Why Blowing Rock is Great for Leaf Viewing

It’s that time of year again. We are starting to see the changes of Fall here in the High Country.  Blowing Rock is an excellent destination for fall color, some might say the best. There are a few reasons why our location is an ideal one with such vibrancy and it all comes down to variety.

  1. We are located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway has miles of unspoiled land with plenty of places to view the leaves. Whether you’re hiking or just pulling off at an overlook, the Parkway offers sweeping views of the spectacle across the Pisgah National Forest.
  2. Next, there are multiple elevations in the area. The town of Blowing Rock is located along the Eastern Continental Divide, with ridges above and the John’s River Gorge stretching below. Leaves tend to change at higher elevations first and then change at lower elevations later. The first place we’ll see leaves change is Grandfather Mountain, with peaks over a mile above sea level, so if you’re visiting early in the leaf season Grandfather is a must-see destination.
  3. Last, biodiversity is especially notable in this region. The Blowing Rock area is home to many Cove Forests, which are among the most diverse in North America. There are tons of types of trees and plants that show color this time of year. So, don’t just look up for color as there are many spectacular shrubs as well.

All of these reasons work in tandem to create the beautiful Fall colors we see in and around Blowing Rock. If you are planning a trip to the area this Fall, here is a list of tips for you to consider as it can be a very busy time of year.