Experience peak weekend in the High Country

I was looking for this information the other day and thought I would share!  

Leaf Viewing Dates:

Here is a guide to dates and locations for peak colors via High Country Host, but keep in mind that Mother Nature is unpredictable so these are just an educated, ballpark estimate! 

Last Week of September– 6,000 Elevation 

(Mt Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain) 

1st Week of October– 5,000 Elevation 

(Beech Mountain, Rough Ridge Trail MP 302.9)

2nd Week of October– 4,000 Elevation 

(Banner Elk, Jumpingoff Rocks Trail MP 260.3) 

3rd Week of October– 3,000 Elevation 

(Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, Price Lake MP 297)

4th Week of October– 2,000 Elevation 

(Wilkesboro, Stone Mountain State Park, Yadkin Valley Overlook MP 289.8)

Leaf viewing tips:

Plan ahead: If you are planning on experiencing peak season for more than just one day, you will want to make your lodging arrangements ASAP.  Get those hotels, Airbnb’s, and restaurant reservations booked before it’s too late. 

Expect crowds: As you can imagine, October is one of the most popular times to visit the High Country. Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days so if you are able, plan your hike on a weekday! Pack your own snacks and enjoy a parkway picnic instead of having to wait in line at the popular tourist restaurants. 

Pack right: Be prepared for all kinds of weather. It can drop almost 20 degrees at higher elevations so bring layers and maybe even a rain jacket to be safe. Bring your cameras and polarized sunglasses to enhance the colors.

Check the forecast: If you plan on venturing to the High Country in late October, you may encounter some early winter weather. The parkway will block off certain roads at higher elevations due to snow or ice so keep an eye on the weather radar!

Other High Country attractions:

If you’re heading up the Mountain, don’t miss out on some of the awesome fall festivals and events they have going on throughout the High Country and Asheville. Beer, music, and apple festivals, fairs, and Halloween celebrations are all happening throughout the month of October. Check out our Ultimate Fall Bucket List for the Carolinas for a full list of events and details!

Originall post:  OCTOBER 1, 2019 - BY MARKETING@ALLENTATE.COM