Check out Asheville, North Carolina’s, Fall Lineup

Asheville, North Carolina, stands out as a must-visit destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas as leaves begin to change color. The variation in elevation makes Asheville’s fall season one of the longest in North America. Fall colors here emerge slowly and work down from higher elevations over several weeks, according to Dr. Howard S. Neufeld, biology professor, Appalachian State University, who has tracked Southern Appalachian fall color for decades.

The earliest colors appear late September along the Blue Ridge Parkway, before moving down to Asheville in mid- to late October. Travelers looking to experience the best of the fall colors can track the movements through Explore Asheville’s Fall Color Reports.

But that’s not the only reason to head to the region this season.

Head to the river for Wai Mauna SUP Fall Foliage Float and Cedar Rock Adventures’ Floating Bar Crawl Tour, each offering stunning views of vibrant colors from the French Broad River.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the foliage from one of Asheville’s rooftop bars and restaurants. My Father’s Pizza & Pasta in Black Mountain, the newest addition, offers 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Travelers can also participate in Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours to experience the best of fall from every angle.

For an adventurous way to experience the colors, head to Navitat and The Adventure Center of Asheville to soar over the mountains on zip lines.

At Biltmore Estate, vibrant colors cover the 8,000-acre estate’s forests, gardens and grounds, while at The Omni Grove Park Inn, guests can experience one of the best vantage points in town at Sunset Terrace.