To us, watching the local leaves turn from their vibrant shades of green to fall colors of amber, scarlet, and rust is one of the most spectacular things in the world.
This year, the latest reports from Appalachian State University professor Dr. Howard Neufeld (aka Fall Color Guy) detail early fall color can already be seen from Mt. Mitchell, Graveyard Fields, and other high-elevation areas near Asheville. Although, we may not be on the road to full fall foliage so soon — Dr. Neufeld writes that the warm temperatures may delay fall foliage and result in duller colors.
Remember, fall color starts at high elevations and paints its way down. Dr. Neufeld and Michael Denslow’s map predicts Asheville’s fall color will peak from about Oct. 24 to Oct. 31.
Wanna know some of our favorite places to see the leaves? Here are some driving-distance spots + pro tips for finding the best views in the city. If you’d rather hit the trails to immerse yourself in the color, check out our hiking guide.
