Western North Carolina is once again preparing for its most colorful season. From the Blue Ridge Parkway to the foothills of the Appalachians, the annual transformation of green forests into fiery reds, oranges, and golds draws thousands of visitors. But this year's leaf season comes with a caveat: the lingering impact of Hurricane Helene (2024), which stripped trees, closed roads, and left scars across some of the state's most beloved overlooks.
Still, experts say the show will go on. "Western Carolina is back open for business, and that includes the famous Blue Ridge Parkway," said Dr. Howard Neufeld, Appalachian State University's "Fall Color Guy" in an interview with Queen City News. "You may see patches of gray where Helene took down trees, but you'll also see brilliant color in areas that were spared."
For residents of Kings Mountain and nearby communities, there are still plenty of accessible destinations within a 150-mile radius to enjoy the season's spectacle. Here is a guide to the best spots, when to go, and how to make the most of your trip.
Blue Ridge Parkway - Asheville
Region
• Address: Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
• Distance from Kings Mountain: ~110 miles (2 hours)
• The Blue Ridge Parkway is still the crown jewel of fall color viewing. While some sections were damaged by Helene, including landslides and road washouts near milepost 345, the Asheville corridor (mileposts 382-469) has largely reopened.
• Peak color here typically arrives mid- to late October, with higher elevations (above 4,000 feet) turning first. Overlooks such as Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364) and Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451) are especially popular.
Mount Mitchell State Park
• Address: 2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville, NC 28714
• Distance from Kings Mountain: ~125 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
• At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It was battered by Helene's winds, which reached over 100 mph, but the park has reopened key trails and overlooks. Visitors should expect some areas of tree loss, but the sweeping views are still unmatched.
• Peak color here arrives early to mid-October, making it one of the first places in the state to glow with autumn hues.
Grandfather Mountain
• Address: 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville, NC 28646
• Distance from Kings Mountain: ~ 95 miles (2 hours)
• Grandfather Mountain, famous for its Mile High Swinging Bridge, offers panoramic views of the High Country. While Helene caused some blowdowns in the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, the park itself has recovered well.
• Expect peak color mid-October, with maples and birches lighting up the ridges.
Chimney Rock State Park & Lake Lure
• Address: 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
• Distance from Kings Mountain: ~65 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)
• Chimney Rock was among the hardest hit communities during Helene, with flooding and landslides devastating businesses and trails3. While recovery continues, the park has reopened its main elevator and hiking routes. Visitors should be prepared for limited access in some areas.
• Peak color here usually arrives from late October into early November, making it an excellent choice for those who miss the higher-elevation show.
DuPont State
Recreational
Forest
• Address: 1300 Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
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LEAF
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• Distance from Kings Mountain: ~110 miles (2 hours 15 minutes)
• Known for its waterfalls--High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls--DuPont Forest offers a mix of hardwoods that turn brilliant shades of red and gold. The forest sustained less hurricane damage than higher ridges, making it a reliable destination this year.
• Peak color is expected in late October.
Hanging Rock
State Park
• Address: 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016
• Distance from Kings Mountain: ~140 miles (2 hours 40 minutes)
• Located northeast of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock lies just within the 150-mile radius. Its sandstone cliffs and hardwood forests offer sweeping views of the Piedmont. Because it sits at a lower elevation than the Blue Ridge, peak color arrives from late October to early November.
Leaf-Peeping Tips for 2025
• Timing is Everything
• Higher elevations (Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain) peak in early to mid-October.
• Mid-elevations (Asheville, DuPont, Chimney Rock) peak in late October.
• Lower elevations (Hanging Rock, Lake Lure) hold color into early November.
• Check Road Conditions
• Hurricane Helene left lasting infrastructure damage. Certain sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park remain closed. Always check the National Park Service or NCDOT websites before traveling.
• Beat the Crowds
• Arrive early in the morning to park at popular overlooks. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
• Pack Smart
• Bring layers--mountain weather can swing from 70°F in the afternoon to 40°F in the evening.
• Carry water, snacks, and a paper map in case of limited cell service.
• Leave No Trace
• Stay on marked trails, respect closures, and carry out all trash. Recovery from Helene is ongoing, and fragile areas need protection.
• The Bigger Picture
While Hurricane Helene stripped leaves and toppled trees across 822,000 acres of North Carolina forestland, experts say the state's fall color season remains one of the longest and most diverse in the nation. "Colors start like a wave at the very highest elevation and every week you can watch that color move downslope," said Dr. Neufeld.
For residents of Kings Mountain, the message is clear: despite last year's devastation, the mountains are open, the colors are coming, and the tradition of fall leaf-peeping stays alive.