Fall Color Gallery 2025
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. Peak colors in our Blue Ridge Mountains begin at the highest summits like Grandfather Mountain in early October and gradually spread down the mountainsides into the valleys for 3-4 weeks. Plan a trip with our Fall Visits Guide and read about the Science Behind Fall Leaf Season on Grandfather.
In late September, shrubs like blueberry, huckleberry and azalea at the highest elevations will signal that fall is quickly approaching. Buckeyes have begun changing to yellow throughout the mountain. These, and locusts, are among the first tree species that turn at Grandfather every year, while maples will also start to get some red hue early in the season. The changing colors of the leaves are tied to several things – weather, leaf pigments and the length of the night being three of the most important ingredients in the process. Moist soil from August rain, warm temperatures during the day and recent cooler temperatures at night have triggered the trees to begin the process of entering winter dormancy.
“We are already starting to see a slight touch of fall color on Grandfather Mountain,” said John Caveny, vice president of conservation and education for Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “The weather conditions during spring and summer were very favorable for a great fall season. Recently, we have experienced warm days and cool nights, which is another essential part of the formula for great fall weather.”
“Grandfather Mountain’s elevation gives us a very interesting view at fall color,” added Caveny. “The highest elevations change first and then the colors begin to make their way down the mountain and into the valley below. This means that we are going to have gorgeous views or color for well over a month!”
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.
Fall Color 2025
Above the Parkway | Oct. 18
Golds, oranges and fiery reds are lining the Blue Ridge Parkway with their most vibrant show yet, this fall season. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Downtown Banner Elk | Oct. 17
Those who are heading to the High Country this weekend are in for a treat with prime fall color being in full swing and multiple local events lined up. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Fall Color from Cliffside | Oct. 16
While some trees have dropped their leaves, many others remain radiant in rich autumn hues. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
View from MacRae Meadows | Oct. 15
Grandfather Mountain’s slopes are alive with prime fall color, drawing in visitors from near and far! (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Vibrant Trees on the Mountain | Oct. 14
A mix of fiery reds and glowing yellows are dominating the fall landscape on Grandfather Mountain this week. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Linville Peak from Cliffside | Oct. 13
Linville Peak is bursting with color this week, as seen from Cliffside Picnic Area. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Color from Bridge Area | Oct. 12
High Country mountainsides and hills are alive with autumn hues. Color should continue to be great locally this week. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Blue Ridge Parkway | Oct. 11
The Blue Ridge Parkway near Grandfather Mountain is alive with color, making it a perfect weekend for a fall drive. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
View of Grandmother Lake | Oct. 10
Warm yellow leaves frame the waters of Grandmother Lake, capturing the vibrant heart of fall in the mountains. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
View of Grandfather Mountain | Oct. 9
A gorgeous weekend is on its way, and the mountain is covered with bright foliage. Expect to see yellows, oranges and pops of red. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Morning Views on the Parkway | Oct. 8
Red tones are spreading across the mountain, as seen in this view of the Linn Cove Viaduct taken near Rough Ridge Overlook. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Wildflowers at Cliffside | Oct. 7
Autumn wildflowers add splashes of color throughout Cliffside picnic area at Grandfather Mountain. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Rocks Above Linn Cove Viaduct | Oct. 6
Golden hues and pops of crimson blanket the slopes around the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
View from Wilson Center | Oct. 5
From the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery’s parking lot, fall color can be seen all around. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Rough Ridge from Top Shop | Oct. 4
As early morning fog rolls off the mountain, it reveals shades of yellow and crimson across the higher elevations. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
View of MacRae Peak | Oct. 3
While much of the mountain is still covered in green, this weekend promises vibrant colors throughout the peaks and higher elevations of the mountain. (Photo by Grayson Ross)
Witch Hazel at Forrest Gump Curve | Oct. 2
Witch hazel adds a splash of yellow to the famed Forrest Gump curve, as the mountain’s slopes shift from green to golden hues of autumn. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
View of Linville Peak | Oct. 1
Autumn colors are glowing beneath Linville Peak, as seen from Cliffside picnic area on Grandfather Mountain. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
The Park Road | Sept. 30
Late September rain highlights the rich tones of fall foliage along the park road a few curves below Forrest Gump Curve. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Peaks from Black Rock | Sept. 29
Fall colors are becoming more vibrant above 5,000 ft. elevation, as seen from the end of the Black Rock Trail. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Tones at Top Shop | Sept. 28
Even under gray skies, Grandfather Mountain continues to show signs of transitioning tones. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
View from Switchbacks | Sept. 27
One year after Helene, this year’s fall color brings with it a sense of hope and renewal. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Cobey Botanical Garden | Sept. 26
Plenty of color can be found by looking down, as numerous bushes, shrubs and plants break out their autumn best! (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Half Moon Overlook | Sept. 25
One way to welcome the hues of fall is to take note of the mountain ash berries that are a vibrant red this time of year. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Behind the Top Shop | Sept. 24
In September, warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights bring about the most spectacular reds and crimsons. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
View from Scheer Bluff | Sept. 23
Hints of fall color are appearing at higher elevations in the High Country, though the overall landscape is mostly green. (Photo by Grayson Ross)
View of Swinging Bridge | Sept. 22
At the top of the mountain, you can see bushes transitioning to hues of red and pops of color among the evergreens. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Fall Color Previous Years
Half Moon Overlook
Fall Foliage on Grandfather Mountain
Blue Ridge Parkway Viaduct
Fall Leaves Masterpiece
Fall Color Ramble
Bears love fall color too!
Price Lake on Blue Ridge Parkway
Fall Picnics at Grandfather
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Hiking on Grandfather Trail
Endless Views
