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DKos Asheville Open Thread: Fall Color Map & Fall Leaves Schedule [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-10-07

Good day and welcome to DKos Asheville. This is the weekly Open Thread for Saturday, October 7th, 2023

This space appears each weekend to give readers a variety of links to local and regional news of interest, and opens the floor for comment and discussion. Wishing all a good day from beautiful Western North Carolina.

“Daily Kos fights for a progressive America by empowering its community and allies with information and tools to directly impact the political process.”

The weather made a drastic change last night, as temperatures dropped and we got the first rainfall in weeks. And yes, the leaves are changing and it’s looking like a fine fall season. Please jump the fold and let Explore Asheville help to guide your ‘leaf lookin’.

CLICK HERE to explore the interactive map above.

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. So, no matter when you visit from late September to early November, there will be an area in or near Asheville experiencing its brightest fall color of the season.

Click and drag the red dot to see where color is changing in Western North Carolina each week this fall. Zoom and drag the map for a more detailed look at where to find fall foliage each week. You can check out our weekly fall color report here!

*Please note: Dates are estimates only, based on current and past years’ observations and weather patterns. We cannot guarantee actual dates, and we may adjust this schedule during the season based on current conditions.

Fall Foliage Report & Forecast for Asheville, N.C.

Oct 5, 2023

Our Fall Color Hunters hit the trails this week in search of early waves of fall foliage!

In the first week of October, we typically recommend searching for color around the highest elevations (near or above 6,000 feet), like Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell State Park, Craggy Pinaccle and Graveyard Fields. While not at a 6,000-foot elevation, Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway traditionally is one of the first areas to see fall color because of the particular plant species found there.

Photographer Ricardo Tejeda went to Graveyard Fields for sunrise on Monday, October 1st, and Craggy Pinnacle for sunset on Tuesday, October 2nd. He said:

Being able to experience the beginning of autumn, as leaves transition from green to vibrant yellows and oranges, is a remarkable time of year. When seeking these fleeting moments, it's vital to plan accordingly and understand the progression of foliage change that takes place throughout the Western Carolina mountains. While higher elevations experience the color change first, some areas like Graveyard Fields, which sits at 5,000 feet, show colors earlier than other areas at the elevation due to the type of vegetation inhabiting

*September 29 through October 9 The first signs of fall begin to appear at the highest elevations (above 6,000 feet). Some of these places turn before others (Graveyard Fields/Craggy Gardens). Places to visit at this time:

Graveyard Fields: While not at a 6,000-foot elevation, Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway traditionally is one of the first areas to see fall color because of the particular plant species found there. Take a hike here to see multiple waterfalls framed in fall color.

While not at a 6,000-foot elevation, Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway traditionally is one of the first areas to see fall color because of the particular plant species found there. Take a hike here to see multiple waterfalls framed in fall color. Grandfather Mountain: Early leaves are also on display at Grandfather Mountain which includes the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge and several favorite hiking areas. (In the coming weeks, both Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell will provide great vantage points to see fall color in the valleys.)

Early leaves are also on display at Grandfather Mountain which includes the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge and several favorite hiking areas. (In the coming weeks, both Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell will provide great vantage points to see fall color in the valleys.) Mount Mitchell State Park: You'll likely see color change beginning on the approach road up to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Drive or hike to the top for an unrivaled view, and bring a jacket—the weather is often much cooler up here! The summit is primarily evergreen balsam trees, so the fall color tends to be on the approach road and slopes below.

You'll likely see color change beginning on the approach road up to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Drive or hike to the top for an unrivaled view, and bring a jacket—the weather is often much cooler up here! The summit is primarily evergreen balsam trees, so the fall color tends to be on the approach road and slopes below. Craggy Gardens: In the the Craggy Gardens area hike to Craggy Pinnacle.

Thanks for reading!

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