Scenic Drives Near Asheville in Fall

Fall color in the Asheville area doesn't happen all at once — it moves. 

Starting at the highest peaks in late September and gradually making its way into the valleys by early November, the season unfolds across weeks and elevations, marking one of the longest fall color seasons in the country. 

These scenic drives are organized by season so you can chase the color wherever it is right now. 

Visit our weekly fall color reports to stay up-to-date on the most colorful foliage.

Best Drives for Early Season Color

When color first arrives in the Asheville area, it shows up at the highest elevations — think 4,000 feet and above. Head out on these drives in late September and early October to catch it first.

Grandfather Mountain/The High Country

Located at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 305, you can view native animal habitats, enjoy hiking and picnicking, and test your courage on the mile-high swinging bridge that also provides a great vantage point for viewing autumn’s rich colors. You can get to Grandfather Mountain a number of ways, and see interesting points and fabulous color along the way, no matter which route you choose.

• Option #1: Take I-40 East to Marion, then Hwy 221 north to Linville Falls at milepost 316.
• Option #2: Take I-26 West to Exit 9 for US19E to Burnsville, then right on 194 and left on 221. 

Pisgah National Forest

Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville toward Mount Pisgah at Milepost 408, where you will find picnic areas, hiking trails and the popular dining room at the Pisgah Inn, with its perfect view of Looking Glass Rock. At milepost 411, turn onto US 276 toward Waynesville. You will pass through the magnificent Pisgah National Forest, which affords a spectacular view of Cold Mountain, made famous by the novel and motion picture of the same name. Continue into Waynesville and circle back to Asheville.

U.S. Highway 19

From Asheville, take US 19/23 north from downtown, and follow 19E to Burnsville. If you have time, take a break in Burnsville to enjoy its quaint shops and galleries. Then, continue your drive along 19E to the town of Spruce Pine, stopping along the way to visit the North Carolina Museum of Minerals and to enjoy the spectacular views of the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. at 6,684 feet.

*As of 9/15/25, Mount Mitchell State Park has reopened. Visit NCParks.gov for the latest information on the park and trail status. 

Best Drives for Mid-Season Color

When color reaches the middle elevations — roughly 2,500 to 4,000 feet — it brightens the mountainsides and begins to dot the valleys. If you want to be in the thick of it all, these mid-elevation drives are your best bet.

Waterfall Country

From Asheville, head south on the Blue Ridge Parkway and exit onto US 276 at Milepost 411, following it south. Along the way, stop by the Cradle of Forestry with its many interpretive exhibits and special programs, and Looking Glass Falls. The Looking Glass Rock trailhead, with parking on the left, provides access to a 3.1 mile trail set amidst brilliant fall color. Continue on 276 to NC 280 north to NC 191 along the banks of the French Broad River past Asheville Outlets (formerly Biltmore Square Mall) and the Western North Carolina Farmers Market, then on into Asheville.

Hot Springs

Take a trip to Hot Springs via NC 63 west through Leicester and to Trust, where NC 209 intersects with NC 63. Take NC 209 north to Hot Springs, a quaint town that features an ancient natural spring and resort as well as a junction with the Appalachian Trail. Return by following US 25/70 to Weaverville and connect with I-26 East, which leads back to Asheville. Of the three drive shown here, this drive is at the lowest elevation, meaning the colors *generally* will change later in the season than the other two drives.

Maggie Valley and Cherokee

US 19 from Maggie Valley to Cherokee boasts several excellent leaf-viewing sites along lovely winding roads. To get there take US 19/23/74 west from Asheville. A return trip to Asheville via US 276 through the Pisgah National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway offers many overlooks from which to enjoy the autumn panorama.

Best Drives for Late Season Color

From late October into early November, color finally reaches the lower elevations, including right in and around the city itself. These drives put you in the middle of fall's final act.

Reems Creek Valley

Follow US Highway 19/23 north from Asheville to the New Stock Road exit 21. Turn right at the light and left at the next light, onto US 25. Follow this highway for less than one mile to Reems Creek Road and turn right. Drive 5 miles to Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, site of a working 1830s-era farm once owned by North Carolina's Civil War governor, Zebulon Vance.

Leaving from Vance Birthplace, head back to Asheville and get onto the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393.6. Turn south on the Parkway, and shop for mountain handicrafts at the Folk Art Center. Drive a bit further south to the North Carolina Arboretum before returning to Asheville.

Kimberly Avenue & North Asheville

Located just north of downtown Asheville, Kimberly Avenue will be canopied by the orange tint of Sugar Maples mixed in with the deep green of Norway Spruce. This lovely residential street offers views of the historic Omni Grove Park Inn perched on Sunset Mountain. From downtown Asheville, take the Charlotte Street exit off I-240 and proceed north on Charlotte. Turn left onto Edwin Place and follow through the light as it becomes Kimberly Avenue. Follow Kimberly to its end point at Beaverdam Road. Turn right and drive through the scenic Beaverdam Valley before circling back to Asheville.

North Carolina Arboretum

Surrounded by 434 acres of the Pisgah National Forest, the North Carolina Arboretum is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the U.S. and is a great place to see Mother Nature's fall color finale. Enjoy walking paths, horticultural displays, and cultivated gardens, including the Heritage Garden with medicinal herbs and plants, and the Quilt Garden with multi-color flower beds planted in a traditional quilt block pattern. The Arboretum is located south of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 393, or take I-26, Exit 33 (formerly Exit 2) and proceed 2 miles south on Highway 191/Brevard Road.