Photos and words by Sean Rayford

Do you want to see the wonderful displays of fall colors in the North Carolina mountains, but aren't sure where or when to start? If so, I’m here to help.

Each autumn, I jump in my micro camper van and explore the fall foliage of the Appalachian mountains, typically using the Blue Ridge Parkway as my main thoroughfare.

One cool thing about the mountains in North Carolina is that fall colors arrive before states like Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Your journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina ranges in altitude from about 6000 to 2500 ft with a lot of peaks and valleys. Because of this, we are consistently offered a range of fall colors as we travel along the parkway — and the fall foliage season in the mountains can last for weeks.

What I’ve often found is that I’ll be standing in a spot without color but the surrounding ridges might be near peak and vice-versa. If you find it too green in your area, head for the higher elevations. Sometimes its just a five minute drive.

Enjoy that journey.

I live in Columbia, South Carolina, so for me, the most convenient entry points are around Asheville, the biggest urban area along the parkway in the state. Many launch their exploring from here.

I normally start south of Asheville at Graveyard Fields, where the valley sits around 5,000 ft with surrounding ridges like Black Balsam Knob rising above 6,000 ft. Black Balsam is along the Art Loeb trail - one of the most popular routes for hikers (and trail runners) - featuring stunning 360 degree views for miles. The trailhead is about five miles from Graveyard Fields where you can see the views from the parking lot. Graveyard fields is a lot more accessible.

Something also to note, the Art Loeb trail follows a treeless ridge, which provides amazing vistas but If you are looking for fall foliage in your immediate area, it may not be here. You’ll be looking on down on the foliage.

Graveyard Fields is by far the most popular destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway during the early part of the fall foliage season. A mega wind storm, logging and a fire are attributed for open views, unique scenery and namesake. The trails here will lead you to two waterfalls.

From Graveyard Fields, I’ll head north toward Asheville and we will lose the color as we descend the mountains. Once on the other side of Asheville, I’ll check out Craggy Gardens and the Mt. Mitchell area, Both around 5,500 around feet. Mitchell a short drive off the parkway, is the highest peak on the US East Coast — cresting the spine of the Ancient Appalachians at more than 6600 ft.

It’s a unique ecosystem up here with mostly pines. If you want to get above the clouds take the short detour. I highly recommend it, but most of the trees at the elevation are evergreen and this is more of a summer destination.

If Graveyard Fields and the Craggy Gardens area are past peak, I’ll make my way to the Linville Cove Viaduct, probably the most famous section of the parkway. If those earlier spots aren’t giving their best displays yet, I’ll wait a week to explore the areas to the north.

If we continue the route past Mt. Mitchell, we’ll drop to near 3200 feet at Crabtree Falls before climbing back up to 4100 at the Viaduct.

Further travel north on the parkway doesn’t give us more elevation, so I normally use Boone/Blowing Rock as my northern boundary on the fall foliage missions.

Outside of Graveyard Fields, Rough Ridge, at the Linnville Viaduct is another popular spot for taking in the autumn scene.

BONUS TIPS AND RESOURCES:

Start early, watch the sun come up, even if its cold. You’ll beat the crowds, and get the best views.

Use the mid-day hours to take a break or return to civilization if you need to run an errand. The best times to be in the mountains is at sunrise and sunset. This means you might need a flashlight. Bring a headlamp.

Cell service and wireless signal will be really spotty.

There are no stop signs along the route and the speed limit is typically 35 m.p.h.

Pack a lunch or snack because getting back to civilization can be a drive, depending on where you are at. Fill your tank. Bring water.

ExploreFall.com is new to me this year and it looks like a really powerful tool for this type of activity and I’m really stoked to try it out this season,

There are a few Facebook groups that cater to the blue ridge parkway and these are great for up to date photos with locations. Also, @BlueRidgeNPS posts weekly photo updates during October.

For those noticing or curious, I’ve made most of these photos with a longer lens and at wider apertures. Surprise, I’m a photojournalist.

Have fun. Watch out for deer, fog, hikers, and bicyclists.