Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains to see the fall foliage? You’re likely not alone. Millions flock to the Great Blue Ridge to see the grandeur that is autumn among the mountains of Western North Carolina and Western Virginia. With two national parks and a plethora of national forests, the Blue Ridge Mountains are prime territory for some fall leaf peeping.
Fall Foliage Season In the Blue Ridge
Fall foliage season is long lasting throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains as the leaves at different altitudes change over at different times, meaning you can be guaranteed to get some color anytime between late September and late November. While the color showing differs each year due to environmental conditions, fall colors normally begin at higher elevations above 5000′ by the last week of September and hit peak color in the first week of October. The colors move down the mountains, peaking in lower elevations below 3000′ by the last week of October and first week of November.
Depending on where you plan to visit, you can find color forecasts on local tourism websites, but checking forecasts for the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks will usually give a good idea of what date ranges to target for your trip.
Hiking in the Blue Ridge Fall Foliage
As you plan your fall foliage excursion to the Blue Ridge, make sure to incorporate some hiking into your itinerary. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the grandeur of a Blue Ridge fall.
Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks offer amazing opportunities to hike but are often overcrowded. Getting out of the parks and into adjacent national forests offers the option for more secluded camping and hiking options and allows you to avoid the crowds. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests in North Carolina and George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia are easily accessible hiking options for fall foliage viewing and offer opportunities for free, off-grid camping.
Waterfalls make great hiking destinations, and that is doubly true in the fall. Luckily, the Blue Ridge mountains are loaded with great waterfall options. Practice a little photography and capture that perfect shot of Crabtree Falls outside Asheville, NC or Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park.
Preparing for Your Blue Ridge Fall Foliage Trip
The most important part of making any trip enjoyable is adequate planning, and the same is definitely true of any fall foliage trips in the Blue Ridge mountains. Knowing possible weather forecasts, packing proper hiking gear and having GPS coordinates for any trailheads you visit, and devising a loose itinerary will ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Weather in the Blue Ridge mountains can be unpredictable during peak fall foliage months. Snow is possible at hiring elevations beginning in October, but there is also the chance for warm, summery days as well. On average, highs range between 55 and 70 degrees and lows between 40 and 60 degrees. Looking at weather forecasts for your destination will help determine what you’ll need to be comfortable while enjoying the fall foliage.
There is little cell service in many of the more rural parts of the Blue Ridge mountains and having weather awareness before you arrive and staying updated throughout the trip will allow you to make decisions when you’re out of cell range. Always plan ahead when hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Blue Ridge Fall Foliage is Spectacular
The Great Blue Ridge is a perfect place to see spectacular fall foliage and immerse yourself in nature while staying relatively close to home. The mountains offer so many opportunities for experiencing the splendor of autumn. From hikes to waterfall viewing, camping to photography, the Blue Ridge is the perfect fall foliage destination.
Parker Outside 