Photos: Fall colors in the North Carolina mountains

Image 0 of 35

Oct. 2, 2023: Hints of fall color are appearing in the North Carolina High Country, especially at higher elevations, as seen here in this photo of Grandfather Mountain taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area has experienced many sunny days and cool nights the last few weeks, prompting the seasonal transition. While some pockets of color and certain trees are very vibrant at the moment, the overall landscape is still mostly green. The weather forecast for the week looks pleasant for those wanting to get the first glimpses of fall. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 2, 2023: Hints of fall color are appearing in the North Carolina High Country, especially at higher elevations, as seen here in this photo of Grandfather Mountain taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The area has experienced many sunny days and cool nights the last few weeks, prompting the seasonal transition. While some pockets of color and certain trees are very vibrant at the moment, the overall landscape is still mostly green. The weather forecast for the week looks pleasant for those wanting to get the first glimpses of fall. (Skip Sickler /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 4, 2023: This sunrise photo was taken from the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. Pictured is a spot (in the middle of this photo) that turns early every year and exhibits particularly vibrant fall color. This area, between Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway, usually changes first because it is a heath bald and the associated shrubs transition before the trees that surround it, making it pop amid the landscape. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 4, 2023: This sunrise photo was taken from the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. Pictured is a spot (in the middle of this photo) that turns early every year and exhibits particularly vibrant fall color. This area, between Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway, usually changes first because it is a heath bald and the associated shrubs transition before the trees that surround it, making it pop amid the landscape. (Leslie Restivo/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 5, 2023: Fall color is filling the landscape of Grandfather Mountain's upper reaches, as seen in this image looking up at Linville and Morton Peaks.
While there is still a lot of green on the mountain, the transition to autumn hues is progressing from one day to the next. Colder temperatures are expected to move in this weekend and may cause the process to quicken. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 5, 2023: Fall color is filling the landscape of Grandfather Mountain's upper reaches, as seen in this image looking up at Linville and Morton Peaks. While there is still a lot of green on the mountain, the transition to autumn hues is progressing from one day to the next. Colder temperatures are expected to move in this weekend and may cause the process to quicken. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 9, 2023: The park road at Grandfather Mountain provides a nice snapshot of the current landscape. While some vibrant trees and pockets of color dot the hillsides, there is still much to come. Overall in the region, a lot of green remains. This view from the switchbacks near the top of the mountain shows the entrance of the Bridge Trail across from the Black Rock parking lot. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 9, 2023: The park road at Grandfather Mountain provides a nice snapshot of the current landscape. While some vibrant trees and pockets of color dot the hillsides, there is still much to come. Overall in the region, a lot of green remains. This view from the switchbacks near the top of the mountain shows the entrance of the Bridge Trail across from the Black Rock parking lot. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 10, 2023: Bright hues of witch hazel highlight this iconic view of Forrest Gump Curve on the drive up to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Witch hazel is among the many seasonal plant species that also brighten up the fall color landscape. Likewise, unique and colorful in this area of the park right now are the red berries of mountain ash and the yellow flowers of goldenrod. This vantage point can be found at Cliffside Overlook. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 10, 2023: Bright hues of witch hazel highlight this iconic view of Forrest Gump Curve on the drive up to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Witch hazel is among the many seasonal plant species that also brighten up the fall color landscape. Likewise, unique and colorful in this area of the park right now are the red berries of mountain ash and the yellow flowers of goldenrod. This vantage point can be found at Cliffside Overlook. (Leslie Restivo/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 11, 2023: Though the mountain and surrounding areas have not yet reached their peak, more autumn hues are covering the landscape each day. Linville Peak’s lofty vantage point makes it one of the best places in the N.C. High Country to enjoy a fall view. Throughout the season, this location, on the far end of the Mile High Swinging Bridge, remains an ideal spot to take in the color progression as it makes its way down to lower elevations. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 11, 2023: Though the mountain and surrounding areas have not yet reached their peak, more autumn hues are covering the landscape each day. Linville Peak’s lofty vantage point makes it one of the best places in the N.C. High Country to enjoy a fall view. Throughout the season, this location, on the far end of the Mile High Swinging Bridge, remains an ideal spot to take in the color progression as it makes its way down to lower elevations. (Leslie Restivo /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 12, 2023: This long-distance shot of Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge (and Top Shop building, on the right) was taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Green Mountain Overlook, at Milepost 300.6. The red, yellow and orange hues set against an evergreen backdrop are becoming more and more vibrant. The weather conditions for Friday should be pleasant for leaf-peeping adventures in the area, with scattered light rainfall forecasted for over the weekend. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 12, 2023: This long-distance shot of Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge (and Top Shop building, on the right) was taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Green Mountain Overlook, at Milepost 300.6. The red, yellow and orange hues set against an evergreen backdrop are becoming more and more vibrant. The weather conditions for Friday should be pleasant for leaf-peeping adventures in the area, with scattered light rainfall forecasted for over the weekend. (Leslie Restivo /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 13, 2023: Cliffside Picnic Area and Overlook provides this unique vantage point looking up at Linville Peak, with fall foliage and the rich red hue of mountain ash berries brightening up the shot. This spot is just one of a dozen picnic areas in the park. These sites are located in some of the mountain’s most picturesque settings and offer an array of scenic views. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 13, 2023: Cliffside Picnic Area and Overlook provides this unique vantage point looking up at Linville Peak, with fall foliage and the rich red hue of mountain ash berries brightening up the shot. This spot is just one of a dozen picnic areas in the park. These sites are located in some of the mountain’s most picturesque settings and offer an array of scenic views. (Leslie Restivo/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 15, 2023: The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Linville and Blowing Rock remains one of the best routes to see autumnal tones. This view offers the additional treat of fall color reflecting off of Price Lake. Grandfather Mountain is also mirrored in the water, as seen in this photo taken last week. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 15, 2023: The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Linville and Blowing Rock remains one of the best routes to see autumnal tones. This view offers the additional treat of fall color reflecting off of Price Lake. Grandfather Mountain is also mirrored in the water, as seen in this photo taken last week. (Leslie Restivo/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 16, 2023: Color has really ramped up across the area in the last few days, as seen in this iconic view of the Linn Cove Viaduct from U.S. 221. The surrounding towns of Linville, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain and Boone are all great locations to see widespread and vibrant color. This photo was taken on Sunday. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 16, 2023: Color has really ramped up across the area in the last few days, as seen in this iconic view of the Linn Cove Viaduct from U.S. 221. The surrounding towns of Linville, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain and Boone are all great locations to see widespread and vibrant color. This photo was taken on Sunday. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 18, 2023: Fall foliage on Grandfather Mountain remains exceptionally colorful as the surrounding vistas get increasingly vibrant. Colors are currently the best above 3,500 feet. The Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats provide another perspective of autumn hues, as seen in this image from an overlook at the bear habitats. The color show can also be enjoyed from the cougar and elk viewing areas. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 18, 2023: Fall foliage on Grandfather Mountain remains exceptionally colorful as the surrounding vistas get increasingly vibrant. Colors are currently the best above 3,500 feet. The Mildred the Bear Environmental Habitats provide another perspective of autumn hues, as seen in this image from an overlook at the bear habitats. The color show can also be enjoyed from the cougar and elk viewing areas. (Leslie Restivo/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 20, 2023: Fall color beautifully fills this shot of the Historic Mill Pond in Banner Elk, showcasing a serene autumn setting. While today’s (Friday’s) forecast calls for occasional rain, the skies should clear for most of the weekend. The area’s foliage is exceptionally vibrant right now for those planning their leaf-looking trips. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 20, 2023: Fall color beautifully fills this shot of the Historic Mill Pond in Banner Elk, showcasing a serene autumn setting. While today’s (Friday’s) forecast calls for occasional rain, the skies should clear for most of the weekend. The area’s foliage is exceptionally vibrant right now for those planning their leaf-looking trips. (Skip Sickler /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 22, 2023: The past week has been spectacular, with more to come as fall colors continue to make their way down to lower elevations. The area around the Linn Cove Viaduct has been especially vibrant this season, attracting thousands of visitors looking to see this engineering marvel surrounded by a kaleidoscope of color. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 22, 2023: The past week has been spectacular, with more to come as fall colors continue to make their way down to lower elevations. The area around the Linn Cove Viaduct has been especially vibrant this season, attracting thousands of visitors looking to see this engineering marvel surrounded by a kaleidoscope of color. (Skip Sickler /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 24, 2023: As we move into late October, Grandfather continues to be a great color destination. The lower half of the mountain currently has bright autumn hues on display, as seen in this photo taken from the Woods Walk.
This 0.4-mile exploration trail loops through a northern hardwood forest and is perfect for a leisurely woodland stroll, with benches and picnic tables available for those looking for a restful time surrounded by fall leaves. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 24, 2023: As we move into late October, Grandfather continues to be a great color destination. The lower half of the mountain currently has bright autumn hues on display, as seen in this photo taken from the Woods Walk. This 0.4-mile exploration trail loops through a northern hardwood forest and is perfect for a leisurely woodland stroll, with benches and picnic tables available for those looking for a restful time surrounded by fall leaves. (Leslie Restivo /Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 25, 2023: Fall color and sunlight illuminate this iconic bridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway in this photo taken near the Linville Falls Picnic Area, at Milepost 316.5. The great weather this week provides ideal conditions for a scenic autumn drive. Heading south along the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Grandfather Mountain area still provides a nice look at fall foliage. Routes into the High Country from lower elevations, such as U.S. 321 between Lenoir and Blowing Rock, N.C. 181 between Morganton and Pineola and U.S. 221 between Marion and Linville, are also currently offering picturesque views. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 25, 2023: Fall color and sunlight illuminate this iconic bridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway in this photo taken near the Linville Falls Picnic Area, at Milepost 316.5. The great weather this week provides ideal conditions for a scenic autumn drive. Heading south along the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Grandfather Mountain area still provides a nice look at fall foliage. Routes into the High Country from lower elevations, such as U.S. 321 between Lenoir and Blowing Rock, N.C. 181 between Morganton and Pineola and U.S. 221 between Marion and Linville, are also currently offering picturesque views. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 27, 2023: Autumn lights up the landscape in this image taken near Grandfather Mountain’s park road, just above MacRae Meadows. There have been some spectacular yellow hues to be seen this week. The 2-mile drive on U.S. 221 between Linville and Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate has been ablaze with color, especially in the light of early evening. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 27, 2023: Autumn lights up the landscape in this image taken near Grandfather Mountain’s park road, just above MacRae Meadows. There have been some spectacular yellow hues to be seen this week. The 2-mile drive on U.S. 221 between Linville and Grandfather Mountain’s entrance gate has been ablaze with color, especially in the light of early evening. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 30, 2023: Though some nice pockets of fall color remain, Grandfather Mountain is now past peak as we near the end of October. The Mile High Swinging Bridge area and higher overlooks remain prime viewing locations for color descending to the Piedmont.
This photo of the mountain’s lofty peaks was taken from U.S. 221, just south of MacRae Meadows. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 30, 2023: Though some nice pockets of fall color remain, Grandfather Mountain is now past peak as we near the end of October. The Mile High Swinging Bridge area and higher overlooks remain prime viewing locations for color descending to the Piedmont. This photo of the mountain’s lofty peaks was taken from U.S. 221, just south of MacRae Meadows. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

Oct. 31, 2023: Locals and visitors alike enjoyed an extended fall color season this year, with great autumn hues throughout the month of October in the N.C. High Country. This photo was taken from Chestoa View Overlook, located at Milepost 320.8 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This marks the end of the daily reports from Grandfather Mountain. — Fall colors at Grandfather Mountain Oct. 31, 2023: Locals and visitors alike enjoyed an extended fall color season this year, with great autumn hues throughout the month of October in the N.C. High Country. This photo was taken from Chestoa View Overlook, located at Milepost 320.8 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This marks the end of the daily reports from Grandfather Mountain. (Skip Sickler/Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation)

October 05, 2023 at 1:22 pm EDT

Latest Photo Galleries

Photos: The Carolina Lightnin' early years

Photos: The Carolina Lightnin' early years

February 06, 2026 at 1:08 pm EST

I-77 express lanes designs

I-77 express lanes designs

February 05, 2026 at 4:21 pm EST

PHOTOS: Major cash seizure on I-85 linked to illegal drug activity

PHOTOS: Major cash seizure on I-85 linked to illegal drug activity

February 04, 2026 at 4:45 pm EST

Water main break floods west Charlotte roadway

Water main break floods west Charlotte roadway

February 04, 2026 at 12:00 am EST

Photos: Snow covers the Carolinas

Photos: Snow covers the Carolinas

January 31, 2026 at 9:19 am EST

Photos: Saturday morning road conditions

Photos: Saturday morning road conditions

January 31, 2026 at 7:52 am EST

PHOTOS: Bistro Roca and Antler Bar fire

PHOTOS: Bistro Roca and Antler Bar fire

January 29, 2026 at 3:55 pm EST

PHOTOS: Juvenile suspect arrested after vehicle pursuit linked to shooting

PHOTOS: Juvenile suspect arrested after vehicle pursuit linked to shooting

January 29, 2026 at 11:38 am EST

PHOTOS: Levine Museum of the New South

PHOTOS: Levine Museum of the New South

January 28, 2026 at 11:58 am EST

Remembering Kim Delaney

Remembering Kim Delaney

January 27, 2026 at 12:00 am EST

Apps Download Button

Puppy Bowl XXII: Team Fluff takes ‘Lombarky’ Trophy

Falcons LB James Pearce arrested after domestic dispute with WNBA player

Brad Arnold, founding member, lead singer of 3 Doors Down, dies at 47

Lindsey Vonn crashes during Olympic women’s downhill race, has surgery on left leg

Police: Body recovered from pond believed to be Lil Jon’s son, DJ Young Slade

Woman gets life sentence after pleading guilty to kidnapping, pushing woman off cliff

Timothy Busfield indicted on child sexual abuse charges

Super Bowl LX: Maine man attending his 60th – and final – Super Bowl