Asheville Fall Color Report & Forecast

2020 Fall Foliage Schedule & Fall Leaf Forecast for Asheville, N.C.

ASHEVILLE FALL COLOR REPORT (NOVEMBER 4, 2020)

Wow! What a fall we had in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

The Asheville area typically experiences one of the longest fall color seasons in the nation because of the wide variety of elevations and biodiversity found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This season was no exception!

Fall color began in late September at the highest elevations and continued into this first week of November in the lowest elevations. After a round of unexpected storms to end October and begin November, including two that packed a punch with high winds, the 2020 fall color season has largely passed its prime. That being said, you can still find pops of color throughout downtown and the Omni Grove Park Inn, and in the lowest elevations at Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure. And, our visitors have found some nice pockets of color hanging on east of Asheville in Black Mountain and near Catawba Falls.

Throughout this season, we heard from vistiors and those who live in the Asheville area who told us time and time again that this was an incredibly vibrant fall season. 

We had the opportunity to see those colors first hand as we traveled throughout the Asheville area during the past six weeks. As we say goodbye to the autumn colors for this year, we are looking back on some of our favorite fall images we've captured and shared with you along the way.

For those of you who couldn't join us this year for fall in Asheville, we hope these pictures have helped you stay connected to the mountains. And, we hope these images inspire you to join us next fall, or sooner, here in the Land of Sky.

Thank you for following along with us!

The highest elevations, including Rough Ridge, provided a beautiful kick off to the 2020 fall season. Here you can see a dazzling array of colors near Grandfather Mountain. Photo taken October 8, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

It was a golden year for fall color, including here on Highway 215 near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Devil's Courthouse. Photo taken October 9, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

Fall color began to make its way down the mountainsides from the highest elevations, as seen at sunset at this colorful spot just below Waterrock Knob. Photo taken October 12, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

The Blue Ridge Parkway served as a scenic gateway to the fall colors as they developed at different elevations, such as here near Craggy Gardens. Photo taken October 13, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

During mid-October, a couple foggy mornings created magical autumn scenes along the trails, including here at Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail. Photo taken October 13, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

As we crested the middle of October, the highest elevations put on a final show before fall color officially shifted to the middle elevations. What a morning it was at the Linn Cove Viaduct for sunrise. Photo taken October 14, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

The middle elevations, including this valley below Max Patch Mountain, then began to steal the show. Photo taken October 15, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

From sunrise to sunset, each day brought incredible sights. Photo taken October 16, 2020 by Jason Tarr. 

We took to the air to provide a birds-eye view of the amazing colors as they brightened the middle elevations. This video was shot on Highway 215. Drones are not permitted on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Video taken October 16, 2020 by Amplified Media.
Many of our visitors took selfies and photos and shared them with us using #VisitAsheville. Scroll down the page to see our favorite photos submitted by you this fall season! Photo taken October 19, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

Autumn leaves framed Catawba Falls as fall color began to develop at the lower elevations. Photo taken October 21, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

It seemed gorgeous colors were reflected everywhere, including here at Lake Susan on the campus of Montreat College near Black Mountain. Photo taken October 21, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

Vibrant fall colors reached the lower elevations providing a scenic drive here along Highway 63 near Trust, NC (northwest of Asheville). Photo taken October 24, 2020 by Jason Tarr.


Outdoor adventurers, including kayakers, took to the water at places like Lake Junaluska to see the fall colors up close. Photo taken October 24, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

Autumn hues were seemingly everywhere to be found throughout the mountains. On this night, on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Maggie Valley. Photo taken October 26, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

As fall color reached its height in the lower elevations, Biltmore House was bordered by golden leaves. Photo taken October 27, 2020 by Jason Tarr.

Fall color entered its home stretch, finally reaching the lowest elevations such as Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. Photo taken October 28, 2020 by Jason Tarr.
 

Where do I see fall color this week near Asheville, NC?

There are still some pops of color here and there throughout the area. However, fall color has largely passed its prime througout the Asheville area.

Please note: If you venture out to the Blue Ridge Parkway, please be advised some stretches of the road may be closed due to debris brought down in a recent storm. Please check road conditions before you travel. For information on the Blue Ridge Parkway road conditions, please see this real-time road closures map from the National Park Service.

How can I experience fall in Asheville this week?

Leave it to the experts to help guide you through the autumn leaf season in Asheville. These guided tours provide an opportunity for private, socially-distanced experience. Choose from guided experiences for photography, history, outdoor adventure, hiking, and wellness. We have a list of guided tours in Asheville on our tours page.

Sit outside among the fall leaves while you savor a meal at one of Asheville's renowned independent restaurants. Our partners at the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association updates an Asheville restaurant list which notes Asheville restaurants with outdoor dining. 

For more ideas for fall things to do in Asheville, check out our guide to the top 10 ways to experience fall in Asheville. As you plan your visit, here are five things to know about fall in Asheville. 

When is peak fall color?

That's the question many visitors ask us each year. The answer may surprise you! 

There is no single peak time for fall color in the Asheville area. That's one of our top 5 things you need to know about fall in Asheville. 

The development of fall color is largely dependent on elevation. Because there is such a wide variety of elevations near town, Asheville enjoys one of the longest and most vibrant fall color seasons in the nation. The timing of the fall color change also depends on the species of trees and plants found in each area. See our guide to the science behind fall color to learn more! 

How can I receive fall color reports by email?

Sign up using the form on this page! 

The color reports will help keep you up to date on where to find the best and the brightest colors during your visit. Even if you're not planning a vacation during fall, you'll find lots of travel inspiration in the form of photos, recommended drives and hikes and fun events and festivals.

Scroll down to read our weekly report and, during the fall season, to find out what events and activities are happening this week in Asheville.

What should I know about visiting Asheville in Fall 2020?

As North Carolina continues its reopening plan, shops, galleries, attractions, taprooms, and restaurants are predominantly open. Asheville-area businesses, community members and visitors are making a commitment to each other: The Asheville Stay Safe Pledge. In an effort to keep each other healthy, the state of North Carolina requires masks inside public places. Masks are also required in outdoors public places where social distancing isn't possible. See our Asheville travel information and updates page for the latest updates and a list of open businesses.  

See fall fan photos from 2020!

This weekend, we'll be sharing the first fall fan photos of 2020. Check back to see your photos from the mountains! Share your photos with us throughout the season by using #VisitAsheville when you post for a chance to be featured here and on our social media channels!