Grayson Highlands State Park, Sept. 20. Photo by Anthony Mozzone.

Sept. 24. The 2025 fall foliage season is shaping up to be vibrant and extended, thanks to favorable weather conditions. Here’s a detailed forecast to help plan your leaf-peeping adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Highest elevations (5,000 feet and above)

Color changes are underway at elevations above 5,000 feet. By late September, areas like Rough Ridge, Mt. Mitchell and Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway will showcase color shifts. These high elevations usually reach peak foliage by the second week of October, offering brilliant reds and golds, but are expected a little earlier this year. The colors at Grayson Highlands State Park just over the Virginia border were on early display this past weekend.

High country (3,000–5,000 feet)

The high country will see peak foliage in mid October. Notable spots include Mount Pisgah, Devil’s Courthouse, and the mountains surrounding Waynesville and Cashiers. The Cherohala Skyway from Lake Santeelah into Tennessee also offers breathtaking views during this period.

Lower elevations (3,000 feet and below)

For those in the foothills and piedmont regions, the best viewing times are predicted from late October into early November. Towns like Little Switzerland, Bakersville, and Spruce Pine, along with Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, reach their peak foliage during this period.

Helene impact

While up to 50% of trees were lost in some areas due to Hurricane Helene, the forestation of our state is still robust. Despite stubborn lingering online whispers that visitors should avoid the western part of the state, most towns lost nearly all of their fall tourism revenue last year and are eagerly welcoming visitors.

There are, however, some towns that are still rebuilding so do some research before planning your visit. Areas around a few state parks remain closed, though Mt. Mitchell opened in mid-September so progress is being made thanks to the hard work of so many.

Planning Tips

Road conditions: Always check for road closures or delays, especially if you’re planning to hit the Blue Ridge Parkway. While most of the parkway has reopened since Helene there are still numerous sections that are still not open and weather often causes additional closures.

Timing: Weekdays often offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Avoid weekends in popular places like Blowing Rock or a football Saturday in Boone. The further you get from Charlotte and Asheville the less busy it tends to be.

Have a backup plan: It’s always a good idea to pick multiple hikes in a given area. Some parking lots fill up early so it’s a great to have other options in the surrounding area.

Looking for inspiration? Check out the story from our recent print edition that offers three hikes and food options within two hours of Cornelius.