2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map

September 25 - October 2

At the highest elevations, close to 6,000 feet, spotty and muted color will begin to appear. The views from these locations will be mostly green at this time, due to the areas viewed from here are ata lower elevations. Areas that turn early in this date and elevation range include primarily Graveyard Fields and Rough Ridge, both located off The Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

October 2 - 9

Peak time for areas above 5,000 feet. This would include: Clingmans Dome, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Waterrock Knob, and Graveyard Fields. Also included are the higher elevations of The Blue Ridge Parkway (between Asheville and Cherokee) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

 

October 9 - 16

Peak time for elevations from 4,000 - 5,000 feet. This would include almost all Blue Ridge Parkway locations and majority of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well. Included in this elevation are the Boone, NC and Blowing Rock, NC areas. Be sure to visit Tweetsie Railroad for beautiful Fall Color fun!

 

October 16 - 23

Peak time for lower elevations, from 3,000 - 4,000 feet.  This would include places like: Pisgah National Forest which includes Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls, Dill Falls, Wildcat Falls, and many other waterfalls. Other ares include Linville Gorge, Nantahala Gorge, Maggie Valley, and Cataloochee Valley.

 

October 23 - 30

Peak time for elevations from 2,000 feet - 3,000 feet.  This would include: The cities of Asheville,  Brevard, Waynesville, Cherokee,  and many others.  Places of interest include Dupont State Forest, Biltmore Estate, and Cades Cove.

 

October 30 - November 6

Peak time for remaining elevations, including Gatlinburg, TN, Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure, NC, Helen, GA and remaining lower elevation mountains.

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Please note, these timeframes are estimates based on prior years and current weather and soil conditions.

Actual peak times may vary some from this forecast.