The Best Leaf-Peeping Road Trips In The Carolinas
When the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to blaze in shades of red, gold, and orange, there's no better time to hit the road in search of fall beauty. North Carolina and South Carolina offer some of the Southeast’s most stunning autumn landscapes, from mountain vistas to lakefront reflections. Whether you’re a weekend road tripper or planning a full fall getaway, these scenic routes showcase the Carolinas at their most colorful.
So grab a thermos of cider, queue up your favorite road trip playlist, and get ready to peep some serious leaves.
North Carolina: Mountain Majesty and Scenic Byways
In North Carolina, fall color begins at the highest elevations (above 5,000 feet) in late September, especially around Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, and the High Country. Mid-elevation areas like Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway peak around mid-October, while lower elevations and foothills near Hanging Rock reach their prime in late October. The best time to catch peak color depends on elevation, so road trippers can often follow the change from mountain tops to valleys over several weeks.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Blue Ridge Parkway Loop
Start your North Carolina leaf-peeping adventure in the western part of the state, where the Great Smoky Mountains National Park delivers iconic fall foliage views. Known for its elevation changes and diverse tree species, this park bursts into flame-colored glory from late September through early November.
Begin your drive in Cherokee, a historic town nestled at the park’s southern gateway. Then hop onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, America’s favorite scenic drive, and head northeast toward Asheville. This stretch of the Parkway offers spectacular overlooks, tunnels, and views of the Smokies in all their fall splendor. Don’t miss the Waterrock Knob Overlook or Graveyard Fields, both known for their panoramic photo ops and short hikes.
Loop back through Maggie Valley and into Bryson City for a more rustic, small-town finish, or continue deeper into the Smokies via Clingmans Dome Road for an unforgettable 360-degree view at the highest point in the park.
Recommended Stops: Clingmans Dome, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Asheville, Bryson City
Best Time to Go: Early to mid-October
2. Hanging Rock Scenic Byway
For a shorter but equally impressive fall drive, head north to the Hanging Rock Scenic Byway near Winston-Salem. This 20-mile route winds through Stokes County and into Hanging Rock State Park, a hidden gem where dense hardwood forests explode with color in mid to late October.
Along the way, stop for a hike to Moore’s Wall or Hanging Rock Summit, where sweeping views of the Piedmont and colorful treetops await. The roads are dotted with old farmhouses, roadside markets, and quiet beauty that makes for a peaceful, foliage-filled escape.
Recommended Stops: Danbury, Hanging Rock Visitor Center, Moore’s Wall Loop
Best Time to Go: Mid to late October
3. Grandfather Mountain to Boone
Next, venture into the High Country for a road trip through Grandfather Mountain State Park and the vibrant college town of Boone. Start your journey near Linville and follow US-221 and the Blue Ridge Parkway north. This winding route offers dramatic views of Grandfather Mountain’s rocky peaks and plunging valleys blanketed in sugar maples and oaks.
Make time to cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain, and then continue into Boone for cozy cafes, mountain culture, and the possibility of a quick detour to Blowing Rock or Banner Elk.
The elevation and exposure here make it one of the earliest areas in the state to turn color, so plan accordingly.
Recommended Stops: Grandfather Mountain, Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville Falls
Best Time to Go: Late September to early October
4. Asheville Loop via Blue Ridge Parkway
A road trip based in Asheville provides easy access to some of the most scenic stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, while offering top-notch dining, breweries, and arts. Start your day in Asheville, and head south on the Parkway toward Mt. Pisgah and Black Balsam Knob.
This section of the Parkway is known for sweeping views of long mountain ridgelines covered in color. Park at Black Balsam Road for a short hike to bald summits with 360-degree views of fall foliage in every direction.
Loop back into Asheville via NC-215, or extend your trip by continuing to Brevard for waterfalls and more colorful drives through Pisgah National Forest.
Recommended Stops: Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts 400–420, Black Balsam Knob, Brevard
Best Time to Go: Early to mid-October
South Carolina: Rolling Hills and Hidden Highways
South Carolina’s fall foliage season arrives a little later than in the higher elevations of North Carolina. In the Upstate region, which includes places like the Cherokee Foothills, Sumter National Forest, and Lake Jocassee, color typically begins to show in mid-October, with peak foliage occurring between late October and early November. Because the state’s elevation is generally lower, the season is brief but brilliant, especially in forested areas and mountain foothills.
1. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC-11)
South Carolina’s premier fall foliage route, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC-11), is a 130-mile drive that hugs the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a colorful, winding tour through orchards, state parks, and small mountain towns.
Start near Gaffney and head west toward Walhalla, passing through picturesque stops like Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head, and Jones Gap. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for roadside apple stands and hiking trailheads leading to some of the Upstate’s best waterfall views.
This route is at its peak in late October to early November, slightly later than the higher elevations in NC.
Recommended Stops: Table Rock State Park, Campbell’s Covered Bridge, Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Best Time to Go: Late October to early November
2. Sumter National Forest Loop
For a more off-the-beaten-path leaf-peeping road trip, explore the southern end of the Sumter National Forest, which stretches across multiple counties in western South Carolina. Begin in Edgefield, a historic town with charming shops and cafés, then take SC-23 west toward McCormick and loop back via SC-28 and SC-81.
Along this loop, you’ll drive through dense hardwood forests that light up with fiery reds and golds. The roads are quiet, scenic, and perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds of more popular routes. Be sure to stop for a lakeside picnic at Lake Thurmond or take a detour on one of the area's many forest service roads for a deeper nature experience.
Recommended Stops: Edgefield, Modoc, Lake Thurmond, McCormick
Best Time to Go: Late October to early November
3. Devils Fork State Park & Lake Jocassee
Tucked away in the northwestern corner of South Carolina, Devils Fork State Park and Lake Jocassee offer one of the most serene and visually stunning fall destinations in the state. Though not a long road trip, the drive into the park via SC-130 is lined with deep forest and gently winding roads—ideal for a calm, reflective fall outing.
Once you arrive, rent a kayak or boat and experience fall color from the water, where vibrant trees line the cliffs and coves of Lake Jocassee. There are also trails that provide lake overlooks and secluded picnic spots, making this an ideal day trip from nearby Salem or Seneca.
Recommended Stops: Lake Jocassee, Bear Cove Trail, Salem
Best Time to Go: Mid to late October
Get ready for epic fall fun!
From winding mountain roads in North Carolina to forest-lined lakes in South Carolina, the Carolinas offer road-tripping leaf peepers a wide variety of routes, views, and experiences. Whether you crave misty overlooks or lakeside serenity, there’s a fall foliage route waiting for you. So fill up the tank, pack your camera, and head out to find your perfect patch of autumn color in the Carolinas.
