7 Best Spots for Fall Foliage Near Asheville, NC
There’s something downright magical about the way fall changes the landscape around Asheville, North Carolina.
As the heat of summer recedes, the Blue Ridge Mountains erupt in fiery reds, oranges and yellows, creating one of the most dazzling displays of fall foliage in the country.
I will never forget my first drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway in late October.
The mountains looked as if they were on fire — the most beautiful kind of fire.
The smell of crisp air, the sound of rustling leaves, the explosion of colors around you, it was like entering into a painting.
If you’re kind of like me, you’ll want to savor every minute of this natural spectacle.
“For locals visiting and for visitors planning their trip to the area, I’ve got you.
In this article, I am going to share with you the seven best places around Asheville to experience and enjoy the full beauty of the fall foliage.
Believe me, these are total stunner places and hopefully become pilgrimage spots for you too year after year.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
No fall foliage list of places to visit near Asheville is complete without mentioning the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This famous road is known for its breathtaking views, particularly in autumn.
Driving along the twisty road you’ll be treated to expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a patchwork of autumn colors.
The Craggy Gardens are one of my favorite stops along the Parkway.
It has breathtaking views from up there, it is more than 5,000 feet high.
That blanket of sky strikingly contrasts the loamy reds, ambers and greens of the foliage below, the effect almost surreal.
If you feel like taking a short hike, the Craggy Pinnacle Trail provides even better views.
For slowcrawlers, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to take a leisurely drive, with plenty of overlooks where you can pull over and take some pics.
Late afternoon or early morning light will give you your most dramatic shots.
For photographers, nature lovers, and those who just appreciate a scenic drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-visit during fall.
2. Mount Mitchell State Park
Not only is Mount Mitchell the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, it is also one of the best locations to see fall foliage in North Carolina.
Once you reach the summit, stunning vistas of rolling mountains bursting with autumn colors stretch on as far as the eye can see.
When conditions are right, one can see as far as 85 miles into the distance, which gives you an idea of the vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you’re up for some adventure, I highly recommend hiking to the summit of Mount Mitchell.
The hike is relatively short but some may find the elevation gain tricky. But the effort is well worth it.
Sixth mountain that you’ve climbed and in the general climbing of these mountains upward, you will pass through different types of forests with it’s fall foliage experience.
The mix of hardwoods and evergreens makes for a beautiful display of color you won’t want to skip.
After you take in the views, you can visit the Mount Mitchell State Park Museum to learn about the area’s natural and cultural history.
There’s also a small restaurant offering bites to eat while you take in the scenery.
3. Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields — Located on Blue Ridge Parkway, Graveyard Fields is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to take in this season’s changing leaves.
For all of its creepy name, this region is actually one of the most beautiful, especially during fall.
The tree-stump-like formations on the valley floor that give the park its name almost seem like ancient, crumbling gravestones.
The Graveyard Fields Loop Trail is a moderate hike that winds through open meadows, streams, and waterfalls.
In the fall, the meadows burst with color, a photographer’s paradise.
The trail also ends at two waterfalls — Lower Falls and Upper Falls — that deserve a visit.
The angling of the white water against the surrounding foliage in autumn makes for a setting that’s both serene and beautiful.
Graveyard Fields is also a good option for a family hike, as it has a well-maintained, not-too-strenuous trail.
Just be sure to get there early; this area can get crowded, particularly during peak-leaf season.
4. DuPont State Recreational Forest
Another great place for fall foliage is DuPont State Recreational Forest on the outskirts of Asheville.
This 10,000-acre forest features diverse landscapes ranging from dense woodlands and rushing rivers to picturesque waterfalls.
The varied tree species in the forest lead to a magnificent display of fall colors that is hard to match.
The hike to Triple Falls is a highlight of DuPont State Recreational Forest.
The three-tiered waterfall is one of the most photographed spots in the area — and for good reason.
The hike itself to reach Triple Falls is fairly short and easy, which means hikers of all skill levels can enjoy it.
As you hike to the falls, you’ll cross through forests that fill with color in the fall, affording plenty of chances for photos.
If you want to stretch your legs even further, the High Falls Loop Trail is perfect.
This trail leads to High Falls and Triple Falls, along with some other scenic spots within the forest as well.
The views from High Falls, however, are spectacular, as are the surrounding fall foliage framing the waterfall.
5. Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest is one of the most picturesque and expansive forests in North Carolina, and it’s a go-to destination for fall leaves.
With more than a half-million acres of forested land, Pisgah offers an abundance of hiking, camping and leaf-peeping opportunities.
Looking Glass Rock is one of my favorite places in Pisgah National Forest.
Ascent to the tall is an arduous task however the vistas from the summit is very rewarding baby.
As you gaze over the mountains, you’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring array of fall colors that seems to go on forever.
The Pink Beds Loop Trail is another beautiful area within Pisgah National Forest.
The trail is relatively flat and leads you through a stunning forest rich in hardwoods and evergreens, with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
In the fall, the forest floor becomes a carpet of rich-colored leaves, giving the woods a fairy-tale quality — perfect for a long hike.
For those seeking a picturesque drive, the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is an excellent choice.
Tracing 79 miles, the process winds through the prettiest portions of Pisgah National Forest, with a number of pull-offs to stop and absorb the beautiful scenery.
6. Biltmore Estate
Though the Biltmore Estate is synonymous with its gorgeous mansion, the property’s gardens and grounds also make an excellent venue for fall color.
The estate’s 8,000 acres have it all in terms of landscape: manicured gardens spill into wooded trails and are a riot of color come fall.
Among the highlights of a fall trip to the Biltmore Estate is a stroll through the estate’s gardens.
In particular, the Walled Garden is a highlight with its brilliant array of autumnal flowers and foliage.
Or the nearby Azalea Garden, which is also a good leaf-peeping spot, with its towering trees and winding paths.
Those who wish to venture further onto the estate’s grounds can find several miles of hiking and biking paths that pass through the estate’s woods and along the French Broad River.
The views along these trails are breathtaking, with the estate’s grand architecture contrasting beautifully with the natural beauty around it.
7. the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This one’s a bit of a haul from Asheville, but well worth the trip, particularly in the fall if you can make it.
The park’s different ecosystems produce a breathtaking display of fall foliage: The trees turn in different stages, ensuring a long leaf season.
Clingmans Dome is one of the best places to see the fall foliage in the park. As the tallest point in the park at 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
The ride to Clingmans Dome is beautiful as well, with plenty of pull-offs where you can pull over and take in the sights.
For those a bit more adventurous, the Alum Cave Trail is a good choice.
False at track 34,849 (164.0 MB) This trail climbs up a picturesque forest of hardwoods and evergreens, and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Despite being a little challenging, the views at the top are definitely worth it.
Conclusion
There’s something almost magical about fall in Asheville.
This season gives you the gently cold air, color-filled foliage and beautiful topography that makes it completely unparalleled.
Whether driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking in Pisgah National Forest or wandering the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, you will be enchanted by the beauty of the season.
I invite you to enjoy these places and take your time from the beauty surrounding you.
Each location brings its own perspective on fall, and we bet you’ll be finding new favorites with each passing year.
Make sure to bring your camera because these are memories you’ll want to capture and relive.
Make sure to share your experience with friends who love the beauty of the outdoors, too as they head out on their own fall foliage adventure.
