Predicting fall color in Asheville

Hues may be starting to change in high-elevation areas, but warm weather could stunt the fall color show.

Fall-foliage-AVL-Sept-2022

Orange you glad it’s fall?

Photo by @sonofa_bear

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, Appalachian State University’s latest fall color report details early fall color from Craggy Gardens and other high-elevation (3,000+ feet) areas. Although, we may not be on the road to full fall foliage so soon — Dr. Howard Neufeld, aka Fall Color Guy, writes that the warm temperatures expected for the region for the next couple of weeks could slow down the hues.

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.

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