RCW Fall Leaf Color Report – Weekend of October 10–12, 2025

The mountains of western North Carolina have reached their most colorful weekend yet. The High Country is at peak with 80–90% color, featuring stunning reds, oranges, and golds across Grandfather Mountain, Rough Ridge, and Beacon Heights. Leaf drop is increasing but views remain spectacular.

Along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Linville, color has reached near peak (60–70%), with excellent photo conditions and crisp fall air. The Great Smoky Mountains are showing 55–65% color, offering brilliant ridge-to-valley contrast.

The foothills are catching up, with 30–40% color across South Mountains and Lake James. In Rowan County, dogwoods and blackgums are showing steady change, reaching 10–12%, adding a noticeable autumn feel to neighborhoods and parks.

Cool mornings, clear afternoons, and dry weather will help maintain this vibrant color through the weekend. It’s a perfect time to plan a drive along the Parkway or visit Dunn’s Mountain for a local taste of fall.

Where to Go This Weekend: Grandfather Mountain, Rough Ridge, Craggy Gardens, and Graveyard Fields for peak mountain color. Locally, try Sloan Park and High Rock Lake for the first real pops in Rowan County.

Stay tuned for next week’s update as color shifts into the foothills and Piedmont.