Fall Leaf Viewing Guide in North Carolina

It's officially fall in North Carolina, and peak week in the Carolinas is like no other! One of the perks of living in Charlotte is the proxomity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially at this time of year. Whether you venture west or stay closer to home here in Charlotte, our guide will help you determine when and where to view peak fall colors near Charlotte.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Near Boone/Banner Elk

Fall color on the parkway itself begins peaking in the second and third weeks of October, while peak color in these towns falls closer to the third week of October.

Grandview Overlook: A quick 15 minutes away from Boone, this view requires no hiking! Drive up to the overlook for a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Fall.

Linn Cove Viaduct: Cruise along the most famous bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway surrounded by the colors of autumn.

Elk Mountain Overlook: Another drive up view point for those who do not wish to hike to view peak fall color. 

Rough Ridge Lookout: Not only will you enjoy clear views of the fall foliage, you can also view Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct from the Rough Ridge viewpoints. 

Beacon Heights: Take a short and quick hike right up to enjoy two viewpoints on large rock platforms at Beacon Heights, perfect for sitting and relaxing while taking in the colors of peak week.

Linville Falls: Take moderate to strenuous hikes to Upper Falls or Lower Falls to observe peak Fall colors surrounding Linville Falls. 

Asheville

In the city of Asheville, peak fall color is best seen during the fourth week of October. To view the leaves from these hikes nearby, plan your visit for the second and third weeks of October.

Hawksbill Mountain: Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Linville Gorge wilderness area from the peak of Hawksbill Mountain. The hike is about 1.5 miles roundtrip, and the views are certainly worth it. You can even see the Charlotte skyline on a clear day!

Devil's Courthouse: Take a short but steep 20-minute hike to the viewpoint to enjoy a 360 panorama view, including 4 states (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia & Tennessee). 

Mount Mitchell State Park: About 30 miles outside of Asheville, this park offers hiking trails and campgrounds to wake up surrounded by fall color.

Black Balsam Knob: This easy/moderate hike is 2 miles round trip and brings you to a beautiful treeless landscape, allowing for clear views of the Fall foliage. 

Craggy Pinnacle: Another short hike (.9 miles round trip) to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Charlotte Area

If you're looking to stay closer to home, peak color here will likely be in November. Our city offers several scenic spots to appreciate fall colors, here are a few of our favorites.

Crowder's Mountain: About an hour away from Charlotte, this park offers several hiking trails of various difficulty and scenic views.

Reedy Creek Nature Reserve: Located in North Charlotte, you'll find easy trails to run, bike, or walk amongst fall color at this park.

Latta Nature Reserve: In addition to hiking trails, Latta Nature Reserve offers incredible views of Mountain Island Lake, which become even more beautiful in the fall. 

Anytime we boast about the many reasons we love living in Charlotte, the proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains continuously ranks top of the list. Especially at this time of year, we are reminded of the many opportunities to explore and appreciate nature in this area. If you're considering a move to the Charlotte area, we would love to be your guide! You can find us on Instagram and Facebook, or contact us at (704) 284-7674 or [email protected].