The fall season enters its final stretch with fall color now settling into the valleys and the foothills. Catch the last of the autumn leaves here in Asheville -- check lodging rates for the upcoming week.

Read below to find out where to go this week (Nov. 2-Nov. 8) for the best fall color and how best to experience fall in Asheville in the coming days.

Where can I see fall color this week?

Fall color is now at its strongest in the lowest elevations, areas at 2,000 feet or below.

Brightly-colored trees can be found in downtown Asheville and throughout the city limits. There are still pockets of fall color at local attractions including Biltmore, the North Carolina Arboretum and the Omni Grove Park Inn. 

To the south of town, color is developing in nearby communities including in the Chimney Rock area, Hendersonville wine country, Tryon and Saluda.

Please note: Chimney Rock State Park is closed for repairs due to storm damage.

To the east of Asheville, you'll find nice trees around the community of Black Mountain and in the foothills communities of Old Fort, Marion and Morganton.

How can I experience autumn this week?

The mild weather pattern continues in the Asheville area with temperatures in the low 70s expected through next Tuesday.

Color continues a strong showing in South Asheville at the North Carolina Arboretum, which offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

In the foothills, a good hike this week is the trail to Catawba Falls in the nearby community of Old Fort (just 25 miles from downtown Asheville). This moderate trail follows an old wagon route 1.5 miles to the falls. 

There has been some nice color in pockets along the scenic drive from Asheville to Chimney Rock on Highway 74A and then back up to Black Mountain on Highway 9.

Take the unique opportunity to see both fall color and holiday splendor at Biltmore this week! Biltmore kicks off its Christmas at Biltmore celebration Friday, November 3. There is still fall color around the estate to enjoy as you see the grand decorations and lights, and the more than 100 hand-decorated trees.

For art lovers, a trio of events are planned for this week in the Asheville area. Go on a free Art Safari on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 4-5) in the nearby community of Weaverville! Weaverville is just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. Take the self-guided tour to see many artists in their working environments.

Beer and art come together on Saturday (Nov. 4) at Wicked Weed's first-ever Festival of Artistry. The festival will feature 30 local artists. And, to kick off the weekend, downtown Asheville hosts its monthly Art Walk Friday (Nov. 3) to help you explore 25 galleries and museums within a half-mile radius of the city center.

To find great events for any day and night of the week, see our full events calendar!

More big-name talent takes to the Asheville music stage this week with Bon Iver at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 4-5). Alt-J performs at the U.S. Cellular Center on Friday night (Nov. 3).

Read our weekly things to do post for more travel ideas.

What's up next?

This is our final weekly fall color report of the 2017 autumn season but November kicks off an exciting time in Asheville with holiday happenings planned throughout the month!

Before the holidays ramp up, see nearly 200 artists in their working studios during the much-anticipated Fall Studio Stroll in the River Arts District (Nov. 11-12). Then, have your taste of Asheville's delicious cuisine and enjoy a side of music at the Taste of Asheville event (Nov. 16).

The holiday schedule lights up Nov. 17 when the Winter Lights celebration kicks off at the North Carolina Arboretum. See more than 500,000 bright lights turn the nationally-known gardens into a winter wonderland.

Toward the end of November, prepared for the sweet treat of getting to see the best gingerbread houses in the nation! The entries for the National Gingerbread Competition go on display at the Omni Grove Park Inn beginning Nov. 26.