This Is The Best Time For Leaf Color In the North Carolina Mountains

I could not believe my luck.  I have been trying for a while now to book a friend's tiny home near West Jefferson, North Carolina.  It stays booked especially this time of year. Finally, luck shined on me, and she let me know I could have the house the third weekend in October. My first thought was, is this a good time in the fall there for leaf watching?  This is the best time for leaf color in the North Carolina mountains.

According to highcountryhost.com peak leaf color in the high country of North Carolina is from late September to early November depending upon the elevation. Higher elevation will see color earlier because temperatures are cooler. Another thing to consider is the amount of rain in a particular region.

The last week of September will be a great week for Mt. Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain. The first week of October looks great for peak fall color the first week of October. If you are going to Banner Elk for leaves you might want to choose the second week of October for peak fall color. The third week of October is going to be perfect for Boone, Blowing Rock and yes , West Jefferson.  Hurray!  That is exactly when we are going.

You can never go wrong in late September to early November taking a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  You will see leaf color of different variations along the way.  This is the best time for leaf color in the North Carolina Mountains for 2023.  I can't wait. Bring on the beauty and the bonfires. For more on excellent fall activities in North Carolina see below.

Have you created your fall bucket list yet? This weekend is Labor Day and the unofficial kick-off to fall. The kids are back in school, football is back, and pumpkin spice lattes are in Starbucks. Now the weather just needs to catch up. But soon we will be in sweaters, with leaves falling around us, surrounded by pumpkins and the smell of fresh cider. Which means it's time to plan for the best season of the year. So I'm here with some must-do activities in North Carolina this fall.

So get your boots on, it’s time to Fall in love with Fall. There is no shortage of fun activities to partake in across the state of North Carolina this September through November. Which is your favorite part of the season? The leaves falling, the pumpkin carving, or all the delicious beverages to taste. I just want to scream "It's fall y'all". Except it still feels like a sauna outside currently, and this weekend it was too hot to even go to the pool. Which left me with plenty of time to daydream about the cooler weather and all the fun to be had.  I even put my football pumpkin on my porch because it's time ladies and gentlemen, it's time!

There is no shortage of breweries in Charlotte and across the state. Which means there is no shortage of pumpkin beer this time of year. My personal favorite? NoDa Brewing Company's "Gordegous". But there is no wrong answer when it comes to pumpkin beer.

College or NFL it doesn't matter! Fall is made for football. Take in a Panthers game, the Dukes Mayo College Kickoff battle of the Carolinas, or do as I do and road trip to a college game!

What's fall without pumpkins? And sure you could pick one up at the grocery store but what fun would that be. Instead visit a local farm including Hodges Family Farm, Millstone Creeks Orchard, Cotton Hills Farm, and Hunter Farm to pick your own pumpkins!

Test your problem solving (and patience) with a corn maze. This family-friendly activity will have you laughing and bonding with those you love. There are several mazes in the Charlotte area including at Hall Family Farm, Awe Shucks, and Kersey Valley.

If you haven't been to Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery yet make this the year you finally do. Windy HIll offers apple picking, apple cider donuts, alcholic /non-alcholic drinks and good old family fun.

Whether you choose to stroll a greenway, take a walk in your neighborhood, or venture out for a hike at a park like Kings Mountain. Maybe head to Asheville to experience leaf season in the mountains. It's not fall without seeing the leaves change and letting them crunch under your feet.

You're not scared are you? There are tons of screams to be had across the Carolinas at Scarowinds, Kersey Valley Spookywoods, and more.