Pisgah National Forest, North Carolinafall foliage
No reports yet this season for Pisgah National Forest.
Right now in Pisgah National Forest · September
- Ranger station open daily · Apr–Nov
- High-meadow wildflowers · Jun–Sep
17days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by mid-October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
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 Pisgah National Forest
First frost usually in ~4 weeks
Oct 23Average first fall frost
Apr 21Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Brevard station (2.7 mi away, 2,175 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pisgah National Forest through the year
- Cove wildflowersMar–May
- Ranger station open dailyNowApr–Nov
- High-meadow wildflowersNowJun–Sep
- Cradle of Forestry closedNov–Apr
- Sunburst Campground closedNov–Mar
Best spots around Pisgah National Forest
- Looking Glass Rock Trail3.1 miles; very busy in the fall color season
- Forest Heritage Scenic Byway79-mile loop on highways 276, 215 and 64
- Looking Glass FallsOne of the most photographed falls in the East
- Shining Rock WildernessFrom 3,300 to over 6,000 feet
Around North Carolina this week
- Nantahala National Forest34 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 18Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSunrain likely
- Blue Ridge Parkway36 mi · usually Oct 1–31Todaydry and calmTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
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 →
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) · US Forest Service, North Carolina seasonal closures (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Paint Fork Road, Jacks Branch and River Ridge Loop trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Moore Cove Falls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Flat Laurel Creek Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Looking Glass Falls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · US Forest Service, Looking Glass Rock Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · US Forest Service, Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · US Forest Service, Shining Rock Wilderness (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Pisgah National Forest in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Pisgah National Forest yet. Statewide for North Carolina: color is usually well under way by mid-October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Pisgah National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 17 days (usually well under way by mid-October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Is parking easy at Looking Glass Falls?
Parking is limited, and the Forest Service asks visitors not to park in the road. Looking Glass Rock Trail is very busy in the autumn color season.Sources: US Forest Service, Looking Glass Falls ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Looking Glass Rock Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Pisgah National Forest?
Looking Glass Rock Trail: 3.1 miles; very busy in the fall color season; Forest Heritage Scenic Byway: 79-mile loop on highways 276, 215 and 64; Looking Glass Falls: one of the most photographed falls in the East; Shining Rock Wilderness: from 3,300 to over 6,000 feet.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Pisgah National Forest?
Cradle of Forestry closed (Nov–Apr); Sunburst Campground closed (Nov–Mar).
What is Pisgah National Forest like through the year?
Ranger station open daily (Apr–Nov), Cradle of Forestry closed (Nov–Apr), Sunburst Campground closed (Nov–Mar), Cove wildflowers (Mar–May) and High-meadow wildflowers (Jun–Sep).