Asheville, North Carolina, is a dream destination for anyone looking to experience fall at its most vibrant. Our scenic town, snug in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, becomes a canvas of color each autumn. The Asheville fall foliage offers visitors an unforgettable seasonal display of golden yellows, deep reds, and rich oranges. Whatever your fancy, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the magic of autumn in Asheville, NC.
Spring is lovely and summer is fun but fall may be one of the best times to visit Asheville. Temperatures are cooler, crowds are smaller, and we see one of the longest and most colorful fall seasons in the country. In fact, our bright, fall colors can last as long as five or six weeks. That’s longer than anywhere else in the world!
This longer season makes it that much easier to plan your Asheville fall foliage getaway but don’t wait too long. Asheville may see smaller crowds in fall but the season is still very popular. If you’re planning to come, now is the time to book your stay at Bent Creek Lodge!
Top Spots for Viewing Asheville Fall Foliage
Asheville’s prime location provides access to some of the best fall foliage viewing in the country. Our fall foliage typically peaks between mid-October to early November, depending on elevation and weather patterns. The colors begin changing first at the higher elevations, followed by the foothills and valleys.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most popular leaf-peeping spots in the area – and less than a mile away from our Asheville bed and breakfast. Driving along the Parkway is an unforgettable way to take in the fall colors. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over at various overlooks and trails to take in the view.
Craggy Gardens offers an even more immersive experience. This popular, high-altitude area offers rolling hills blanketed in a kaleidoscope of colors. Hike along the Craggy Pinnacle Trail for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Truly breathtaking and an easy 40 minute, scenic drive from Bent Creek Lodge.
Another must-see is the North Carolina Arboretum, located just three minutes from the Lodge. The Arboretum features miles of scenic hiking trails through forests and gardens. offering a peaceful, nature-filled escape. In fall, the Arboretum’s trees put on a spectacular show of vivid color.
As you can imagine, with the Arboretum and Parkway as close neighbors, we see some pretty amazing fall colors here at Bent Creek Lodge, too. Our location, nestled in a quiet, forested triangle just south of downtown Asheville, surrounds you with nature. Come fall, the grounds burst with autumn colors – oranges, reds, yellows, and tans. Enjoy views of our B&B’s landscaped grounds from our spacious decks and porches or take in the colors with a relaxing stroll along the Lodge trail.
Asheville Fall Festivals & Events
With the extended fall colors come a variety of fun and popular events. Festivals, fairs, fruit picks, marathons, and more!
Asheville Haunted Trail – weekends in October
Asheville VeganFest – October 5
Art in the Park – October 5, 12, & 19
Burnpile Music & Beer Fest – October 12
The Lovely Asheville Fall Festival – October 12-13
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands – October 17-20
Fall LEAF Festival – October 17-20
Wicked Spooky 5k – October 26
North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival – November 9
Fall is also a great time to discover Apple Valley in Henderson County. North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation, and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina! Head out to US Highway 64 between Hendersonville and Chimney Rock, and visit area orchards to pick apples, sip hot cider, and other harvest activities. What fun!
Fall is also a fantastic time to visit Biltmore and see it under autumn’s colorful spell. A wonderful way to spend a day of your Asheville fall getaway.
So go ahead and make plans for an Asheville fall foliage adventure at Bent Creek Lodge. We’ll be looking for you!