With leaf season predicted to peak anywhere from mid-October to early November (depending on elevation and location), planning now on when and how to view the best fall foliage in North Carolina is advised. The Tar Heel State is home to stunning vistas, like Linn Cove Viaduct, and rolling foothills, like Hanging Rock, that each offer a unique perspective of the breathtaking autumns we’re so well known for. Follow this road trip map to discover some of the best things to do in fall in North Carolina and to make the most of our stunning leaf season.

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1. Hanging Rock State Park
Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
thinkingdna/TripAdvisor
If you're in the Piedmont and unable to get to the mountains for leaf season, Hanging Rock State Park transports you straight there. Walk down to Lower Cascade Falls for some serene moments then hike to the top of Hanging Rock for breathtaking panoramic views while dangling your feet off rocky outcrops. Suggested viewing time is expected from mid-to-late October.
2. Linn Cove Viaduct
Linn Cove Viaduct, 3218 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Newland, NC 28657, USA
Flickr / Tim Lumley
There's no doubt about it, Linn Cove Viaduct is easily one of the most photographed and traveled Blue Ridge and Blue Ridge Parkway destinations come fall. It's where you can view some of the best fall foliage in North Carolina. This bridge dangles you off the edge of the mountains while providing stunning views with each twist and turn. Keep driving on the Blue Ridge to get new perspectives of Linn Cove, or visit nearby Grandfather Mountain afterward. The peak fall foliage is expected from mid-to-late October.
3. Roan Mountain
527 TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA
Flickr / Caobhin
While many think of fall as being surrounded by towering trees decorated in yellow, orange, and red leaves; Roan Mountain provides a whole new perspective. Situated on the TN/NC border, this small mountain chain is home to grassy balds and rocky outcrops. It's a very 'Sound of Music' experience with panoramic fall colors in North Carolina all around you, but you're standing in a wide-open field. It's a very unique experience. Suggested viewing time to see the best fall colors in North Carolina is mid-to-late October.

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4. Linville Gorge
Linville Gorge, North Carolina 28657, USA
Flickr / Jim Liestman
The 'Grand Canyon of the East' is the perfect place to ring in the best of fall in North Carolina in spectacular fashion. Wiseman's View - two various stone overlooks leaning you over the gorge, are accessed VIA a short walking trail from the parking section. Make a long weekend out of it by pitching a tent nearby and then visiting Linville Falls. The suggested viewing time is mid-to-late October.
5. Mount Mitchell
2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Flickr / katie wheeler
Is there really a better place to make the most of fall views than the highest peak east of the Mississippi? With easy accessibility (a quick drive to the top and walk to the overlook) visiting and taking in fall colors in North Carolina are incredibly accessible but forever memorable. The suggested viewing time is mid-to-late October.
6. Chimney Rock
742 Chimney Rock Park Rd, Lake Lure, NC 28746, USA
Chris Hawkins/Google
This state park not only features the famous 'Chimney' (and the 400 or so steps to the top) but also the towering Hickory Nut Falls, miles of hiking trails, and unique rocky scenery dating back to the first formation of the Blue Ridge. Of course, for prime color viewing you won't mind that trek to the top of the Chimney. The suggested viewing time is mid-to-late October.
7. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
eric hanson/Google
While you'll be doing plenty of driving in search of leaves, how about letting someone else take the wheel? Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is perfect for a unique all-day trip either on the Tuckasegee or Nantahala Gorge excursion. Make a long weekend of the journey by booking a room in Bryson City and exploring all that this quaint mountain town has to offer. The suggested viewing time is mid-to-late October.
8. Cherohala Skyway
Flickr / Dzmitry (Dima) Parul
You don't have to be a native to know the Blue Ridge Parkway is painfully cramped come fall. A great alternative is Cherohala Skyway. Starting near Robbinsville, the skyway provides stunning views of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and perches you atop scenic vistas (and some of the oldest mountains in the Appalachian range) like Little Huckleberry Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top, and John’s Knob. You'll see some of the best fall colors in North Carolina this way.

Read our full guide. The suggested viewing time is mid-to-late October.

I’m SO excited that fall and foliage season is quickly approaching, but now it’s time to start planning where to see fall colors in North Carolina this year! How do you plan to view foliage this season? Where are some of your favorite places to see the best fall foliage in North Carolina? For another fall-centric activity, visit these apple orchards in North Carolina.

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In South Carolina

Robin Jarvis | August 17, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in North Carolina?

Peak leaf-peeping in North Carolina is dependent upon many things and it's always impossible to predict the exact date the leaves will begin their transformation.

  • However, factoring in many of the expected variables, the Farmers' Almanac predicts that in the regions of North Carolina that are more aligned with the mountain ranges, the peak dates should occur between mid-to-late October.
  • For those seeking a rusty red, bright yellow, and even burnt orange landscape nearer to the North Carolina coast, the dates will be slightly later, with a peak occurring sometime between mid-to-late October through early November.

 

What are the best places in North Carolina to see fall foliage?

Of course, the best places to see fall foliage in North Carolina are those that offer a long-range view of scenic mountains with color splashed all over their slopes.

  • Virtually anywhere in Western North Carolina will have someplace nearby that takes visitors high enough in elevation to enjoy the splendors of fall.
  • For more specific suggestions of places to see fall colors in North Carolina, follow the Fall Foliage Road Trip in the article above.

 

What are the best North Carolina hikes to take in the fall?

Autumn is one of the best seasons for hiking in North Carolina, especially when the colors are peaking in the mountains!

  • For some of the best mountain trails to see fall foliage, head to Chimney Rock State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, and of course, the highest peak east of the Mississippi: Mt. Mitchell.
  • Additionally, all of the trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway will immerse you in the bright colors of fall - if you time your hike for the peak fall foliage dates.

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