Here's When You Expect Fall Foliage To Peak Throughout North Carolina

Fall just may be our most favorite season in the Tar Heel State. There’s just something magical about the arrival of autumn that makes each year feel like it’s the very first time we’re seeing the splendors of the season. If you’re not able to get away this year for a day trip or a weekend for some prime leaf peeping, then with the help of the annual interactive fall foliage map from SmokyMountains.com you can now predict when the fall colors will arrive where you live in North Carolina.

Beginning with the week of October 5th, North Carolina's westernmost region will be at near peak, with a few places in the higher elevations at prime peak viewing.

This is a great week to plan a drive along the western end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For even more brilliant hues this week, head to the highest elevations in the state, like Mount Mitchell — or drive to the top of Beech Mountain.

According to SmokyMountains.com, it will only get better when, just seven days later on October 12th, the fall foliage that's at near peak will begin to sweep more than halfway across the state.

At the same time, the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina will be at its peak. Overlook after overlook will dole out breathtaking vivid colors in bright yellows, oranges, and rusty reds.

By October 19th, leaf peeping will be at its prime in nearly half the state.

This is the week when bright colors will extend all the way into Lake Norman State Park, where bright colors will dot the shoreline of Lake Norman. We'll cross our fingers for boating weather!

The coastal areas will be at near peak by October 26th, according to SmokyMountains.com. The interactive map pushes the orange (near peak) and the red (peak) further east and south as the change of season arrives to the lowest elevations in the state.

Over at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, visitors should be able to enjoy some of the brightest colors of the season during the week of October 26th.

And finally, as the mountainous areas and much of the state are beginning to show bare trees, the fall foliage will be in prime the week November 2nd in the lower coastal areas of the Tar Heel State.

Head outdoors for a colorful hike in a coastal area state park (Goose Creek State Park is shown here) to reconnect with Mother Nature's most colorful display.

One of the very best things 2020 hasn’t been able to wipe from our list of things to look forward to is the return of brilliant hues painting the landscape beginning in just a week or two in North Carolina! What’s your usual tradition for leaf peeping in North Carolina? We’d love to know where your go-to spot is and if you’re thinking of just admiring autumn in your own backyard this year instead. Let us know by joining the discussion in our comments!

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North Carolina, USA

According To The 2020 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, Here's When You Can Expect The Colors To Peak In Your Part Of North Carolina

Robin Jarvis

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