, you can enjoy time with your family and friends this fall at many area attractions without spending a penny. For more information, check out our free fall activities.

Holiday Events in Asheville

Images of vibrant red fall color amongst evergreen trees have many of us thinking about the holidays, and rightfully so! Now is the time to mark your calendars and plan a holiday getaway with a bohemian twist. Whether you're looking for a fun family affair, a romantic escape, or a weekend shopping jaunt to uncover hard-to-find gifts like handmade pottery, Asheville covers all the bases.

Asheville Traditions

• Santa Climbs Chimney Rock: Before he climbs down millions of chimneys around the world, Santa practices on 315-foot Chimney Rock. Soak in the park’s 75-mile views as Santa rappels down this famous Blue Ridge Mountain monolith. Dec. 6 & 13


• America’s Castle by Candlelight: Lit by candles, firelight and twinkling Christmas trees, George W. Vanderbilt’s Biltmore House glows during the holidays. America’s largest home dazzles with dozens of Christmas trees; hundreds of wreaths, bows and poinsettias; miles of evergreen garland; thousands of ornaments, tinsel and beading; and a magnificent 35-foot Fraser fir. Nov. 7 - Jan. 4


• All Aboard! The Polar Express: The Polar Express comes to life when the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad departs Bryson City for a journey to the North Pole. Read along with the magical story, meet Santa and enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa and a special present for Santa’s believers. Nov. 7 - Dec. 23

Free Holiday Events

• Big Deals on Appalachian Crafts: Bargain shoppers receive the ultimate gift at the annual Southern Highland Craft Guild's Holiday Seconds Sale held at the Folk Art Center. Just before the gift-giving season, Appalachian crafters from across the region place overrun, discontinued stock and studio seconds on sale for one day of festive holiday savings. Get up to 50% off pottery, jewelry, woodwork, glass art, furniture and more from some the region's finest artisans. Dec. 6


• National Gingerbread House Competition: The National Gingerbread Competition at Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa attracts competitors from around the country who create colorful confectionary and architectural wonders. Delight in the imagination shown in these creations from sugar-and-spice castles to gum-drop covered chimneys. Nov. 17 - Jan. 11


• Giant Puppets on Parade & Singing Santa: Asheville gets decked out for the holidays with a family-friendly parade where giant locally-crafted puppets will march the downtown streets. Lisa Sturtz of Red Herring Puppets has also created larger-than-life creatures for the likes of Disney, Jim Henson Productions and The Ice Capades. After the parade, Singing Santa will croon and greet children before collecting his mail from the North Pole Express Mail Box at Prichard Park. Nov. 22 at 11 a.m.


• Dickens in the Village: Historic Biltmore Village transforms into a quaint Victorian village on the first weekend of December. Horse-drawn carriages will trot along decorated streets as carolers, storytellers and instrumentalists stroll the village in period costumes. Watch live excerpts from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol performed by the Montford Park Players while enjoying fresh roasted chestnuts. Dec. 5 - 7

Get Cozy

• If you don't have a hearth of your own, Asheville has over 70 bed and breakfast inns where innkeepers will glady share holiday entertaining tips.


• Get a winter warm-up with a gourmet hot chocolate tour in Asheville.

Hey, Take a Hike (or Bike Ride)

Now is the perfect time to get out and explore the area while enjoying Mother Nature's colorful fall show.

Bring your bike and hit the many trails which can be found in the region. We asked local biking expert Claudia Nix of Liberty Bikes for her favorite rides and they're sure not to disappoint. She suggests rides through area orchards and rides that provide incredible scenic views. Claudia also provides tips for bikers not accustomed to riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mild temperatures and sunny weather make for ideal hiking conditions this weekend as well. Our friends at Asheville-based ChiWalking provide fall hiking tips that create a more fluid, energetic and healthy way to walk and hike.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out and explore the Asheville area and share your pictures with us. For help in finding the best color, check out this week's fall color report.

Share some of your favorite fall activities with us.

High Elevations Reaching Peak Conditions

The days are still warm but the nights are getting chilly here in Asheville, which means that a significant wave of color change is due to arrive soon. We're waiting for a cold snap to crystallize the color, as it did at higher elevations. The frost up in the mountaintops has triggered peak conditions, which can be seen now.

Early Fall Color
Sourwoods and dogwoods continue to display brilliant red leaves while black gums and persimmons are ablaze with a fiery reddish-orange. The Virginia creeper is at its peak, winding up trees and draping the forest with intense red vines. Staghorn sumacs have been in transition during the past week, adding their own blend of orange and red to the early fall collection.

Mountaintops
The brightest colors can be found above 5,000 feet on south-facing slopes that are coming alive with reds and yellows. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway would be an excellent way to find the best color-filled views. Grandfather Mountain (milepost 304), Graveyard Fields (milepost 419), and Richland Balsam (milepost 431) are all full of color. In fact, Richland Balsam offers a panoramic view of pure autumn glory. The Scheer Bluff overlook at Grandfather Mountain also offers a particularly nice view. Within Julian Price Memorial Park (milepost 296), Sims Pond and Bass Lake provide beautiful settings to enjoy the color. Mount Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River, is just about to peak and is bursting with orange and yellows.

Wildflowers Still Blooming
North Carolina wildflowers are still in bloom. Goldenrods and asters are holding strong with yellow, lavender, and cream. Black-eyed susans and orange turk's cap lilies also continue to offer their yellows and jaguar-spotted oranges.

Brilliant Bonsai
See tiny trees with big fall color. The North Carolina Arboretum hosts a unique perspective on autumn during the Southeast's premier annual

Carolina Bonsai Expo on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12. Now in its thirteenth successful year, the Expo features juried exhibits by bonsai enthusiasts throughout the Southeast, as well as unique workshops, demonstrations, and a popular bonsai marketplace.

Updates
Make sure to check back each week for updates on where to find the best color in Western North Carolina. And as you’re out this fall in the Asheville area, share your fall photos with us.

Insider Tips
Fall Harvest Tailgate Flavors of the Week: At the markets this week you will find everything you need for the perfect autumn cornucopia, from pumpkins to winter squashes and decorative gourds. Apples are still in season. Winesaps, romes, mutzus, and ginger golds are just some of the local varieties at area markets.
Budget Tip: If you already know how much you're able to spend on a fall vacation, check out our fall budget itineraries to see just how far you can stretch your dollars in the Asheville area.

Big Color Up Top

Big Color Up Top
Fall is the season of color, and that is exactly what we're seeing at higher elevations. Naturalist Jesse Pope of Grandfather Mountain has been seeing yellow birch, hobblebush, and many of the berry-bearing shrubs above 5,000 feet come to life in colors from bright red to maroon. In fact, the shrub-covered balds on the flanks of Grandfather Mountain are in nearly peak conditions. Color hunters also report that some maples are red, orange, and yellow and the birch have turned bronze and golden yellow.

Mid-Elevations Right on Schedule
You don't have to trek up to the highest peaks to find autumn hues. Although fall's peak is still a few weeks off in the Asheville area, the leaves are starting to color up nicely. At Biltmore and The North Carolina Arboretum, sumacs and dogwoods display a fiery red, while black gums and persimmons have turned a reddish-orange. According to Cindy Carpenter of the US Forest Service, there is already bright color on sourwood trees, especially the young ones in sunny areas. The area near the entrance to Sliding Rock on Highway 276 in the Pisgah National Forest is beautiful -- keep an eye out for the yellows, oranges, and reds on hydrangeas, bottlebrush buckeyes and Virginia sweetspires.

Ornamental Grasses and Wildflowers
One great thing about the diversity of plant life in Western North Carolina is that wildflowers dot the landscape as the trees change color. Goldenrods continue to show their brilliant yellows and mountain mints are snowy white. Fall asters are in bloom, displaying lavender and white. Purple top field grasses stay true to their name as their seed heads turn purple and cream.

Brilliant Bonsai
See tiny trees with big fall color. The North Carolina Arboretum hosts a unique perspective on autumn during the Southeast's premier annual Carolina Bonsai Expo on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12. Now in its thirteenth successful year, the Expo features juried exhibits by bonsai enthusiasts throughout the Southeast, as well as unique workshops, demonstrations, and a popular bonsai marketplace.

Updates
Make sure to check back each week for updates on where to find the best color in Western North Carolina. And as you’re out this fall in the Asheville area, share your fall photos with us.

Insider Tips
Fall Harvest Tailgate Flavors of the Week: At the markets this week you will find pumpkins, winter squashes, and decorative gourds—everything you need for the perfect fall festival. If it's fruit you crave, apple season is going strong. Honey crisps, ginger golds, mutsus, fujis and galas are just some of the local varieties at area markets.
Budget Tip: You don't have to empty your gas tank to go sightseeing in the Asheville area. Asheville is a unique pedestrian-friendly and cycling-friendly destination, from our funky downtown to charming Biltmore Village to any number of breathtaking hiking trails. For a handpicked list of fun activities that allow you to park your car and explore, check our fall gas-saving adventures!