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If you want to see Western North Carolina fall foliage, your best bet is to come during a peak time. The peak color usually occurs from mid-October to early November. The trees at the highest elevation change first, and the trees in the low foothills change last.

This year's fall foliage season is running right on time. Areas that typically show color first in North Carolina are Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, Waterrock Knob, Black Balsam, and Roan Mountain. The mid-elevations are predicted to peak between October 11- 25, 2021.

Fall color in the Asheville, N.C. area generally begins in late September, with the highest elevations (above 6,000 feet) seeing the change first. During the next six weeks, fall color makes its way down the mountainsides into the valleys and foothills.Oct 18, 2021

Three colors that will distract us from the cold climate of the upcoming season: yellow, orange, and pink will be the three It shades of Fall/Winter 2021. Scarlet orange, lemon yellow, and pink dominated the catwalks of Versace, Prada, and Gucci last season.Aug 26, 2021

Across the country, October is the month for leaf color and drop! More exact dates are below. Of course, if there's unusual weather in your area, like an especially dry season or early fall, trees may lose leaves sooner or later. Because weather has such a large impact, these dates may vary.Sep 5, 2017

How long does the fall color last? It varies depending on a number of factors that are difficult to predict, but peak color typically lasts 2 weeks for any given area. The most color throughout the state is often the middle to end of October. Great pockets of color start appearing in the mountains late in September.

From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway. The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November.Oct 20, 2021

This year's fall foliage is late, and the colors that have began to pop up are not as vibrant. The leaves' 2021 lackluster show is one thing that can't be blamed on the COVID-19 pandemic.Oct 20, 2021

2021 Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Forecast

As of right now, we're expecting the leaves to turn to gorgeous fall colors in higher elevations around mid-October, and continue into lower elevations until about mid-November.Sep 2, 2021