In a few months North Carolina will look like this
These videos are from past years but leaf peeping season will be here before we know it! Here are a few things to keep in mind when chasing fall colors (SAVE for later!):
🍂 Elevation matters - Areas like Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway are going to peak long before areas like Black Mountain due to differences in elevation.
🍂 The Blue Ridge Parkway gets BUSY - Be patient and respect other visitors! I recommend avoiding weekends if you can.
🍂 Look beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway - Areas like DuPont State Forest, Black Mountain, Linville Gorge, Bryson City, Highlands, and Cashiers have spectacular hikes and fall colors.
🍂 Flexibility is key - October in general is a great time to visit the parkway but elevation varies wildly, which means different areas will peak at different times. I’d try to be flexible so you can chase the best color. If the area you’re in looks past peak, head to a spot at a lower elevation and vice versa.
🍂 Use Facebook groups - People share their adventures, which gives you the opportunity to look at up-to-date photos. NC Hiking & Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Mountain Life are some of my favorites!
🍂 Look at fall color maps - @visitasheville has a helpful interactive fall color map. I reference this when I’m making fall plans in Western North Carolina!
Tag a friend you want to plan a fall roadtrip with 🚙🍂✨