Discover Western North Carolina’s Last Fall Colors

Experience the Last of Fall in North Carolina’s Foothills and Piedmont

Although the vibrant autumnal hues in the Western North Carolina mountains are beginning to fade, there’s still time to capture breathtaking fall views in the foothills and Piedmont regions, according to local experts.

Current Fall Foliage Conditions in Boone

Professor of plant eco-physiology at Appalachian State University, Howard Neufeld, based in Boone, reports seeing mostly “bare hills” and past peak clinging leaves outside his window. However, he notes that there’s still color to be found at elevations of about 2,000 feet and below, including the hardy oak, still showcasing the season’s final vestiges of color.

Chimney Rock State Park Late Season Views

For spectacular late-season foliage views, consider visiting Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County. Located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, the park provides stunning views over Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The park’s elevation ranges between 1,965 and 2,280 feet, making it an ideal location for viewing the last of fall’s vibrant hues.

Olivia Slagle, a spokesperson for Chimney Rock Management, advises taking a walk along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. This 1.4-mile out and back trail leads to a 404-foot waterfall and even had a cameo in the 1992 film “Last of the Mohicans“.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Neufeld also recommends visiting Crowders Mountain State Park, situated 32 miles west of Charlotte. Peaking at 1,625 feet, the park offers ample opportunities for viewing the last of fall’s colors. The popular Rainbow Falls, located in the Transylvania County area of Pisgah National Forest, is another excellent late fall destination.

2023 Fall Foliage Review

While it’s difficult to compete with the exceptional fall color of 2022, which was one of the best in a decade, Neufeld estimates 2023 as a 7 or 8 out of 10. He notes the vibrant orange and yellow hues this fall and a significant increase in visitors. Some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway resembled parking lots, indicating a strong recovery in visitor numbers following the COVID-19 downturn.

Recommended Fall Hikes in Hendersonville

Sara Landry, Executive Director of Friends of DuPont State Forest, recommends hiking in the DuPont State Recreational Forest. This 10,400-acre forest nestled between Hendersonville and Brevard in the Blue Ridge Mountains is known for its stunning waterfalls.

Despite being past peak, Landry reports that there is still fall color to be appreciated in the area. She particularly recommends the Big Rock and Cedar Rock Trail, a 4.5-mile loop, and the Wintergreen Falls, a 1.25-mile hike, both located within the forest.

In addition, Rose Jenkins Lane of Conserving Carolina suggests exploring the trails in the emerging Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail network. This network envisions a connected network of over 100 trails, including the recently opened Youngs Mountain Trail that offers panoramic views of Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald, Weed Patch Mountain, and the lower Hickory Nut Gorge.

Written by Sarah Honosky, city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. If you have news tips, reach out at shonosky@citizentimes.com or on Twitter at @slhonosky. Support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.