Unbe-"leaf"-able Asheville in Autumn

You may have heard that Asheville is a top location for seeing the beauty of nature’s change from summer to fall - after all, we did earn 15th place in U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of the “Best Places to Visit in October 2026” (as well as First Place on Travel + Leisure’s list of “23 Ideas for the Perfect Romantic Fall Getaway”). Much of our city’s popularity in the fall is due to the vibrant, colored leaves that replace the green ones along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Folks who wait until autumn to visit our towns and mountains are affectionately called “Leaf Peepers,” and we’re happy to host them at Lantern Lodge Asheville Biltmore Village. To make your visit more colorful, we have compiled a list of things to do this month, along with a guide on when and where to find the brightest leaves.

Late-September

The best we can do is predict when colors are going to start popping, but we do know from years of observations that it’s mostly green all the way through the middle of October. Elevations higher than 6,000 feet are more likely to see some color early because of how much cooler the air is at that height, but the amount of rain and heat in the weeks prior are also important factors.

By the time September ends and October’s first week arrives, the trees in the highest altitudes have already started seeing some changes. That means cooler destinations like Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain are already colorful, as are Graveyard Fields, a popular hiking destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t let the creepy name scare you - it’s actually quite lovely and filled with wildflowers and waterfalls.

If you’d like to stay below 6,000 feet, Asheville is playing host to the Blue Ridge Pride Festival on Sept. 26; Eliada Corn Maze and Festival on weekends, beginning Sept. 25; and the nearby city of Black Mountain is holding its annual Blues Festival Sept. 25-27.

Early- to Mid-October

Next to change are the mountainous areas at about 5,000 feet. In addition to the reds, oranges, and yellows in the trees, the whole family will delight in the sight of the “Shadow of the Bear” in the Nantahala National Forest. For a few weeks out of the year, the sun shines on the Whiteside Mountain just right, forming a shadow that looks like a gigantic bear hugging the mountainside.

Around the third week in October, Pisgah National Forest starts to build up a lot of color. Home to the Cradle of Forestry, the first forestry school in America, the Cradle is a historical journey for the family. Walk along the Forest Festival Trail and climb aboard a logging train, visit the Forest Discovery Center with its real (stationary) fire-fighting helicopter simulator, learn about native species of animals, trees, and plants, and see exhibits about life in the mountains. Another must-see in the area is Looking Glass Rock. Although its flat face is only recommended for professional mountain climbers, there is a hiking trail to the top that is reachable via the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.

In Asheville, enjoy the remaining days of Asheville Art in the Park at Pack Square Park on Oct. 3, 10, and 17. Skilled artisans are on hand to display and sell their works in paint, glass, ceramics, wood, jewelry, metal, and more. And don’t miss out on the Downtown Art District’s First Friday event on October 2. The South Slope neighborhood of breweries, restaurants, and music venues will come alive Oct. 3 from 1-6 p.m. for Oktoberfest, conveniently timed after the Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K, which starts at Hi-Wire’s River Arts District location at 7:30 a.m.

Mid- to Late-October

The last week of October is generally when the leaves change and are at their most delightful in the city of Asheville. Biltmore Estate is a popular destination during this time because of its impressive array of deep-colored flowers in the gardens, and NC Arboretum is another must-see this month. But even just driving around town is a delight for the senses, as the streets and neighborhoods are flush with trees the color of autumn. Some of the most unexpected places to find fall colors are on winding mountain highways around the city, such as the drive through I-240 East, which runs parallel to Tunnel Road. Locals call it “The Cut” because, to build the highway, the mountain had to be cut in half.

In the middle of the month, check out Burial Beer Co.’s Burnpile Beer & Music Festival on Oct. 13. In addition to music from national bands like Lucero, Burnpile also features 60 of the best breweries in the country. On Oct. 10 & 11, The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival (LAAFF) brings music, food, and art to Pack Square Park. For even more art, visit the fall edition of the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, hosted by the Southern Highland Craft Guild at Harrah’s Cherokee Center. Later, the Asheville VeganFest returns to Pack Square Park on Oct. 26 with the best of plant-based food, crafts, and activities for all ages.

We’ll still have some colors on the trees in November - especially after a particularly hot summer. So there is plenty of time to visit Asheville and see all the lovely landscapes before the holiday season.