North Carolina Fall Foliage trip

<p>Sometime in the next two weeks (mid to late October) I'm taking a 2-day trip to North Carolina arriving via I-77 from Virginia to take some fall foliage pictures, and am then going to spend a couple nights in Charlotte. Any recommendations on good spots to visit (including the western part of Virginia)? When do the colors typically peak along the North Carolina Blue Ridge parkway? Thanks.</p>

<p>Fall foliage peaks vary with the season.<br>

1. Here's the official foliage website for the State of Virginia: http://dof.virginia.gov/fall/<br>

2. NC....you'll get a different peak date if you're in the Smokey Mountains rather than if you're on the coastline or piedmont--they could vary as much as a month b/c of substantial differences in temperature, rainfall and altitude. Here is a website for foliage on the Blue Ridge Parkway: http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=286 and the closest I know of for NC is one for Asheville: http://www.exploreasheville.com/seasonal-fun/fall/<br>

3. Not sure what you're looking to see or do other than foliage. Be aware that as long as the Federal Govt. is shut down, so are rest-stops and facilities on Skyline Drive in Virginia. I find the Smokey Mountains fascinating in NC--even without foliage changes (though keep in mind that the Smokey Mountain NP is a Federal Park and thus closed for now). Asheville is the arts capital of NC--tremendous art options (shoot a ceramics artist or someone blowing glass). NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) which is where the US Olympic kayak trials are held, is in SW NC. The Biltmore Estate is in Asheville. As far as SW Va, Roanoke is a nice place. Floyd is a tiny town that is a bluegrass hub. Natural Bridge is a pretty cool sight and definitely worth stopping at as a photographer.</p>

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<p>If you are able to get to western NC on the Parkway, I'm sure you'll find it interesting and enjoyable. However, the two main lodges on the Parkway, Peaks of Otter (In VA) and Pisgah Inn are (or were the last time I checked) closed because of the shutdown. Both are private businesses leased from the National Parks Service, so go figure. Anyway, you'll find numerous scenic pull offs south of Asheville, if you get that far. Here's a link: http://www.romanticasheville.com/graveyard.htm . Also, heading south from Asheville, just past the Pisgah Inn, head down US 276 toward Brevard. A ways down you will find Looking Glass Falls on the left of the road. http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/looking_glass1.htm . It's right on the side of the road and very easy to get to. </p>

<p>Keep in mind that particularly during weekends, the traffic in these area will be awful. Try to time your visit during the week to avoid the crowds. Enjoy your trip!</p>

<p>I'll be in Asheville on Monday and be staying there at least until Thursday and after that maybe travel up the BRP to see what I can. Looking for waterfalls, landscapes, night star shots, sunrise/sunsets, foliage mostly<br>

I have Adams waterfall book and nyes BRP book<br>

I'm not big on advance planning more or less flying by the seat of my pants but then you pretty much have to go up or down in elevation to hit max color</p>

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<p>If you want waterfalls, than go to the Smokey Mountains. <br>

And I get that you're not in to advance planning but you at least want to check stuff like water flow and sunrise/sunset b/c little things like that make the difference between a shot of "oh, that's a pretty waterfall" vs. "OMG--is the water on fire? How did you shoot that? Is that done with photoshop? OMG!" b/c you shot the waterfall as the setting/rising sun glinted off it. Or shot the pool of water as the morning fog and mist burned off.</p>

<p>I used this NC waterfall map during my one week stay in NC, Oct 14-21 this year. It is excellent.<br>

<a href="http://www.kadamsphoto.com/photography_books_maps_gear/waterfalls_nc_map_previews.htm">http://www.kadamsphoto.com/photography_books_maps_gear/waterfalls_nc_map_previews.htm</a></p>

<p>Joe Smith</p>

<p>I ended up driving the Blue Ridge Parkway from Fancy Gap to Asheville on October 21. What a spectacular drive. However, the leaves were mostly past peak except in the lower elevations. If I drive it again next year I'll do it a week earlier. I was taken away by the beauty of the North Carolina mountains especially Grandfather Mountain and Mt. Mitchell. </p>