Reggie Tidwell
Reggie is the owner of Curve Theory, an award-winning local photography and graphic design firm. He loves Asheville due to its endless scenic beauty. Follow: @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.
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 >>
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.
Check Rates
Search B&Bs or Cabins & Rentals
Search B&Bs or Cabins & Rentals
Search B&Bs or Cabins & Rentals
Meet Asheville's 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 the owner of Curve Theory, an award-winning local photography and graphic design firm. He loves Asheville due to its endless scenic beauty. Follow: @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. Follow: @rachelblaireroams
Jared is the founder of Amplified Media, Inc. – a local photography and videography company. Outside of work, he enjoys sunrises, biking and spending time with his wife & son. Follow: @jared_kay
Kat is an amateur photographer and nurse anesthetist near Morganton, NC. She is married with two kids and two vizslas, where she hikes with them as much as possible. Follow: @kitkat.dellinger
Leslie is an outdoor photographer based in Boone, NC. Her photography journey started by capturing moments with her daughter and quickly turned into a career and passion. Follow: @leslie_restivo
Luke is a professional landscape and commercial photographer and adventurer based in Maggie Valley, N.C. He uses photography to communicate a sense of experience with his viewers. Follow: @jeffreylukesutton
Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains goes hand-in-hand with Asheville's craft art culture, and there are plenty of art festivals & events happening in Asheville this weekend:
For more weekend ideas, see our Weekend Events page.
One of the best ways to explore Asheville during the fall is with a weekday adventure, when you'll find fewer people out and about in town and on the trails. Here are some upcoming events to enjoy next week:
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.
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.
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.
Check Rates
Search B&Bs or Cabins & Rentals
Search B&Bs or Cabins & Rentals
Search B&Bs or Cabins & Rentals
For Media
For Planners