Fall just may be our most favorite season in the Tar Heel State. There’s just something magical about the arrival of autumn that makes each year feel like it’s the very first time we’re seeing the splendors of the season. If you’re not able to get away this year for a day trip or a weekend for some prime leaf peeping, then with the help of the annual interactive fall foliage map from SmokyMountains.com you can now predict when the fall colors will arrive where you live in North Carolina.
Beginning with the week of October 5th, North Carolina’s westernmost region will be at near peak, with a few places in the higher elevations at prime peak viewing.
SmokyMountains.com
This is a great week to plan a drive along the western end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Flickr/Jack Parrott
For even more brilliant hues this week, head to the highest elevations in the state, like Mount Mitchell — or drive to the top of Beech Mountain.
© Robin Jarvis
According to SmokyMountains.com, it will only get better when, just seven days later on October 12th, the fall foliage that’s at near peak will begin to sweep more than halfway across the state.
SmokyMountains.com
At the same time, the Blue Ridge Parkway in western North Carolina will be at its peak. Overlook after overlook will dole out breathtaking vivid colors in bright yellows, oranges, and rusty reds.
Flickr/Valerie
By October 19th, leaf peeping will be at its prime in nearly half the state.
SmokyMountains.com
This is the week when bright colors will extend all the way into Lake Norman State Park, where bright colors will dot the shoreline of Lake Norman. We’ll cross our fingers for boating weather!
Google Maps/Nicole Robideau
The coastal areas will be at near peak by October 26th, according to SmokyMountains.com. The interactive map pushes the orange (near peak) and the red (peak) further east and south as the change of season arrives to the lowest elevations in the state.
SmokyMountains.com
Over at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, visitors should be able to enjoy some of the brightest colors of the season during the week of October 26th.
Google Maps/Visit Goldsboro, NC
And finally, as the mountainous areas and much of the state are beginning to show bare trees, the fall foliage will be in prime the week November 2nd in the lower coastal areas of the Tar Heel State.
SmokyMountains.com
Head outdoors for a colorful hike in a coastal area state park (Goose Creek State Park is shown here) to reconnect with Mother Nature’s most colorful display.
TripAdvisor/cheryl h
One of the very best things 2020 hasn’t been able to wipe from our list of things to look forward to is the return of brilliant hues painting the landscape beginning in just a week or two in North Carolina! What’s your usual tradition for leaf peeping in North Carolina? We’d love to know where your go-to spot is and if you’re thinking of just admiring autumn in your own backyard this year instead. Let us know by joining the discussion in our comments!
SmokyMountains.com
Flickr/Jack Parrott
© Robin Jarvis
Flickr/Valerie
Google Maps/Nicole Robideau
Google Maps/Visit Goldsboro, NC
TripAdvisor/cheryl h
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