Fall in Love With Asheville
See This Week's Foliage ReportDramatic displays of fall foliage
One of the Longest and Most Vibrant Leaf Seasons
Fall color in the Asheville area starts to paint the landscape in late September, beginning at the highest peaks (above 6,000 feet) and cascading down to the valleys and foothills over the next six weeks. Whether you visit from late September to early November, you'll find a corner of Asheville or its surrounding areas ablaze with the season's most vibrant hues—a timeless spectacle that invites you to experience the beauty of nature at its peak.
Sign Up for Our Fall Color Report Email
Stay up to date with the best autumn hikes, drives and travel deals in Asheville, North Carolina, with our weekly fall color reports. Our Fall Color Hunters keep you in the know on where to go.
5 Things You Need to Know About Fall in Asheville
Fall in Asheville is a season like no other—longer, more colorful, and filled with ways to experience the mountains in their autumn best. Here are five quick things to know before you plan your trip.
The Science of Fall Color
Trees aren't just artistic — they're also smarter than you think.
Trees are Capitalists.
Trees operate like businesses, using photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy and structural components, much like how companies produce goods and reinvest profits.
The Southern Appalachians boast around 120 tree species, offering a richer fall color spectrum than New England's beech, birch, and maple-dominated forests.
Bright fall colors in leaves may signal to insects that the tree has chemical defenses, similar to the warning colors of poison dart frogs.
Request a Free Visitor Guide
There’s no better way to start your trip planning than with Asheville’s Official 2024 Visitor Guide.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Stay in the know with the best of Asheville delivered straight to your inbox.
Download the Explore Asheville App
Plan your time in Asheville from the comfort of your device.