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. The first signs of fall show in late September in the higher elevations (above 6,000 ft.) -- these areas are reached by scenic drives of just 30-60 minutes from the city center. In the city of Asheville itself and surrounding lower elevations, colors will be strongest in mid to late October depending on conditions. View the official 2022 Fall Color Forecast here >>

Asheville Fall Color Report – November 3, 2022

The peak of fall in the Asheville area hit the lower elevations this week as temperatures cooled, and the fall season stretches into winter. There are still plenty of spaces to spot some fall color when you visit. A top spot to observe fall color is the Biltmore Estate. Colorful trees still line the roads of the estate, and visitors to the house will see fall foliage and flowers for just a bit longer while wandering through the gardens and landscaping. While the peak has passed in the Linville Gorge, the colors are still stunning, and you will have a wonderful view of yellows and greens along the Linville River. For easier access to fall colors, visitors can take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to spots like Hawcreek Overlook or Tanbark Overlook to stop and enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the car. The Fall Color Hunters recommend a trip to Old Fort, where the colors are still shining. 

Kat Dellinger: "It's just past peak color in the upper elevations of Linville Gorge, but it's still beautiful. The leaves are red and falling fast with the wind. The yellows and greens are still hanging on towards the Linville River. If your vehicle has enough ground clearance, Wiseman's View off of HWY 105 has one of the easiest walks available to one of the best panoramic views of Table Rock and Hawksbill. If you take a drive up 181 right now, you'll be greeted with all of the fall colors at the Brown Mountain Overlook. The rains are coming this weekend, so get out while you can! Please remember to follow Leave No Trace ethics and stay safe."

Jared Kay:  "This has been an unbelievable year for fall foliage. The colors continue to hold strong below 3,000 feet. There is still plenty to see and explore well into the first few weeks of November. Biltmore Estate is an absolute favorite location to experience a pristine autumn landscape unlike any other. The rolling hills and quaint gardens boast a wide variety of tree species, some of which I'm convinced actually appear to glow in their autumn cloak.​"

Reggie Tidwell: "This week, I really enjoyed meandering through Old Fort. There are lots of little roadside treasures and an abundance of hiking trails. One of my favorite things is moss-covered rocks and fallen leaves together ... so vibrant and [it] invites you to slow down and reflect for a bit. One spot I went was near the new G5 Trail Collective trails in Old Fort off Jarret Creek Road. There was still plenty of color there on Tuesday. What an amazing project and what amazing trails to explore! Though it's past peak, it's a perfect time to take a drive through Old Fort and an even better time to pull over for a hike or mountain bike ride." 

Check out some of their photos below and come back for more updates from our other Fall Color Hunters! Don't forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag @visitasheville for a chance to be featured.