North Carolina’s Rainbow of Fall Foliage on Display Now

The fall season is the absolute coziest time of the year in North Carolina. The weather is crisp, but not cold. The air is full of spruce scents and earthy smells. The trees are ablaze with fiery reds and bright oranges, deep greens and subtle yellows.

The bushes, shrubs, and trees native to North Carolina put on a glorious and colorful show: Elms, Crepe Myrtles, Poplars, Maples, and Chinese Pistaches, are only some of the varieties that are vivid right now. Contrasted on the backdrop of evergreens, this foliage makes for fantastic photos and scenic hikes.

There haven’t been any fierce storms or high winds in North Carolina so most of the leaves are still on the trees. Given that the local temperatures have been bouncing between hot and cold this season, the colorful tree display is likely to continue for a few more weeks.

So now is the time to strap on a solid pair of shoes and head out for a nature walk. For optimal foliage sighting, find a place with a reflective surface (like a lake or pond) which enhances the color catching and doubles the fun.

Some of the best places to see the trees in all there are all along the Blue Ridge Parkway: Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Mount Pisgah and Graveyard Fields. Other good North Carolinian vantage points are Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock.