Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Black Balsam Knob
Peak fall color is predicted around October 23. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 18 to October 28.
The prediction comes from 24 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Haywood County and across North Carolina.
That is 4 days later than usual (October 19): the six weeks to October 13 ran 3.2°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Black Balsam Knob
Under 30 minutes
30 to 60 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Sassafras Mountain31 mi · 1 hr 6 minSouth CarolinaPeak: Oct 30Status: Early color
- Caesars Head State Park39 mi · 1 hr 8 minSouth CarolinaPeak: Nov 4Status: Early color
- Biltmore Estate38 mi · 1 hr 9 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Early color
- Table Rock State Park42 mi · 1 hr 17 minSouth CarolinaPeak: Nov 5Status: Early color
- Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway43 mi · 1 hr 21 minSouth CarolinaPeak: Nov 4Status: Early color
- Bald Rock Heritage Preserve48 mi · 1 hr 26 minSouth CarolinaPeak: Nov 3Status: Not started