Take a trip to see the leaves change
While the Lowcountry doesn’t usually see much fall foliage until December, autumn-lovers can strap on their boots, grab a hot PSL, and see the leaves transform into vibrant warm colors– without traveling all the way up to Vermont.
Thanks to a warm 2018 with good levels of rainfall, just four hours away in Asheville, N.C., most of the trees still have all their leaves and are set to produce fall colors at every elevation– giving Charlestonians the perfect opportunity to take a weekend trip to see the autumn palette.
Due to the fact that WNC covers such a wide range of elevations, there is no single “peak week” to view the fall leaves in Asheville. However, there are ideal times to see the fall leaves in all the popular viewing locations (more on that later). Also, because of the major biodiversity, WNC has one of the longest seasons for fall foliage in the nation (so no worries if you can’t make it this weekend, you still have time). 🍂
The highest elevations begin producing color once the nights cool off + the first signs of fall set– typically last week of September. But, because of the longer summer + warmer temperatures recently, it is possible that the changing of colors this year is more delayed than normal.
The changing of leaves usually follows this pattern:
Late September- Early October: Areas above 6,000 feet
Mid-October: Areas around 5,500 feet.
Late October: Areas around 2,300 feet
Early November: Areas below 1,500 feet
A more accurate guide for where to look + when:
Oct. 6-14: Higher elevations, including Mt. Mitchell, will most likely be in full color
Oct. 10-18: Middle elevation areas, including Craggy Gardens + the Pisgah Inn, will most likely be in full color
Oct 17-25: More color coverage of middle elevations, including most of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Oct. 24- Nov. 1: Areas close to town, including The NC Arboretum, Downtown Asheville + Biltmore, will most likely be in full color
The beginning of November: Leaf changing progressing into the foothills
Want to make a day out of leafing?
Depending on which route you take will depend on your day’s activities. Using the guide above, pick the week + location that is best for you– then check the corresponding locale below for tips + recommendations of what to do. Bonus: Plan on making leafing a weekend adventure? Check out our 48-hour guide to Asheville here.
🍁 Mt. Mitchell |📍2388 N.C. Highway 128, Burnsville, N.C.
Enjoy the ride up to the highest point east of the Mississippi River by taking the Parkway and N.C. Highway 128. Walk up the ¼-mile paved trail + stay here to admire the view, or be adventurous and hike the 3,600 ft. (5.5 miles) Mount Mitchell Trail. Pro tip: This hike is steep + strenuous. If you don’t want to hike 11 miles, then park one car at the top and one car at the campground.
After you’ve awed at the 360-degree panoramic views, enjoy a picnic (there is a very large picnic area + two group areas), or visit the local restaurant located ½ mile from the park entrance.
🍁 Craggy Gardens |📍BRP Milepost 367.7, Asheville, N.C.
Located only about 20 miles from downtown, take the short 1.5-mile round-trip hike around Craggy Pinnacle Trail, gaining panoramic views at the top– you can even see the Asheville Watershed.
After you’ve had your fill of leafing, travel back down to the city and stop at one of Asheville’s downtown restaurants. Take your pick from our list here.
🍁 Pisgah Inn |📍408 Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton, N.C.
When visiting Pisgah Inn, you’re in a perfect location for leafing, hiking, + eating. Choose between hiking up to Mt. Pisgah, Fryingpan Mountain Tower, or on the various trails around the Inn. Pisgah Inn has its own restaurant that’s ideal for grabbing lunch or dinner, plus a gift shop right next door.
Bonus: Want to learn all the mountains in your view? The Inn has a great guide that pinpoints each mountain while enjoying the colorful scenery.
🍁 Blue Ridge Parkway | Folk Art Center |📍382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, N.C.
Since driving the scenic route is the most iconic way to enjoy the leaves, make your drive a little more fun by stopping at the Folk Art Center to enjoy some art– and to grab a map. Before you leave, you can plan out the perfect route for you and your crew– stopping along some of the best overlooks to take photos.
🍁 Downtown Asheville |📍Asheville, N.C.
If adventuring along a parkway isn’t for you, wait a little longer and enjoy the color-changing leaves in the city. Drive up to the top of any of the parking decks to get an amazing 360-degree view, or admire the leaves from the city streets. Just make sure to grab a bite before you leave.
DYK: The Great Smoky Mountains are home to over 120 different species of trees, the greatest variety in the US? This leads to the patchwork of so many different vibrant leaf colors.
I’m actually heading up to Asheville this weekend to see the fall foliage myself– and I’m confident that the mountains won’t disappoint. 🍁
– Justine
