Asheville, N.C., is surrounded by wonders of nature; this includes the vast Pisgah National Forest and the towering Blue Ridge Mountains. It is this mountain range and its 5,000-foot elevation change that give this natural showcase of color its longevity. The mountain town of Asheville enjoys a mild climate, as well as the natural backdrop of the eye-popping colors that paint the landscape year after year. This scenery is made all the more impressive by the lush foliage that can be found there.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, also known as "America's Favorite Drive," winds through hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Mountain chain. This enables you to enjoy the variation of color as you wind through each different elevation, including Asheville's Blue Ridge Mountain range. Color spills down from the highest peaks along the drive, and lasts until the season's first frost. The Parkway's 45 mph speed limit forces you to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
The highest elevations near the Asheville area, which reach over 5,000 feet, burst with color earliest in the season, roughly the beginning weeks of October. Grandfather Mountain rises nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, and is accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway if you want to take the more scenic route from Asheville. Within 35 miles of Asheville is Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains. Thanks to this higher elevation, vegetation there resembles that found in Canada.
The lower elevation of Asheville enjoys its peak color season roughly at the end of October, which is an ideal time to visit DuPont State Forest and hike to see the various waterfalls located in this 10,000-acre state forest. With 900 hiking trails you have your choice of how to explore this natural wonderland, or you can take the Tour de Falls held each fall for a tour of the most impressive sites.
