Top Spots to View Fall Foliage in WNC

As summer gives way to autumn, The western part of North Carolina transforms into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors. From the mountains to the coast, the state showcases a stunning array of fall foliage that attracts visitors from near and far.

Here’s a brief guide to enjoying the fall colors with a timeline of when they transform from summer to Autumn and some tips as well!

Peak Color Timeline

September (last week): Spotty color begins at 6,000+ feet in the highest mountains, including Rough Ridge and Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

October (first week): Colors transform above 5,000 feet elevation, including Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain. Popular spots include Beech Mountain, Waterrock Knob, and Black Balsam areas.

October (second week): [THIS IS ONE OF OUR AREAS - MERAKI ESCAPE]  4,000-5,000 feet elevation. Best colors pick up steam, including Mount Pisgah and Devil’s Courthouse areas south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as the highest ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherohala Skyway.

October (third week): 3,000-4,000 feet elevation. [THIS IS ONE OF OUR AREAS - MERAKI ESCAPE] The ultimate week for color includes large sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, such as Little Switzerland, Bakersville, and Spruce Pine, as well as Pisgah National Forest near Brevard.

October (fourth week): 2,000-3,000 feet elevation. [THIS IS ONE OF OUR AREAS - MERAKI ESCAPE] The city of Asheville, French Broad River, and Biltmore Estate show their best color, along with many small towns, including Sylva and Saluda.

November (first week): 1,000-2,000 feet elevation. Color fills the Hickory Nut Gorge at Chimney Rock, and the foothills around Marion, Rutherfordton, and Tryon.

• Book your cozy mountain cabin at Meraki Escape before they sell out.
• Take the Meraki Loop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s top scenic drives, to witness the autumn show
• Explore downtown Brevard which is close to Asheville. This small town in the NC mountains has its own personality, local shops, and restaurants
• Fill up your gas tank before leaving the city, as gas stations are scarce in remote areas.

Cap off your fall tour with a scenic and remote stay at one of North Carolina's most luxurious cabin retreat. Our romantic mountain cabins are the perfect way to start and end your days during your vacation and we have convenient amenities for enjoying your stay.

Tips and Recommendations