Now that October has arrived in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the Fall colors will begin to appear all across the region as the cooler weather moves in. Because the mountain elevations have such a drastic range, the leaf changes always occur at different times throughout the month depending upon the location of the trees. So we have compiled all of the details about when the leaves change in Franklin, NC and the best places to go “leaf looking” this month, down to the week!
October 2-9
The first week in October is the best time to visit areas above 5,000 feet-*. For the best driving areas, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway section between Asheville and Cherokee or the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. For walking adventures, check out Clingman’s Dome or Grandfather Mountain.
October 9-16
The second week of this month will reveal color changes in areas between 4,000-5,000 feet in elevation. This means all of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the higher portions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
October 16-23
By the third week in October, the leaf colors will trickle down into the 3,000-4,000 feet in elevation zones of the region. Pisgah National Forest is a popular destination, as it features several waterfall views accented by color changes. Nantahala Gorge in Georgia, just over the North Carolina border, is another great option for this week.
October 23-30
In the fourth week of October, the Fall colors will finally reach the trees in the areas of 2,000-3,000 feet in elevation. This includes the cities of Asheville, Cherokee, Bryson City, and Franklin itself.
The changing of the leaves in the Fall just isn’t the same on a postcard. Make time to visit the mountains of Western North Carolina this year to see it in person. You won’t regret it! For more information about starting your new life in the perfect small town of Franklin, please email us at ContactUs@SanctuaryVillage.com
Resources
https://blueridgemountainlife.com/fall-foliage/#t-1690365407828