Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Written by Larry Deane, local expert for 20+ years

Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is nothing short of magical, as the mountains transform into a vibrant sea of autumn colors. The cool, crisp air and the rich tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves create the perfect backdrop for exploring and visiting this famous mountain range. 

Whether you’re driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking scenic trails, or simply enjoying the views, fall offers endless opportunities for beauty and adventure.

In our fall guides, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your fall visit to the Blue Ridge Moutnains, from the best times and places to see peak foliage, to top tips for capturing the beauty of the season.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is an experience you won't want to miss!

Let's fall into color in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Check out our new Fall Merchandise!

Things to do during Fall

People travel from all over the world to experience fall colors in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, and for good reason. The colors are literally break taking and there is so much to see and do!

  • See and photograph the stunning Fall Colors - Did you know the Fall Color Season in the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the longest lasting in the world? It's true! Fall here in the Blue Ridge Mountains lasts from the end of September to early November.
  • Mountain Apples - The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for apples. Visit one of the many Apple Orchards and bring home fresh Mountain Apples, some handmade cider, or one of the many Apple treats available at many of the orchards. North Carolina and Hendersonville NC in particular, produce a large percentage of mountain apples.
  • Waterfalls - One of the best times to see and photograph waterfalls is during the Fall. Not only can you see them better, but the water flow is heavier, and beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves surround the Falls.
  • Take a Scenic Drive - One of our most favorite things to do in the Fall is to take a scenic drive along one of the many scenic drives to view and enjoy the Fall Colors. If you enjoy riding motorcycles, there are many world famous rides in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • See the Elk - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and areas surrounding it are full of Elk, that were reintroduced several years ago. If you visit in late September and early October, it's Rut Season, and a wonderful time to see and hear the Elk.
  • Go for a Hike - Fall is a wonderful time to take a scenic hike through the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. In particular, high elevation hikes with outstanding views give you incredible views of the Fall colors.

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Top Fall Guides

Great Places to See Fall Colors

Fall Scenic Drives and Motorcyle Rides

One of the most popular things to do during Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is to take a scenic drive, in either a car, or on your motorcycle to enjoy the views, and beautiful, bright fall colors.

Whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast, or just prefer a nice relaxing, scenic drive, the Blue Ridge Mountains have the perfect roads for you. One of the most popular drives in the World, goes from Virginia to Cherokee NC, the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

About the author

Larry Deane is the co-owner and voice behind Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a travel resource built from more than two decades of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains firsthand. A Western North Carolina local, Larry has spent 20+ years hiking the trails, visiting small towns, chasing waterfalls, and documenting life in the mountains he calls home.

Alongside his wife Jenn, he created Blue Ridge Mountain Life to share their real-world experiences with others who love — or are just discovering — the Blue Ridge. Larry is a seasoned travel writer, photographer, and videographer with a background in journalism, and his work reaches more than 500,000 mountain lovers each month. Whether he's deep in Pisgah National Forest or strolling Main Street in a mountain town, you can count on Larry to give you the inside scoop from someone who’s truly been there.

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