The fall season is heavily associated with the changing leaf colors. Slowly, the green fades away into shades of orange, yellow, red and brown. Watching these fall colors from atop a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook is a treat in itself! The leaves usually reach their peak fall color during the month of October, but it will also depend on the elevation. Leaves at the highest peaks are the first to change color. This fall season, head over to the Blue Ridge Parkway for the ultimate drive to see a beautiful show of fall foliage. So, are you ready for the Blue Ridge Parkway fall colors?
Thunder Hill Overlook – Is This The Best Place To See The Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Colors?
The Thunder Hill Overlook is one of the most frequented overlooks at the Blue Ridge Parkway, located between Milepost 190 and Milepost 191 near Boone and Blowing Rock. Although the overlook doesn’t have much to do, it does offer the most stunning long-range views of Piedmont and the Appalachian Mountains in fall. The overlook spans across a 229-acre tract of land and rises up to 3,795 feet.
It is one of the top Blue Ridge parkway overlooks. This spot is not only famous for leaf peeping but is also an excellent spot on the Parkway to view the rising sun. You can even spot the Charlotte skyline from this overlook! It offers the best way to enjoy the splendor of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall.
Rough Ridge
For those who want to view the fall foliage and also wish to partake in a rewarding hike, we recommend visiting Rough Ridge. To visit Rough Ridge, park at the Milepost 302.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From here, take a short 0.8-mile steep uphill hike that will take you to the summit of the Rough Ridge. The hike will take you through three stone overlooks that provide stunning views of Grandfather Mountain, the Linn Cove Viaduct and the greater Blue Ridge Parkway.
The total elevation from the area rises to 480 ft. Settle in at any of the big boulders along the way to catch a breath while you take in the beautiful views.
Beacon Heights
The Beacon Heights Trail is a short, steep, 0.5-mile loop hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Sugar Mountain that will take you to a stone summit. The summit lies at a 4,340 ft elevation; settle yourself on the surrounding boulders and enjoy the panoramic mountain views of the fall.
To access the trailhead, head to Milepost 305.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is actually part of the larger 12.5-mile Tanawha Trail. From the parking lot, cross a small road and start your ascension. A short distance in, you will reach a fork in the trail; continue to the right to reach the Beacon Heights summit.
Price Lake
For those who simply want to sit back and enjoy the fall foliage without crossing a strenuous hike, we recommend taking a trip to the Julian Price Lake at the Julian Price Memorial Park.
This is a perfect way to enjoy the fall colors with the entire family. Pack a lunch and settle onto one of the picnic tables. Allow your kids to run around and stretch their legs. And, of course, take your time to walk around and enjoy the beautiful fall colors reflected in the blue waters of Price Lake. The lake is also famous for canoeing, kayaking and hiking around the edge. Visiting the lake is one of the best ways to enjoy Blue Ridge Parkway fall colors.
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is an iconic mountain 75 miles north of Asheville in North Carolina, off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This mountain stands at an elevation of 5,946 feet and offers beautiful 160-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can even spot the Charlotte skyline.
There is plenty to do around the mountain; you can explore its hiking trails, stop at any of its 100 picnic spots, take a 2-mile scenic drive to its summit or even sign up for their guided nature walks that highlight the Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. It is an excellent way to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains Fall.
Linville Falls
Linville Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls across North Carolina. You will find it close to Milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fall begins to showcase pops of orange, yellow and gold early on in the season, close to late September.
The falls drop from a height of 90 feet straight into the 12-mile Linville Gorge. To access the falls, you can follow any of the two trails leading up to it, the moderate Erwin’s View Trail and the Strenuous Linville Gorge trail, both offering spectacular views of the falls.
Chestoa View
The Chestoa View Overlook is one of the most stunning overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway at an elevation of over 4,000 ft. You will find it close to the parking area at Milepost 320.8. From the parking area, visitors have to follow a short quarter of a mile walk to the viewing area.
From here, you will be able to witness beautiful views of the Pisgah National Forest and its 12,000-acre Linville Gorge. The fall colors in this region peak during mid to late October, so plan your trip accordingly.
Craggy Pinnacle
Craggy Pinnacle is a 5,892 ft summit at the Craggy Gardens in the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. To reach the summit, you will have to take a short 1.4-mile round-trip hike, one that is exceptionally rewarding! You will find the trailhead at Milepost 364.1; from here, it is a short trek upwards.
Once you reach the summit, take your time to enjoy the surrounding fall foliage. We recommend sticking back to watch the sunset before you leave. There is also a picnic area at the parallel Craggy Gardens. Take a packed lunch to enjoy as you view the brilliant yellows, oranges and reds.
Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is named after its rugged, wild ancient trees reminiscent of a haunted graveyard as seen from the Graveyard Fields overlook. Visitors head to this overlook to enjoy the breathtaking views of the grassy fields and surrounding mountains. It is one of the best Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks.
The Graveyard Fields hiking trail is also one of the most popular hiking trails in the territory; it is highly likely you may run into someone during your journey. You can access the trail from the Graveyard Fields Overlook at the Milepost 418.8. The trail stretches for 3.2 miles round trip and is easy enough for the whole family to enjoy!
Black Balsam Knob
The Black Balsam Knob area is located at Milepost 420.2, a 26-mile ride from Asheville. This treeless mountaintop in the Pisgah National Forest brings in hundreds of people from all over. The 6,000 ft elevation of the summit provides sweeping views of the surrounding parkway and grassy fields.
You can reach the Black Balsam Knob Summit by following the 1.4-mile round-trip Art Loeb trail, which takes you through a dense grove of balsam fir trees. The bright orange, yellows and reds from these branches will elevate your hiking experience.
Mt Pisgah
Mt Pisgah houses it all: spectacular views of the changing fall colors, hiking trails, a picnic area, a campground, a lodge, a restaurant and a country store. This is why Pisgah is one of the most popular mountain retreats around the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will find it housed along Milepost 408, rising to an elevation of 5,721 ft.
You can hike to the summit of Mount Pisgah to better enjoy the surrounding views or simply grab a snack and stretch your legs at the surrounding picnic area.
Frying Pan Fire Tower
The Frying Pan Fire Tower is a historic 70 ft fire tower, one of the tallest of its kind in Western North Carolina. Fire towers were originally used to spot incoming wildfires but are now considered historic structures. People from far and wide visit the Frying Pan fire tower in the fall to view the surrounding fall colors.
Keep in mind that the only way to enjoy the views is by climbing the 70 ft fire lookout tower. We wouldn’t recommend this for the faint of heart.
Mt Mitchell
Mt Mitchell is a 6,684 ft high mountain, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Head to the observation deck at its summit that provides you breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, particularly during the fall when leaves are morphing into new colors.
Mt Mitchell resides within the 1,855-acre Mt. Mitchell State Park, which offers several beautiful hiking trails and picnic spots. Throughout May till October, you can also enjoy the onsite restaurant, gift shop, camping and the Natural History Museum. It is simply a must-visit place on Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall.
Thunder Struck
The Thunder Struck Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides wonderful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The overlook rises to an elevation of around 4,680 ft and is located at the Milepost 455. The overlook is also extremely popular for visits during the evening when the sun sets. The hues of orange and pink alongside the fall foliage are stunning on their own!
Richland Balsam
Richland Balsam is a mountain close to Waynesville, rising to a stunning elevation of 6,410 ft. It is also the highest peak along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Your excursions to Blue Ridge Mountain simply can’t skip out on this mountain peak. Remember that leaves change color at higher elevations first, so these regions will be the first to start showing signs of the fall season.
You can reach the summit by following a 1.5-mile loop trail through the spruce-fir forest, starting from the Haywood Jackson Overlook at Milepost 431.
Waterrock Knob
Waterrock Knob is a stunning overlook along Milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, treating you to one of the best views of the North Carolina mountains. It rises to an elevation of 6,292 feet but if you are not interested in hiking to the summit, you can also settle close to the Waterrock Knob parking area.
The parking area is at 5,719 ft so you will still find plenty of beautiful sights to gaze upon. You can also take a packed lunch with you, sit back and enjoy the sunset before you leave.
Devil’s Courthouse
Devil Courthouse, located alone at Milepost 422.4, is a popular landmark along the Blue Ridge Parkway known for its exceptional views and jagged, towering mountains. Head to the mountain overlook, where you can take in the scenic views, capture shots or even have a small picnic.
To access the summit, you must follow a 1-mile round trip paved trail uphill, which, despite being steep, is pretty easy to cross, even for children.
Cowee Mountains Overlook
The Cowee Mountains Overlook sits at an elevation of 5,950 ft, along Milepost 430 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will fall in love with this beautiful overlook with incredible 180-degree views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also a popular destination for picnickers and those who come to view the sunset. It is one of the best overlooks on Blue Ridge Parkway.
There are no hiking trails around this overlook, so those hoping for a fun, light-hearted day without the extra workout will enjoy visiting the spot.
Looking Glass Rock
The Looking Glass Rock overlook is located along Milepost 417, just past the Black Balsam Knob. The exposed face of the overlook is surrounded by forestry from all sides. This is an extremely popular site for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and climbers. The overlook provides one of the best unobstructed 160-degree views of the surrounding landscape and is a great spot to view the fall colors. It is one of the top places to enjoy the scenic beauty of Blue Ridge Parkway fall.
You will spot rock climbers attempting to reach the summit but that is not always necessary. You can always drive in from the Breward area to the other side of the Looking Glass Rock. From here, you will find a short hiking trail that will lead you straight to the summit!
Final Thoughts
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for showcasing one of the world’s most colorful and longest-running fall color seasons. Head to any of the destinations we have listed above at the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC and enjoy the fall colors in their full glory!
