My favorite season is winter, but fall is a very close second. When the first cold snap of the season brings that crisp air, I feel like I’m waking up for the year (no offense, summer). I love watching the seasons change, and watching the leaves change in North Carolina is something I look forward to every year. I’m a big leaf peeper, and I think we can all agree that North Carolina is one of the best places in the country to see the leaves change. Those Blue Ridge Mountains truly transform in the fall!

So naturally, I decided to make a fall foliage road trip that showcases all of my favorite places in North Carolina to see this colorful explosion. Of course, Mother Nature is anything but predictable, so we don’t know exactly when peak fall foliage in North Carolina will be. Generally speaking, the end of October toward early November is a safe bet, though one cold snap could change the timeline! I use this handy dandy fall foliage map to help me plan for peak foliage. In the end, you’ll just need to be flexible and willing to jump in the car for a spontaneous weekend road trip.

This fall foliage road trip covers some popular spots, some hidden gems, and even includes a place to stay. While I do love windshield views, we all know the best way to experience the fall foliage is to get outside and explore it! The hiking trails I’ve featured are some of the best trails in the fall—they will blow your mind!