Biltmore - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 28, 2020

Trust, NC - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 24, 2020

Montreat College - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 21, 2020

Catawba Falls - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 21, 2020

Mills River Valley Overlook - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 16, 2020

Blue Ridge Parkway near Craggy Gardens - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 13, 2020

Blue Ridge Parkway - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 12, 2020

Highway 215 - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 9, 2020

Rough Ridge - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 8, 2020

Chimney Rock State Park - Photo by Jason Tarr - November 6, 2019

Highway 276 - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 29, 2019

North Carolina Arboretum - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 28, 2019

Fall leaves in water along Blue Ridge Parkway - Photo by Jason Tarr - October 16, 2019

Asheville Fall Color Report & Forecast

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.

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Fall ColorMap

2021 Fall Foliage Schedule & Fall Leaf Forecast for Asheville, N.C.

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 year, biologists in Western North Carolina believe conditions are on track for a spectacular fall color display throughout Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, starting in mid-to-late September in the higher elevations (above 6,000 ft.). In the city of Asheville itself, and surrounding lower elevations, colors will be strongest in October depending on conditions. View the complete 2021 fall color forecast here >>.

ASHEVILLE FALL COLOR REPORT

Check out some of the images that we captured last year during the 2020 fall season in Asheville.

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.

Many of our visitors took selfies and photos and shared them with us using #VisitAsheville. 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.

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Fall Color 101

Check out the following frequently asked questions about the fall season in Asheville and Western North Carolina.

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 "green" 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? +

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.