A crisp breeze. Pumpkin spice. Sweater weather. All signs that fall has fallen in North Carolina. Leaf it to us to pick a few prime places to peep the changing colors across the state. We’re falling for the vibrant patchwork of fall every weekend and can’t wait to make the drive up to tour some truly vibrant foliage. Western North Carolina has one of the longest seasons for fall foliage in the nation. And #DYK the Great Smoky Mountains are home to more than 120 different species of trees, the greatest variety in the US? A.k.a. we’re falling for the vibrant patchwork of fall every weekend.
The changing of leaves usually follows this pattern:
- Mid-October: Areas around 5,500 ft.
- Late October: Areas around 2,300 ft.
- Early November: Areas below 1,500 ft.
View an interactive fall color map here.
Whether you’re making a quick day trip, or taking a weekend getaway, here are six destinations (in order of driving distance) to catch the changing colors:
🍁 Uwharrie National Forest, 789 NC-24, Troy | 1.5 hrs. from downtown Raleigh
One of the four national forests in NC, Uwharrie boasts 50,645 acres in parts of Montgomery, Davidson, + Randolph counties. DYK– the first documented gold rush took place here in 1799. You can visit the historic Russell Gold Mine Stamp Mill, which was built in the 1850s, along your hike. Click here for maps + their recreation guide.
🍁 Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Ln., Gastonia | 3 hrs. from downtown Raleigh
Select one of the eleven trails (ranging from pastoral to strenuous) to visit one, or both of the companion peaks– The Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain. The visitor center features museum-quality exhibits as well as information on their programs– including fishing + canoeing across their nine-acre lake.
🍁 Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.7, Asheville | ~4 hrs. from downtown Raleigh
Take the short 1.5-mile round-trip hike around Craggy Pinnacle Trail, and get panoramic views at the top– you can even see the Asheville Watershed. After you’ve had your fill of leafing, travel back down to the city and fill your stomach at one of Asheville’s downtown restaurants. Take your pick from our list here.
🍁 Blue Ridge Parkway, Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville | ~4 hrs. from downtown Raleigh
While driving the scenic route is the most iconic way to enjoy the leaves, we recommend taking a break from sitting in the car + making a pit stop at the Folk Art Center – to both enjoy some art and to grab a map. Before you leave the center, you can plan out the perfect route, highlighting the stops to take for the best overlooks.
Bonus: Check out our 48-hour guide to Asheville here.
🍁 Mt. Mitchell, 2388 N.C. Highway 128, Burnsville | ~4 hrs. from downtown Raleigh
Enjoy the ride up to the highest point east of the Mississippi River by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway and N.C. Highway 128. Walk up the ¼-mile paved trail + stay here to admire the view – or be adventurous and hike the 3,600 ft. (5.5 miles) Mount Mitchell Trail. Pro-tip: This hike is steep + strenuous. If you don’t want to hike 11 miles roundtrip, then park one car at the top and one car at the campground.
After you’ve awed at the 360-degree panoramic views, enjoy a picnic (very large picnic area + two group areas), or visit the local restaurant located ½ mile from the park entrance.
🍁 Pisgah Inn, 408 Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton | 4.5 hrs. from downtown Raleigh
When visiting Pisgah Inn, you’re in a perfect location for leafing, hiking + eating. Choose between hiking up to Mt. Pisgah, Fryingpan Mountain Tower, or various trails around the Inn. Pisgah Inn has its own restaurant that’s ideal for grabbing lunch or dinner, plus a gift shop right next door. Bonus: Want to learn all the mountains in your view? The Inn has a great guide that pinpoints each mountain.
