Fall may have arrived this week, but peak leaf season is still on its way.

Winston-Salem typically experiences its peak around late October through early November, since leaves change color later in lower elevations. This year might look a little different in our city, with delayed or muted leaf color changes. That’s because the drought and warmer temperatures created less-than-favorable conditions.

The good news? We’re not far from the mountains, which experienced more rain this year. Leaf colors will peak in mid- to late-October. Take advantage of our location by driving out west.

View an interactive fall color map here.

Pro tip: check the Blue Ridge Parkway before hopping on, as some sections may still be closed.

🍁 Uwharrie National Forest, 789 NC-24, Troy | ~1 hour away

One of the four national forests in NC, Uwharrie boasts 50,645 acres in parts of Montgomery, Davidson, + Randolph counties. Click here for maps + their recreation guide.

🍁 Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 367.7, Asheville | ~2.5 hours away

Take the short 1.5-mile round-trip hike around Craggy Pinnacle Trail, and get panoramic views at the top — you can even see the Asheville Watershed.

🍁 Blue Ridge Parkway, Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville | ~2 hours away

While driving the scenic route is the most iconic way to enjoy the leaves, we recommend taking a break from sitting in the car + making a pit stop at the Folk Art Center – to both enjoy some art and to grab a map.

🍁 Mt. Mitchell, 2388 N.C. Highway 128, Burnsville | ~3 hours away

Enjoy the ride up to the highest point east of the Mississippi River by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway and N.C. Highway 128. Walk up the ¼-mile paved trail + stay here to admire the view – or be adventurous and hike the 3,600 ft. (5.5 miles) Mount Mitchell Trail.