The predicted color stage on the selected date, modelled from years of fall color records. A forecast, not a live observation.When each area's color is predicted to peak this season. The date doesn't change this view.
PSM V73 D190 Linville river and falls mitchell county n c

Public domain

Linville Gorge

Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," featuring rugged trails and dramatic overlooks like Hawksbill Mountain for panoramic views.

Typical peak
Oct 29
Late October
Best Viewing Window
Oct 24 – Nov 3
Late October to Early November
Latest color reading
Moderate color
The newest satellite reading was 4 days old at the latest update.
20 sample points · about 6 clear looks per point.
The most recent reading we have, not a forecast; color may have moved since.

Forest Composition

Oak Hickory dominant
Oak / Hickory50%
72% deciduous canopy (forest survey)

Conditions & 5-Day Forecast

Fetching forecast...

Nearby Towns

Linville22 mi44 minAsheville29 mi48 minBurnsville37 mi57 min

All 2 places in Burke County

© OpenStreetMap contributors · Esri, Garmin, USGS, NPS, HERE · Terrain data: USGS, NOAA; contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada; source: INEGI, Continental relief, 2016Powered by Esri

Field notes · 2026 estimate

When to see peak color at Linville Gorge

Peak fall color is predicted around October 29. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 24 to November 3.

Predicted peakOctober 29
Best windowOctober 24 – November 3
Confidence range±5 days

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 Burke County and across North Carolina.

That is 5 days later than usual (October 24): the six weeks to October 13 ran 4.5°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 Linville Gorge

30 to 60 minutes

1 to 2 hours