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.

 

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

Sept. 7, 2023

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.

Fall colors can be seen at Old Fort. Photo: Reggie Tidwell / Week of November 3, 2022
The new G5 Collective Trails in Old Fort off Jarrett Creek Road are the perfect way to experience a crisp fall. Photo: Reggie Tidwell / Week of Nov. 3, 2022
Fall trees are in full bloom at Biltmore. Photo: Jared Kay/Nov. 1, 2022
There is still plenty of color during the week of November 3 in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo: Reggie Tidwell
The sky, mountains and fall colors are a perfect mix for a drive through Old Fort. Photo: Reggie Tidwell / Week of November 3, 2022
The Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall are stunning from the Haw Creek Valley Overlook. Photo: Jared Kay/Nov. 1, 2022
Wiseman's View in the fall. Photo: Kat Dellinger / Week of November 3, 2022
Take a look at Wiseman's View in Linville Gorge. Photo: Kat Dellinger / Week of November 3, 2022
Fall colors explode at Brown Mountain Overlook Photo: Kat Dellinger / Week of November 3, 2022
The beauty of fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo: Jared Kay/ Nov. 1, 2022
The yellows are gorgeous at Cataloochee Bridge. Photo: Jared Kay/Oct. 26, 2022
The yellow, orange and red colors of fall were in full force here along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo: Jared Kay/Oct. 26, 2022
Fall at the Cradle of Forestry. Photo: Rachel Pressley/Oct. 26, 2022
Fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo: Rachel Pressley/Oct. 26, 2022
The fall views in Asheville, NC from the Blue Ridge Mountain. Photo: Kat Dellinger/Oct. 26, 2022
Fall at Grandfather Mountain. Photo: Kat Dellinger/ Oct. 26, 2022
Stunning fall colors can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC. Photo: Kat Dellinger/Oct. 26, 2022
Looking Glass Falls in the fall. Photo: Rachel Pressley/Oct. 26, 2022
A picture perfect autumn day along Yellow Gap Road. Photo: Reggie Tidwell.
Looking Glass Rock's fall colors shine in the evening. Oct. 20, 2022, Photo by Reggie Tidwell
Beautiful fall colors can be seen outside of Asheville near Looking Glass Rock. Oct. 20, 2022, Photo by Reggie Tidwell
Fall colors can be seen in downtown Asheville. Oct. 20, 2022, Photo by Reggie Tidwell
Grandfather Mountain on October 17, 2022. Photo by Kat Dellinger.
Colors of fall shine in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo by Kat Dellinger. Oct. 17, 2022.
The warmth of fall can be seen here at Black Balsam. Photo by Luke Sutton. 10/13/22
Cowee Mountain Overlook showcases the magnificent colors of fall here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo by Luke Sutton. 10/13/22
Colors shine at the East Fork Overlook. Photo by Luke Sutton. 10/13/22
Yellow fall colors create an incredible scene here at the Grandfather Mountain ranger district. Photo by Leslie Restivo. 10/13/22
A stunning look at fall color from Rough Ridge, NC. Photo by Leslie Restivo. 10/13/22
Fall colors can be scene clearly at their peak here at Linn Cove Viaduct. Photo by Leslie Restivo. 10/13/22
View of Grandfather Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by Leslie Restivo 10/7/22
Wild huckleberries blanket the top of Grandfather Mountain near the swinging bridge. Photo by Leslie Restivo. 10/7/22
A colorful rainbow sweeps across the colorful forest near the Lynn Cove Viaduct off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by Leslie Restivo. 10/7/22
Golden hues greet the rushing waters above Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields. Photo by Luke Sutton. 10/7/22
Sun sets across the Blue Ridge Parkway near Graveyard Fields looking back towards Asheville. Photo by Luke Sutton. 10/7/22

 

 

 

 

Meet Asheville's 2023 Fall Color Hunters

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.

Fall Color 101

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

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 interactive fall color map to help guide you for the best fall color.

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.

Search Lodging