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.

Luckily for us, our friends at SmokyMountains.com have provided us with an excellent resource! SmokyMountains.com utilizes a refined data model that depends on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data.

With this handy North Carolina fall foliage map for 2024, let's look at some places for prime leaf peeping:

1. Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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.

2. Craggy Pinnacle Summit, Blue Ridge Parkway (and all of the Parkway, for that matter)

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.

3. Nantahala Scenic Byway, Bryson City

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.

4. Half-Mile Farm by Old Edwards

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.

5. The College Town Ride, Davidson

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.

6. Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Wake Forest

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.

7. Nags Head Woods Preserve, Kill Devil Hills

On the lovely coast, fall comes a little later. 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.

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 2024.

And for some of the best camping and glamping in North Carolina, visit Tentrr.