Fall is the best season for outdoor lovers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From September through October, you can explore leaf-covered trails and see vibrant colors from yellow to red. The region’s mild climate makes it the perfect destination for outdoors throughout the year. During peak foliage season, we recommend that you plan a visit and book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. After all, when it comes to viewing beautiful leaves changing colors, timing is everything! If that sounds like you, keep reading for our insider guide on how to experience the fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What is the best time to view fall foliage in Blue Ridge?
The best time to see fall foliage in the Blue Ridge is between mid-September and mid-October when the leaves are changing colors. The timing of fall foliage varies from year to year and changes depending on factors like weather, temperature, and elevation. So, the best way to predict when to visit is by using an online foliage forecast map. One of the most accurate foliage forecast maps is the National Forest map. To use the map, you will need to know the latitude and longitude of your destination. If you don’t know the exact location, you can also search for your state on the map and select your region. Most online foliage forecast maps are available in the summer and fall months, which makes it easy to plan your trip.
Plan your trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains
If you have already decided when to visit, the next step is to plan your trip. If you are traveling from a long distance, you might want to consider traveling during the off-season months when the weather is a bit cooler. If you enjoy hiking, you can also consider hiking trails that are in the lowlands. Trails in the lowlands are less likely to have dense foliage, which makes it difficult to see the trail. You can also plan your trip to coincide with a local festival or event like the Blue Ridge Harvest Festival or the National Black Bear Festival. While you are at it, you can also find out about nearby events and activities happening during your visit. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment and create a customized itinerary for your trip. If you’re visiting the Blueridge Mountains in North Carolina, we recommend renting from Above and Beyond Mountain Rentals.
Top 5 Places To See The Fall Foliage In The Blue Ridge Mountains
There are plenty of places to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you have a short time or you are on a budget, you can choose one or two places to visit. You can also choose a few places to visit depending on the time that you have available. Here are the top 5 places to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge.
Virginia Creeper Trail
The Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the most popular places to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail is located near the Appalachian Trail and goes into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail follows a river that has a distinctive red color during fall, hence the name Virginia Creeper. The trail is accessible from several points and is a great place to hike, bike, or walk with family and friends.
Mount Rogers
Mount Rogers is the highest peak in Virginia and one of the places to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountain is located in Grayson Highlands State Park, which has around 100 miles of hiking trails that are open throughout the fall. At an elevation of 5,729 feet, Mount Rogers towers over the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs along the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world and one of the places to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 469-mile parkway follows the ridge of the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina. As it passes through the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the parkway has many overlooks that offer stunning views of the valleys below.
Virginia Apple Festival
The Virginia Apple Festival is an annual event held in September in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The festival has been an annual event since 1976 and is one of the most popular fall festivals in Virginia. The festival features live music, food, and activities for kids, as well as apple-themed arts and crafts. You can combine your visit to the festival with a trip to an orchard nearby to pick apples.
Mount Jefferson State Park
Mount Jefferson State Park is another place to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is located near Roanoke in Virginia and is one of the most visited state parks in the state. The park has around 50 miles of trails that are open throughout fall. The park has several scenic overlooks and is a great place to hike or walk during the fall.
Things to do during your visit to see the fall foliage in the Blue Run Mountains
Hike one of the best trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains
There are many hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains that are perfect for hiking and walking in the fall. Some of the top trails to hike during fall in the Blue Ridge are the Explore Park Trail, Virginia Creeper Trail, and Black Bear Trail. Explore Park is a great trail for beginner hikers that you can walk with your family. The Virginia Creeper Trail is a great trail for hiking and biking. The Black Bear Trail is a good trail for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge and want to enjoy some spectacular views.
Go apple picking
You can combine your visit to a cider and apple festival with picking apples at a nearby orchard. You can make your own applesauce or apple cider during fall at many orchards near the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can enjoy the beauty of the changing fall colors while picking apples at The Orchard at Altaspass.
Visit a fall festival
There are many fall festivals in the Blue Ridge Mountains that you can enjoy during your visit. You can find out about nearby fall festivals and events in the Blue Ridge by searching online or speaking to locals.
Woolly Worm Festival is by far the best Fall Festival I’ve been to in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located in Banner Elk, NC, this festival has been going strong since 1978, and it has been used to predict the upcoming winter weather for the North Carolina High Country.
Visit a nearby state park
There are many state parks in the Blue Ridge Mountains that you can visit during your visit. You can find out about nearby state parks by searching online or speaking to locals. You can visit a state park during the fall and enjoy the beautiful leaves. If you’re near Banner Elk North Carolina, we recommend Grandfather Mountain State Park.
Conclusion
The fall is the perfect time for outdoor lovers to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can visit one or more of the top 5 places to see the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge, or you can explore the many other places to experience the fall. Make sure to plan your trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains during fall to experience the stunning colors of the leaves.