Reggie Tidwell
Reggie is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary photographer and graphic designer. Reggie chose Asheville because of its endless scenic beauty. He's in his 22nd year of business operating Curve Theory. @curvetheory
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 Hunter keeps you in the know on where to go.
We're in for another spectacular season of fall color in Asheville, according to Dr. Howie Neufeld, professor of plant eco-physiology at Appalachian State University. The warm weather could delay peak color but also extend the overall leaf season.
“NOAA's long-range forecast predicts slightly warmer weather in the Southeast through November. Warmer temperatures, especially in the latter half of September, could delay peak color,” said Dr. Howie Neufeld, professor of plant eco-physiology at Appalachian State University. “If only a minor warming occurs, colors would be delayed 3-5 days. If more significant, it could be a week or two, depending on the magnitude of the warming.” Neufeld continues, “If it gets warm in the early fall, some trees will delay their color, but those cuing in mainly on day-length will continue to color up on schedule and the color season will become extended.”
Dr. Beverly Collins, former professor of biology at Western Carolina University, agrees.
“If we return to more ‘normal’ cooler temperatures with moderate rainfall, colors should be vibrant, as they were last year," she said. "If it stays warm, fall color will be later and more spread out. This will result in a longer leaf season."
Learn more about the fascinating science behind fall color.
In addition to day-length and temperature, factors such as precipitation and insects can influence the quality of fall color. In 2023, current conditions have been favorable, Neufeld said. “We are not in a drought situation which means trees won’t be losing their leaves prematurely," he said, adding that moderate rain along with the absence of major tree diseases and insect infestations “point to a good fall color season.”
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. The first signs of fall show in late September in the higher elevations (above 6,000 ft.) – these areas are reached by scenic drives just 30-60 minutes from the city center.
Check out some of last year's Fall Color Hunter photos below and come back soon for more updates! Don't forget to share your fall photos on Instagram and tag @visitasheville for a chance to be featured.
Meet Asheville's 2023 Fall Color Hunters -- a group of talented local photographers who have a passion for capturing the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each week, they'll share updates on when and where to catch the best and brightest fall color in the region, plus local insights on what to expect when visiting Asheville during the fall.
Reggie is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary photographer and graphic designer. Reggie chose Asheville because of its endless scenic beauty. He's in his 22nd year of business operating Curve Theory. @curvetheory
Rachel is an Asheville-based photographer and content creator specializing in outdoor, editorial and wedding photography. She spends a lot of her free time traveling and hiking. @rachelblaireroams
Ricardo Tejeda is an experienced graphic designer, photographer, printer, and blog writer based in Asheville. He started his company, Show And Tale Creative, in 2021. @showandtalecreative
Erin McGrady (she/her) and Caroline Whatley (she/her) are the creators behind Authentic Asheville. They share stories that increase BIPOC and LGBTQ+ representation in the outdoors. @authenticasheville
Katie is a content creator and travel blogger based in Asheville. She enjoys traveling and hiking and can’t wait to chase the fall colors this year! @wherekatieis
Blair is an adventurer who is local to Asheville and loves exploring the trails of Western North Carolina. She enjoys sharing her adventures and encouraging others to spend more time in nature. @blairvmeeks
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 interactive fall color map to help guide you for the best fall color.
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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.
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