Here Are The Best Times And Places To View North Carolina's Fall Foliage In 2023
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Carolyn Harmon
Author
Every year, like thousands of others, we wonder: When do leaves change color in North Carolina? And then come exciting plans of driving the scenic byways from the mountains to the coast, stopping in between to taste the local flavor. With this handy North Carolina fall foliage map 2023, let’s follow the pretty colors through the vivid hues of autumn.
Clingmans Dome Road, Clingmans Dome Rd, United States
Folks, there's nothing higher in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than Clingmans Dome, at a staggering 6,643 feet when the colors show first in late September or early October. We can see them from the handy observation tower, only a steep half-mile walk, showcasing phenomenal views.
The Clingmans Dome web page of the National Park Service has more information.
Craggy Dome Overlook, 3641 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USA
This trek is a bit of a challenge, but in only a mile our eyes have access to the most stunning sight for fall in North Carolina. Find out more about this hike on the AllTrails Craggy Pinnacle Trail web page.
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U.S. 74, US-74, Marble, NC, USA
Depending on which end we're on, the Nantahala Scenic Byway journey begins at Marble traveling 45 miles to Bryson City, or vice versa. Take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Nantahala
River, and the Nantahala Gorge. The route is full of exploring activities, including zipline trails, train rides, and rafting. More about this adventure is located in the North Carolina Byways Scenic Guidebook.
Half-Mile Farm, 214 Half Mile Dr, Highlands, NC 28741, USA
And while you're up high in the state, consider Highlands for some more of the first peeks of autumn in North Carolina. Stay at Old Edwards Inn Half-Mile Farm, a luxury country inn surrounded by picturesque countryside. Read further on the Half-Mile Farm Facebook page.
Davidson College, 405 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28035, USA
This creative route connects the lovely, rural Piedmont landscape, which peaks in mid-to-late October, through historic sites, including the Davidson College campus and other buildings, and a thriving downtown.
Find this colorful adventure in the North Carolina Byways Scenic Guidebook.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area, 13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, USA
This serene space offers seven access areas to the reservoir. Spend the night at one of the 300+ campsites, ride a bike on the trails, and the fall also brings the cool migrating butterflies. For more information, visit the Falls Lake State Recreation Area web page.
Nags Head Woods Preserve, 701 Ocean Acres Dr, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, USA
On the lovely coast, fall comes a little later from mid-October to early November. This 3.3-mile trail is so pretty in November. Get the details about the Sweetgum Swamp to Blueberry Ridge Trail on the AllTrails website.
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Carolina Beach Pier, 1800 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC 28428, USA
This familiar autumn scene never looked lovelier in the sand against an Atlantic ocean backdrop. See what's happening on the Carolina Beach Pier Facebook page.
When do leaves change color in North Carolina? Take a drive to get first-hand data and compare it to the North Carolina fall foliage map 2023.
And for some of the best camping and glamping in North Carolina, visit Tentrr.
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