Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolinafall foliage
No reports yet this season for Blue Ridge Parkway. It usually peaks Oct 1–31.
Right now in Blue Ridge Parkway · September
- Visitor centers open · May–Oct
- Wildflowers · Mar–Oct
3days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 1–31
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 6:23 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Blue Ridge Parkway
First frost usually in ~5 weeks
Oct 31Average first fall frost
Apr 5Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's N Fk 2 station (3.2 mi away, 2,480 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Blue Ridge Parkway through the year
- WildflowersNowMar–Oct
- Visitor centers openNowMay–Oct
- Azaleas and rhododendronsMay–Jun
- Fall colorOct
Best spots around Blue Ridge Parkway
- Craggy Gardens (MP 364)Wildflowers, fall leaves and wide views
- Waterrock Knob (MP 451.2)The Parkway's highest visitor center, at 5,820 ft
- Linn Cove ViaductDrive it, or hike to see it from another angle
- Peaks of Otter (MP 85.6)Six trails in Virginia
Around North Carolina this week
- Pisgah National Forest36 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 18Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Nantahala National Forest65 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 18Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across the Southern Appalachians, every species with enough observations is close to a typical year. Which trees turn when →
Blue Ridge Parkway in pictures
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway fall colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway popular destinations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway visitor centers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Waterrock Knob (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Peaks of Otter (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Blue Ridge Parkway in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 1–31. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Blue Ridge Parkway right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 3 days (usually Oct 1–31).
Which parts turn first?
The highest peaks, early in October; the color then moves down the mountainsides into the lower elevations as the month goes on.Source: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway fall colors ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there an entrance fee, and is the road open?
There's no entrance fee. The Parkway is open year-round, but sections can close for weather or maintenance.Source: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway FAQ ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Blue Ridge Parkway?
Craggy Gardens (MP 364): wildflowers, fall leaves and wide views; Waterrock Knob (MP 451.2): the Parkway's highest visitor center, at 5,820 ft; Linn Cove Viaduct: drive it, or hike to see it from another angle; Peaks of Otter (MP 85.6): six trails in Virginia.
What is Blue Ridge Parkway like through the year?
Azaleas and rhododendrons (May–Jun), Visitor centers open (May–Oct), Fall color (Oct) and Wildflowers (Mar–Oct).