Fall Color Gallery 2026

Look out for our daily fall color photographic reports during October. Enjoy a sampling of our colors on Grandfather Mountain and our surrounding area, including the Blue Ridge Parkway. During this time, more detailed daily color reports are also posted on Grandfather Mountain’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Grandfather Mountain offers an ample display of fall color due to the park’s dramatic elevation change. Leaves begin turning at the highest elevations and gradually work down the slopes into the surrounding areas over several weeks. Typically, in mid-to-late September, the earliest colors at the mountain’s highest elevations begin to appear on the shrubs and low-growing flora that call the mountaintop home. Peak color toward the summit is usually early October. The lower sections of the park will often peak in mid-October. The views of fall color brightening up the low-lying valleys below can last through October, and possibly beyond. Plan a trip with our Fall Visits Guide and read about the Science Behind Fall Leaf Season on Grandfather.

Fall Color 2026

Rainy Fall Mountainside | Oct. 10

The fall tones of this fire cherry tree found along the park road switchbacks pop against the overcast background. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Stack Rock Creek Bridge | Oct. 9

Splashes of color illuminate the landscape around Stack Rock Creek Bridge at Milepost 304.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Autumn at the Swinging Bridge | Oct. 8

Sunset light washes over the fall colors surrounding the Mile High Swinging Bridge, creating a striking autumn scene. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

View from Wilson Center | Oct. 7

More color is making its way across the mountain as seen from this view of Linville Peak from the Wilson Center. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Autumn Sea of Clouds | Oct. 6

Color is building, with plenty of green remaining, indicating that peak color has not arrived, but the transition is underway. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)