Leaf Lookers come from all around to see the Appalachian, Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of Western NC as they change colors in the Fall of the year. The Birch, Dogwood, Poplar and Sourwood trees are the first to turn at the end of September. The beech, hickory, oak and the sweet gum tree will keep a dark summer green foliage for about two weeks then they begin to turn also.

The peak this season is almost always the third weekend in October, but sometimes the colors turn sooner or will last into early November.

For those who like a lot of green in their color scheme the first and second weekends of October are the best time to visit the mountains and  for those who enjoy lots of reds, oranges, yellows and browns from the third weekend in October till the first weekend in November.

Make reservations early if you plan to spend the night in western NC during October and when planning to view the fall colors be sure you have your camera, a jacket, and you might want to bring a picnic lunch to avoid the crowded restaurants and a pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife. Scenic Drives include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, Clingmans Dome, Mountain Waters Byway and The Road To Nowhere.