Fall in Love With Asheville

Black Balsam Knob

Dramatic displays of fall foliage

One of the Longest and Most Vibrant Leaf Seasons

Fall color in the Asheville area starts to paint the landscape in late September, beginning at the highest peaks (above 6,000 feet) and cascading down to the valleys and foothills over the next six weeks. Whether you visit from late September to early November, you'll find a corner of Asheville or its surrounding areas ablaze with the season's most vibrant hues—a timeless spectacle that invites you to experience the beauty of nature at its peak.

Read our Fall Color Report
Blue Ridge Mountains in Fall / Photo: Leslie Restivo

Interactive Fall Color Map

Track the vibrant progression of fall foliage in the Asheville area with our interactive Fall Color Map, offering a week-by-week guide to finding the best spots to see fall colors throughout the region.

Find Color
The Blue Ridge Parkway in fall / Photo: Rob Travis

Fall Color Report

Stay updated on the best autumn hikes, drives, and travel deals in Asheville with our weekly fall color reports, guiding you to the season’s most vibrant spots.

Real-time Color Reports
LEAF Festival in Black Mountain / Photo: Reggie Tidwell

Fall Events & Festivals

From local crafts to lively music, our fall events offer a chance to connect with the heart of Asheville and its ever-evolving culture.

Celebrate With Us
The Lion and the Rose Bed & Breakfast Asheville NC

Book Your Fall Escape

As fall rolls into Asheville, whether you’re drawn to sweeping views from the rooftop of a downtown hotel or cozy cabins tucked away in the foliage, you'll find the perfect retreat that offers a warm, inviting escape.

Explore Places to Stay

The Science of Fall Color

Trees aren't just artistic — they're also smarter than you think.

Trees in fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway / Photo: Jared Kay
Tree in fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway / Photo: Jared Kay

Trees are Capitalists.

Trees operate like businesses, using photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy and structural components, much like how companies produce goods and reinvest profits.

The Southern Appalachians boast around 120 tree species, offering a richer fall color spectrum than New England's beech, birch, and maple-dominated forests.

Bright fall colors in leaves may signal to insects that the tree has chemical defenses, similar to the warning colors of poison dart frogs.

Adventures throughout the year

Experience Asheville's Seasons