2022 Fall Color Forecast

Fall is quickly approaching the mountains of WNC (September 22nd) & its time for the AshevilleWX 2022 Fall Color Forecast! Below is my forecast outlook and then a through explanation of my thoughts on when peak will occur around Asheville.

Projected Vibrance For 2022 Year

8/10

When Will Fall Color Peak In Your Location?

There is still some uncertainty to peak dates, but above are my projected peak dates for certain elevations. These could need to be tweaked as the month of September progresses, so look for there to be a bit of adjustment in dates as we get closers to the beginning of Fall.

For higher elevations, leaves will change before valley locations.. and many locations above 5500’ will begin to see peak color around October 7th. This would include locations like Mount Mitchell, and Roan Mountain, just to name a few. Clingman’s Dome, and even Grandfather Mountain will begin to peak on the week of October 8th-October 14th.

During the peak week of October 15th-October 22nd, locations like Graveyard Fields, and Linn Cove Viaduct will begin to peak, as well as many of the leaves around Boone, NC. In SW WNC Wayah Bald will begin to peak in this time frame, along with the Cherohala Skyway.

Also during the week of October 15th-22nd many of the mountains around the immediate Asheville area will begin to peak. That includes Mt. Pisgah, and surrounding peaks. Locations like Looking Glass Rock which can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway will be embroidered in fall attire during this week, and I expect this to be one of the busiest if not the busiest week of the year on the Parkway Also, some locations like Maggie Valley, and Mars Hill will begin to see colors peaking late this week.

Asheville and surrounding valleys located at 2000’ will begin to see peak fall color from October 22nd-October 29th. This week is when the majority of the population in WNC will see trees peaking in their backyards. Locations like Franklin, Waynesville, & even portions of Hendersonville will see peak color during this week. If you are planning a trip to Asheville, this is the week to book.

Locations like Brevard & Lenoir tend to peak a few days after Asheville, and therefore I am expecting their peak to be in the coming days after November 3rd. As you progress towards Charlotte, and elevation decreases, the peak day will progressively get later. This map is to help you plan your trip to the mountains of WNC, and decide where you should travel on your stay to see vibrant leaf color!

What Causes Leaves To Change?

There are many factors that cause leaves to change here in the mountain of WNC, but one of the main factors is the reduction in sunlight during the day as fall progresses. Frosts can also help accelerate this process, whereas the limited amount of rainfall can intensify the predominate colors. There are limiting factors when forecasting fall color, but I have done my best and will still continue to consider factors all together as a whole as we work towards peak color. Below is an in depth discussion on how trees change color and why certain leaves change to certain colors.

Check Back Soon For An Updated Forecast!