What To Know About The Blue Ridge Parkway's Gorgeous Fall Foliage Before Planning A Trip

Winding through 469 miles of Appalachian splendor, the Blue Ridge Parkway transforms into one of America's most spectacular autumn drives each fall. But to experience the area's legendary foliage, you need to know where to go and when. With the colors spanning late September to early November and varying dramatically by elevation, timing your visit can mean the difference between getting some of the best fall photos on Instagram and missing the show entirely.

The Parkway's over 5,000 feet in elevation change creates a natural cascade of color down the mountainsides. As temperatures drop and days become shorter, the transformation begins at the highest elevations and gradually works its way down. This gives lucky visitors an extended window to witness peak conditions somewhere along the route. The colors rival those in New England, as more than 100 tree species line the Parkway. Hickories and sassafras blaze brilliant orange and yellow, blackgums and sourwoods flame deep red, and sugar maples take on vibrant, multicolored hues. Let's find out when you can expect the show to start.

While the Blue Ridge Parkway's fall foliage follows an elevation-based pattern, Mother Nature likes to keep eager leaf-peepers on their toes. Weather variations, from early frosts to unusually warm spells, can shift peak timing from year to year. Flexibility is key to catching the best colors. That said, at any point during October, you'll get lucky somewhere on the Parkway if you drive a few miles of changing elevation.

At higher elevations, peak colors typically arrive in late September to early October. Grandfather Mountain and the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct offer prime viewing spots, as does the appropriately spookily named Graveyard Fields. This area draws large crowds on the Parkway in fall, as not just the trees but the foliage at ground level, too, all blaze with color. It's named for its tree stumps, not actual graves, though your phone battery might die from all the photo-taking.

By mid-October, the colors begin to edge their way downwards. Devil's Courthouse makes for a spectacular (and Halloween-ready) stop, while the tiny town of Little Switzerland is an underrated gem. Around Roanoke, foliage usually peaks from mid to late-October, with Asheville catching a late October showing, too. Explore Fall has a map showing the peak color timings on the Blue Ridge Parkway, though be aware that it is an estimate.

Planning ahead is key to building your ideal getaway along the Parkway, as autumn is one of the area's peak seasons. If you want to stay in the area, try to book lodging in advance, and note that certain properties will require a three-night stay. Entrance to the Parkway itself is free, and no reservations are required. Just make sure to fill up your tank before hitting the road, as there are no gas stations along the route. Aim to explore on a weekday if you can, as weekends tend to be extra busy.

Since you can't drive the whole parkway in one day, pick a section to focus on. We recommend an area with large elevation changes over a short distance, which translates into a variety of peak foliage times; the map on Explore Fall can help you decide where to go. Before you head out, take a look at the National Park Service (NPS) site for any road closures (in 2025, there are some Hurricane Helene-related closures).

Though nicknamed "America's Favorite Drive", the Parkway is not without its challenges. Speed limits tend to hover around 45 miles per hour, but steep grades and sharp turns often call for slower driving. The NPS notes that 30 miles usually translates to an hour's drive there. Navigating the Parkway in certain types of RVs can be especially cumbersome, and if your vehicle is especially tall, check that it'll make it through the Parkway's 26 tunnels!