Blue Ridge Parkway Reopens 114 Miles Through Asheville Just in Time for Fall Foliage Season

Just ahead of Western North Carolina’s world-famous fall color season, a major portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway is once again open to travelers. A newly restored 26-mile stretch north to Craggy Gardens completes 114 contiguous miles of open roadway through the Asheville area, reconnecting visitors to some of the Parkway’s most iconic high-elevation destinations, natural wonders, and cultural landmarks.

The reopening comes nearly one year after Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage and closures along one of the nation’s most visited National Park units. With more than 350 miles of the Parkway now open, visitors can enjoy uninterrupted journeys both north and south of Asheville—just in time for peak “leaf peeping” season.

Travelers can now access top attractions directly from Asheville, including Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S., Craggy Gardens, and the Folk Art Center. Heading south, seamless routes connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the waterfalls and hiking trails of Graveyard Fields and Black Balsam, before reaching the southern gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee.

A Vibrant Fall Season Ahead

Leaf experts predict an especially colorful and long-lasting 2025 fall season across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thanks to more than 100 tree species and elevations spanning 5,000 feet, the region enjoys one of the longest fall color seasons in the world. The Parkway remains one of the most popular vantage points for experiencing this natural display.

Asheville Welcomes Visitors Back

Last year’s storm disrupted the region’s peak travel season and its tourism-driven economy. This fall, Asheville is more than 90 percent open and buzzing with energy, from new restaurant and hotel openings to major art premieres and cultural festivals. The Parkway’s reopening symbolizes a broader return for the city and its surrounding mountain communities.

For fall travel resources, including weekly color reports, a foliage tracking map, and autumn adventure ideas, visit ExploreAsheville.com

Photo by Eli Cunningham