Falling in Love with Fall Foliage in Western North Carolina

Living in Western North Carolina as the summer days slip into colorful autumn is an amazing visual gift for those of us with North Carolina mountain homes. No matter how many fall seasons you spend in this gorgeous region of the country, each one is uniquely different in its foliage display. The hues of our mountains vary due to many factors from weather and rainfall, to the vegetation, to elevation–as well as how much sun the mountain receives throughout the day.
When you’re planning your leaf-peeping adventures, one fast and true rule to remember is that the higher the elevation, the earlier the leaves begin to turn. So as fall graces us with its brilliant show, plan on taking a ride or hike to the higher peaks. And remember that during the first week of October the vibrant color schemes will be best at the highest elevations while the end of the month will be most stunning at the lowest elevations.
For those with North Carolina mountain homes, here’s a simple timetable to make the most of your colorful autumn:
• End of September through the first week of October, the highest elevations of 6000 feet begin to turn.
• Beginning of October through October 10—elevations above 5,000 feet turn (Grandfather Mountain and areas off the Blue Ridge Parkway around Asheville).
• October 10-third week elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet around Boone and Blowing Rock peak.
• October 18-26—lower elevations of about 3,000-4,000 feet like Pisgah National Forest change.
• October 24-end of the month–peak for elevations below 2,000 feet (check out Asheville and surrounding areas like the Biltmore Estate).
Here are some of the peaks accessible along the Parkway to visit during the fall of 2019:
• Mount Pisgah—a must-see peak with a high elevation for an amazing vista and prime colors. An idyllic stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway for a brisk walk.
• Grandfather Mountain—this is one of the highest peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains so the vistas are unbelievable along the trails or gazing from the mile-high swinging bridge.
• Linn Cove Viaduct—if you head over to Grandfather Mountain, this is another autumnal most see. The viaduct encircles Grandfather Mountain and provides visitors with magnificent views and an easy hike.
• Price Lake—this is a popular spot to see the palette of the mountains reflected in the water. For photographers, painters, and nature lovers alike…this is a precious place to visit. Of course, there are boundless possibilities for recreation as well (kayaking, canoeing, hiking and more) and it’s an easy trip from Blowing Rock and Boone.
• Craggy Gardens—picnic, hike and take in the Blue Ridge Mountains from this location at over 5,500 feet and convenient to Asheville.
Why Choose The Coves Mountain River Club
Maybe after searching North Carolina Mountain homes, you’ve happily settled into your cozy and custom-made cabin at The Coves. Those who live in this gorgeous gated community are surrounded by the astounding fall foliage in one of the country’s longest leaf-peeping seasons. The perfect weather and the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains are the magical combinations to afford a panoramic view from The Coves that never ceases to amaze. Fall of 2019 promises to be a stunning display of color, so plan on visiting The Coves and take a seat in the Pisgah Mountain Lodge to see for yourself just how sweet life can be.
Call us at 828.754.0700 to schedule a tour!
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