Fall 2023

Chestoa View Overlook | Oct. 31

Happy Halloween! The N.C. High Country enjoyed an extended fall color season, with great autumn hues throughout the month. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Grandfather From U.S. 221 | Oct. 30

Though some nice pockets of fall color remain, as autumn descends to lower elevations, the mountain is now past peak. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Valle Crucis | Oct. 29

The pink tones of sunset highlight a late autumn view of golden and crimson hues on the hillside in this serene community. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Bridge Over Linville River | Oct. 28

Fall colors put on a show in the lower elevations of the N.C. High Country, as seen near the Linville Falls Visitor Center. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Near MacRae Meadows | Oct. 27

Autumn lights up the landscape near Grandfather’s park road. There have been some spectacular yellow hues to be seen this week. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Linville Gorge | Oct. 26

Sunrise brightens fall foliage at The Chimneys near Table Rock. The best color is between 3,000-4,000 feet in elevation. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Linville Falls Picnic Area | Oct. 25

Fall color and sunlight illuminate this iconic bridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway, at Milepost 316.5, in this scenic shot. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Woods Walk | Oct. 24

As we move into late October, the lower half of Grandfather Mountain continues to have bright autumn hues on display. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Linville River | Oct. 23

Colorful maple leaves frame this view by the Linville Falls Visitor Center. This week calls for sunshine and warmer weather. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Linn Cove Viaduct | Oct. 22

The area around this engineering marvel has been especially vibrant this season, showcasing a kaleidoscope of color. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Black Rock Trail | Oct. 21

Grandfather Mountain provides over a dozen miles of hiking trails that offer a uniquely immersive fall color experience. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Mill Pond in Banner Elk | Oct. 20

Fall color fills this shot, showcasing a serene autumn setting. The High Country’s foliage is exceptionally vibrant right now. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Historic Cheese House | Oct. 19

This historic structure in Banner Elk, built in 1917 and now owned by Lees-McRae College, plays off the surrounding fall tones. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Bear Habitat Overlook | Oct. 18

The bear, cougar and elk viewing areas provide another perspective of fall as surrounding vistas become more colorful. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

View of Rough Ridge | Oct. 17

This stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway around Grandfather is really showing off a vibrant blend of fall colors this week. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Viaduct From U.S. 221 | Oct. 16

Vibrant color has become widespread across the area in the last few days, as seen in this iconic photo of the Linn Cove Viaduct. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Price Lake | Oct. 15

This view, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers the treat of fall color and Grandfather reflecting off of the water. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

View From MacRae Meadows | Oct. 14

Color is widespread on the mountain, beautifully blending with a landscape of granite cliffs and dark-green hues of evergreens. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Linville Peak From Cliffside Overlook | Oct. 13

This unique view showcases fall foliage and the rich red hue of mountain ash berries brightening up the top of the mountain. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

View of Swinging Bridge | Oct. 12

This shot taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway shows bright red, yellow and orange hues set against an evergreen backdrop. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

View From Linville Peak | Oct. 11

More autumn hues are covering the landscape each day. This vantage point is one of the best places to enjoy a fall view. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Looking Down at Forrest Gump Curve | Oct. 10

Bright hues of witch hazel, one of many unique plant species to turn in fall, highlight this view from Cliffside Overlook. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Park Road Near Bridge Trail | Oct. 9

While some vibrant trees and pockets of color dot the hillsides, there is still much to come, with a lot of green remaining. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Linn Cove Viaduct | Oct. 8

Nice pockets of color are developing around this iconic Blue Ridge Parkway bridge that winds around Grandfather Mountain. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

View From Wilson Center | Oct. 7

This view looking up toward Linville Peak showcases a variety of seasonal colors contrasted with evergreen trees. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Looking Toward Grandmother Mountain | Oct. 6

Black Rock Trail continues to offer great views of fall color extending from Grandfather Mountain’s highest elevations. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Linville and Morton Peaks | Oct. 5

While there is still a lot of green, fall color is filling the landscape of Grandfather’s upper reaches more each day. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

View From Swinging Bridge | Oct. 4

This mile-high vantage point is perfect for viewing fall color between Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Wilson Center From Black Rock Trail | Oct. 3

Fall color is emerging on the upper half of the mountain. Black Rock Trail offers a great hike for vibrant autumn views. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Blue Ridge Parkway Near Grandfather | Oct. 2

Hints of fall color are appearing at higher elevations in the High Country, though the overall landscape is mostly green. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

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

Black Rock Trail