The fall foliage show begins in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina and spreads east through the state bringing an array of colors that everyone loves to see!  Thanks to our many 6,000-foot peaks (highest in eastern USA), deep valleys and varying micro climates, our Blue Ridge and Great Smokey Mountains have one of the longest autumn color seasons in the country. We usually experience a 5-week span of color that slowly descends from the tallest ridges down to the lowest valleys and into the Piedmont. The estimated peak color schedule is listed below to help you plan that annual fall trip to your favorite mountain location. You can also see when to expect the colors to change right here in Rowan County and the surrounding areas. 

Peak Foliage Color Timeline 2018 (Courtesy of Romantic Asheville Website)

September Last Week: Spotty color begins at 6,000+ feet elevation, including Mount Mitchell and two lofty places along the Parkway, Rough Ridge at Grandfather Mountain and Graveyard Fields. Views into the valleys from this spots peak 1-2 weeks later.

October First Week: Color peak above 5,000 feet elevation. The leaves in the highest mountains north of Asheville turn first, especially on the Parkway north of Craggy Gardens and Beech Mountain. South on the Parkway, head to Waterrock Knob (my favorite) and Black Balsam areas. Hike & picnic atop both Max Patch and Roan Mountain on the AT.

October Second Week: 4,000-5,000 feet elevation. Best colors really pick up steam, including Mount Pisgah and Devil's Courthouse areas south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountains surrounding Waynesville and Cashiers peak, including Whiteside Mountain with the Shadow of the Bear. Also, see colorful highest ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and drive the Cherohala Skyway. Camp at Lake Santeetlah.

October Third Week: 3,000-4,000 feet elevation. The ultimate week for the most color including large sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This also includes much of Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Drive the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Top hikes there include Looking Glass Rock or Cradle of Forestry. North of Asheville, best color will be Banner Elk and hikes to Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain at Linville Gorge. West of Asheville, head to Maggie Valley, Cherokee and Bryson City.

October Last Week: 2,000-3,000 feet elevation. The city of Asheville, French Broad River and Biltmore Estate show their best color, along with many of our small towns including Sylva and Saluda. It's a great time for a waterfall hike in DuPont State Forest or a stroll at the NC Arboretum.

November First Week: 1,000-2,000 feet elevation. Color fills the lush Hickory Nut Gorge at Chimney Rock. See the fall reflections on Lake Lure. Also hike and camp at Lake James and South Mountains State Parks east of Asheville. The leaf progression concludes in the foothills around Marion, Rutherfordton and Tryon Foothills Wine Country.

What about Rowan County? When are the leaves going to change here?

Over the next 8 weeks we will see our average high temperatures drop from around 81° to 62° with the average low temperatures dropping from 60° down to 38°.  As those night time temperatures start to cool off, we will see the leaves slowly start to change color. In Rowan County, we should start to see these changes as we move through the last half of October and then peak around mid-November. Rowan County Weather website will have a Leaf Color Report Map that will be updated county by county. The map will indicate changes in the fall colors using green for no change and red to mean peak colors. I will make updated posts weekly as we move through this year’s Fall Foliage season.

While checking out the color changes around the county. Consider stopping at come of the great Visit Rowan County NC Arts and Ag Events. For details click here

I hope this helps you plan the best times for viewing our beautiful fall colors.