The water in the French Broad River remains cool for much of the summer and is a local favorite for swimming. Now, it’s covered in flowers that both pollinators and humans can appreciate.ĭuring July and August, beat the heat with kayaking or fishing. In 2013, community members upcycled a historic bridge into a planned garden. Visitors who want to see the seasonal bloom can check out the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. In summer, rhododendrons, azaleas, and mountain laurel pop up in the mountains. In spring, cherry and pear trees begin to bloom. The spring and summer months are some of the most beautiful that Asheville has to offer. Shoulder season (March to April, July to August) is a great time to see things in bloom The trees at Looking Glass Rock or Lookout Mountain, for example, may be at their peak a week before the trees change in Asheville’s city limits.įor less strenuous viewing, you can always enjoy the trees in Asheville’s municipal parks and trails, too, not to mention historic Riverside Cemetery. Keep in mind, though, that they change color more quickly in these conditions and timing your trip to see them can be tricky. If you’re up for a hike, the leaves are especially vivid at higher elevations. During foliage season, the red and orange leaves contrast against this phenomenon, creating the perfect conditions for photo-snappers.

The mountains’ oak trees release a chemical, isoprene, which creates the illusion that the peaks and hillsides are blue. Leaf seekers can find the best colors when they drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway, which provides incredible views of the eponymous mountains all year long.

The stunning natural views and temperate weather are often worth the expense. Plan ahead for a visit during this period, as hotel rooms tend to book up early, and rates can be double what you’d expect to pay in quieter periods. Leaves are typically at their brightest in the last half of the month.

October is the peak for fall's changing leaves, so it’s also Asheville’s peak tourism season. Many people head to Asheville in October to see the stunning fall foliage © Kruck20 / Getty Images High season is October, the best time to see autumn foliage

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