One of the great mysteries of nature is attempting to predict precisely when the Blue Ridge Mountains Fall colors will peak every year.
Of course, there is some science that goes into making the annual Fall Colors Forecast, including considering elevation, climate conditions, recent rainfall, and temperature changes.
But, as with so many things in nature, a tweak or twinge from the norm here and there, and things can change VERY quickly (as they did last year, due to Hurricane Helene).
We’ve pieced together the best guesses regional scientists have to offer, including experts like the Fall Color Guy (a.k.a. Appalachian State professor Michael Denslow) and Explore Fall (which uses advanced AI models to make predictions).
In the end, we created this week-by-week Autumn leaf-peeping guide in an attempt to help you catch the leaves at their peak as colors change in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Fall.
We’ve covered four different states—Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee & Virginia—and locations with altitudes ranging from 6,000-plus feet to under 1,000 feet.
We’ve also included many of our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and other attractions.
So if leaf-peeping is on your travel itinerary this year, look no further! Here’s what you need to know, and when you need to know it…
READ MORE: 10 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts
Best Fall Foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Kuwohi (TN/NC)
- Black Balsam Knob (NC)
- Grandfather Mountain (NC)
- Grayson Highlands State Park (VA)
- Graveyard Fields (NC)
- Brasstown Bald (GA)
- Linn Cove Viaduct/Rough Ridge (NC)
- Rabun Bald (GA)
- Beacon Heights Overlook (NC)
- Holston Mountain (TN)
- Julian Price Memorial Park (NC)
- Peaks of Otter (VA)
- Skyline Drive/Shenandoah National Park (VA)
- Black Rock Mountain State Park (GA)
- McAfee Knob (VA)
- Roan Mountain State Park (TN)
- Mabry Mill Blue Ridge Parkway (VA)
- Fort Mountain State Park (GA)
- Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge (GA)
- Chimney Rock State Park (NC)
- Bryson City (NC)
- Helen (GA)
- Natural Bridge State Park (VA)
- Chattanooga (TN)
- Front Royal (VA)
READ MORE: The 15 Best Places for Glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Week 1: Oct 1-8
(5000+ feet)
1. Kuwohi (FKA Clingmans Dome)
The highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (and the entire state of Tennessee), Kuwohi looms large at 6,643 feet above sea level and offers panoramic views in all directions.
In fact, the short, but steep hike from the parking area culminates in a cool observation tower with an unparalleled view of one of the nation’s most popular National Parks.
For those who can’t manage the hike, the views from the parking area are phenomenal as well.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains
2. Black Balsam Knob
Richland Balsam (6,053 feet) is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but the popular Blue Ridge Parkway hike to Black Balsam Knob tops 6,200 feet.
This trek to the peak of Black Balsam Knob is considered by many to be the best Fall foliage views in all 512,758 acres of Pisgah National Forest.
The trail to Black Balsam is a small part of a much longer route called the Art Loeb Trail (28.5 miles).
READ MORE: The 20 Best Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall
3. Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s also easily the most beloved mountain in the NC High Country.
The mountain reaches 5,946 feet and towers over the town of Banner Elk, and it is the centerpiece of Grandfather Mountain State Park‘s 2,500+ acres of rugged wilderness.
Nearby, Grandfather Mountain Nature Park has a mile-high swinging bridge from which you can admire the Autumn foliage, as well as hiking trails offering incredible views of the forest.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC
4. Grayson Highlands State Park
The tallest mountain in Virginia, Mount Rogers has its own dedicated recreation area in Jefferson National Forest. But it’s best accessed via Grayson Highlands State Park.
The Southwest Virginia park itself has peaks that top 5,700 feet, and it is said the views from them are actually better than those from the slightly higher peaks that surround them.
Grayson Highlands has fantastic hiking trails, great campgrounds, a huge picnic area, and a beloved herd of wild horses. It makes for a fantastic day of finding Fall foliage.
READ MORE: Virginia Fall Foliage: The 15 Best Places to See Fall Colors in VA
5. Graveyard Fields
In our experience, Graveyard Fields (5,120 ft) is a Top 5 spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has magnificent North Carolina waterfalls with great hiking trails, and the Autumn leaves there are lovely to say the least.
Graveyard Fields makes for a reasonable day trip from Western NC mountain towns like Asheville, Brevard, Maggie Valley, or Bryson City.
Not only are the views here from a high elevation, but the kicker for special NC Fall foliage is that the best spots are framing stunning waterfalls!
READ MORE: 10 Fun Things to Do During Fall in Asheville NC
Week 2: Oct 9-16
(4,000-5,000 feet)
6. Brasstown Bald
At 4,784 feet, Brasstown Bald is the tallest mountain in Georgia, offering visitors bird’s eye views of four states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The mountain looms large over the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, and it’s the first place to see peak Autumn leaves in the state of Georgia.
The hike up is short (0.55 miles), but a little tough. There’s also a shuttle to the top for $2.
READ MORE: 25 Fun Things To Do in Georgia for Fall
7. Linn Cove Viaduct & Rough Ridge
The Linn Cove Viaduct was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be completed, because the unique rock formations and plant life below it were too valuable ecologically to disturb.
This area offers fantastic photo opportunities because it has the unique perspective of the road sailing over the marvelous colors of the tree canopy.
The Rough Ridge Trail (4,773 ft) is a wonderful NC hiking trail that climbs up and parallels the Linn Cove Viaduct, providing great views of Grandfather Mountain and the rolling hills of the NC Piedmont.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Small Towns Near Asheville NC
8. Rabun Bald
Rabun Bald peaks at 4,695 rt above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in Georgia. The summit is reached via a 3-mile round-trip hike on the Bartram Trail.
The mountain shadows the tourist town of Clayton GA, as well as providing wonderful overlooks for taking in the seasonal leaf changes both in Georgia and North Carolina.
There is an observation tower at the summit of Rabun Bald that allows viewers to see up to 100 miles away on a clear Autumn day!
READ MORE: Fall in the Mountains of North Georgia: 25 Places to See Fall Colors
9. Beacon Heights Overlook
Located near Linville Falls, the Beacon Heights Overlook (4,340 feet) on the Blue Ridge Parkway is an amazing place to enjoy beautiful Fall foliage in mid-October.
On clear days, visitors can spot Calloway Peak, the top of Grandfather Mountain, as well as mountain summits along the Linville Gorge Wilderness.
This overlook has a short hiking trail to two rock outcrops, which bestow pure magic in terms of sweeping views of Autumn leaves.
READ MORE: Fall in North Carolina: 25 Great Places to See Fall Colors in NC
1o. Holston Mountain
Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest encompasses 650,000 acres, so it’s even bigger than Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At 4,280 feet, Holston Mountain is the highest point in the forest.
The CNF has 2 scenic byways, 7 white water rafting rivers, 700+ miles of hiking trails, and 30 campgrounds. There is also the Watauga Lake Area and the French Broad River.
Holston Mountain also has a killer 7.5-mile loop trail that includes an observation tower and Flint Mill Gap.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Places to See Fall in Tennessee
Week 3: Oct 17-24
(3,000-4,000 feet)
11. Julian Price Memorial Park
Julian Price Memorial Park is a personal favorite of mine, as it boasts one of the best lakes in the North Carolina mountains, a wildly unique waterfall, and great hiking trails.
The park’s remarkable water features make it all the more beautiful when the Autumn colors begin to turn. The reflection of Price Lake, which is surrounded by forest, is truly hard to beat.
This ever-popular recreation area (which has campgrounds and a lovely picnic area) is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the NC High Country, and it teeters between 3,400 to 4,000 feet.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Picnic Areas in NC & VA
12. Peaks of Otter
The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia has numerous incredible highlights, but Peaks of Otter is definitely near the top of the can’t-miss collection.
At its heart, the historic Peaks of Otter Lodge (and restaurant) sit on the banks of Abbott Lake, which is surrounded by high-flying mountain peaks, including Sharp Top Mountain (3,875 feet).
There’s a visitors center here, a fine selection of hiking trails, a waterfall, and a campground. The summit of Sharp Top has spectacular 360º views of Fall foliage, and there’s a shuttle to make it easier to reach.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Bedford VA (BRP MP 85.6–90.9)
13. Skyline Drive/Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive is essentially a continuation of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, which connects the Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park.
Skyline Drive is 105 miles long, takes about 3 beautiful hours to traverse (with lots of overlooks and trails worth stopping for), and it is the main throughway for exploring Shenandoah National Park.
The northern entrance to Skyland Lodge (Milepost 41.7) is the highest point on Skyline Drive, measuring 3,680 feet above sea level.
READ MORE: Fall in Shenandoah National Park: 10 Places to See Fall Foliage
14. Black Rock Mountain State Park
While not the highest point in Georgia, Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest North Georgia state park. It reaches altitudes of 3,640 feet and rises above the small town of Clayton GA.
The park has several hiking trails leading to great views of Fall foliage reflected on Black Rock Lake, mountain panoramas, and vistas stretching into South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
In our experience, the Tennessee Rock Trail is the best hike for Fall colors and sunsets!
READ MORE: The 10 Best State Parks With Cabins In Georgia
15. McAfee Knob
McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, and it’s perfect for a day hike to enjoy the Fall foliage.
This hike is about 8 miles round-trip and takes 3-4 hours to complete. It winds through several different forest ecosystems and impressive rock formations en route to a rocky outcrop (3,197 feet) with jaw-dropping views.
The trailhead for McAfee Knob isn’t far from Downtown Roanoke, and it’s wildly popular. So it’s a good idea to get there early in order to get a spot in the designated parking area.
READ MORE: 15 Great Romantic Getaways in Virginia for Couples
Week 4: Oct 25 – Nov 1
(2,000-3,000 feet)
16. Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain State Park is in the far eastern reaches of Tennessee. It’s only a couple thousand acres (which is small for a state park), and rests at the base of the 6,285-ft Roan Mountain.
The park itself has an average elevation of about 2,972 feet, which is perfect for catching mid-October Fall foliage and looking up towards the summit to see the remnants of early leaf change.
Roan Mountain State Park also has really nice campgrounds, a few cool historic sites, and some fairly mild hiking trails.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Scenic Train Rides in Tennessee
17. Mabry Mill
Whatever time of year, this is my go-to drive for taking visitors on the Blue Ridge Parkway into Virginia. The historic Mabry Mill is the #1 most photographed attraction on the entire 469-mile scenic route.
This restored mill (which recently got a new shake roof) once powered a carpentry shop, and all of the old equipment is truly interesting. It also has a quality gift shop, and an easy walking trail.
Located at 2,913 feet, with a beloved mill pond (which is sadly in need of dredging by the chronically underfunded NPS), it’s a perfect place to take in some colorful leaves on a mid-Autumn day.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Restaurants in VA & NC
18. Fort Mountain State Park
A near-consensus vote as the best state park in Georgia, Fort Mountain State Park is highly regarded for its stunning scenic views and extensive hiking and biking trail system.
This gorgeous park has hardwood forests, numerous streams, and historic buildings. And the route to reach the park, along Hwy 52 between Chatsworth and Ellijay GA, is awesome for leaf-peeping along the way.
Located at an elevation of 2,850 ft near the border of the Cohutta Wilderness, Fort Mountain is a great place to visit for Fall color towards the end of October.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Things to Do in Ellijay GA & Gilmer County
19. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge
Located at an elevation of 2,336 feet, just a few miles from the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia, Amicalola State Park has 10 different hiking trails and the tallest waterfall in Georgia.
Amicalola Falls is 729 feet, and has seven major cascades. It’s surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, which makes for magical waterfall and Fall foliage photos.
This beloved state park also has cabins, campsites, and a lodge for visitors who want to stick around for a while.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Mountain Resorts in GA to Visit
20. Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock is one of the most iconic natural features in North Carolina, and that’s saying something. From atop it (2,280 feet), Lake Lure and the movie-worthy surroundings are easily visible.
Recently reopened after damage from Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock State Park also has the towering Hickory Nut Falls and the boulder-strewn Rocky Broad River, both of which make Fall foliage pop around them.
Just outside the park, Chimney Rock Village is a lovely little North Carolina mountain town with souvenir shops, fun eateries, and a walkable Main Street.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Romantic Getaways in NC (Hotels, Inns & Resorts)
Week 5: Nov 1-8
(Under 2000 feet)
21. Bryson City NC
When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City NC is my favorite place to stay. It has fun attractions, but not the mass tourism of Gatlinburg TN. It’s also stunning, with plenty of pedestrian activities.
In terms of leaf-peeping, Bryson City (1,752 feet) has lovely foliage within its town limits, especially along the Tuckasegee River. It’s also adjacent to the Deep Creek section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
But by far the best way to take in the Fall foliage is aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers daily tours through the Nantahala Gorge from the center of town.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Great Smoky Mountains Resorts in NC & TN
22. Helen GA
Helen GA is modeled on the small mountain towns in Bavaria, including cobbled streets, colorful architecture, and the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany.
At 1,447 feet, the small Georgia mountain town is a self-proclaimed Alpine Village, with easy access to outdoor adventures such as hiking trails, waterfalls, wine tours and more.
It’s right on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, and has stunning mountain forests all around. So it’s an ideal place for a romantic getaway in Georgia to enjoy Fall leaves in early November.
For charming small town holiday festivities, celebrate Christmas in Helen GA!
READ MORE: The 10 Best Helen GA Hotels, Motels & Inns to Visit
23. Natural Bridge State Park
Located at 1,116 ft of elevation, Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia has been a popular place to visit for 250+ years, both for Native Americans and colonists like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
Not only does it have an unbelievable rock formation cut from the creek that runs through it, but there are waterfalls, caves, mysterious rivers, farms, and lots of trees nearby.
This is a trail worth trekking anytime, but pepper it with some Fall colors and who would want to leave?
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Lexington VA & Natural Bridge VA
24. Chattanooga TN
Chattanooga TN is known as a scenic city, and it offers Fall leaf-peeping that rivals just about anywhere.
Whether it’s the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, paddling the Tennessee River, or biking through Enterprise Park, opportunities to see amazing Autumn leaf shows abound.
Plus, Julia Falls Overlook, Rock City, Sunset Rock, and Ruby Falls Cave Tours are all just 10 minutes from Downtown Chattanooga.
And the Southern Belle Riverboat sets sail from Chattanooga for 1.5-hour tours, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad offers great 1-hour train rides along Missionary Ridge.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Chattanooga TN
25. Front Royal VA
Home to the annual Festival of Leaves, one of the best Fall festivals in the Virginia mountains, the town of Front Royal is just an hour from Washington, D.C. and is a primary gateway to Shenandoah National Park.
It’s a great starting point for seeing the colors of Fall in the Shenandoah Valley, but definitely worthy of a stop all its own.
This town is recognized as the canoeing capital of Virginia, and provides a perfect place from which to paddle down the Shenandoah River to see the stunning leaves along its banks.
Their Fall festival has fun activities for kids, as well as live local music, beer from local breweries, regional wine, and small-batch mead. -by Jonathon Engels; featured image by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett
