go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Thorn Tree Forum

question about Skyline Drive during fall foliage

Replies: 6 - Last Post: Feb 16, 2013 8:15 AM Last Post By: dubaiguy

jump to
← Back to topic list

dubaiguy

dubaiguy avatar

Feb 15, 2013 8:28 AM
Posts:  152

question about Skyline Drive during fall foliage

I can't seem to find an earlier post, so I'll modify an earlier question:
I'm bit open to the timing, but approximately Oct 15--Oct 30th I'll be driving the Skyline Drive and Boone, NC, the Smokies, etc. That region. I realize that fall foliage depends on the weather and altitude, BUT usually, most years, what can be expected in this region in towns such as Boone, Asheville, the Smokies...at the mid to lower altitudes?
I would prefer that there were at least some yellowing leaves (not entirely dead) along skyline drive itself, but since it's higher, it's unlikely.
I guess my question is: any predictions for fall (based on current drought conditions, if any), etc.
And when, in an average year, might I find some at least good colors (doesn't have to be peak) at the mid to lower altitudes.
Thanks so much!

travellingtrixie

travellingtrixie avatar

Feb 15, 2013 11:12 AM
Posts:  10,037

1

Your dates are good. You will see fall foliage around that time. Every year I lived in Southwest Virginia (~1.5 hours north of Asheville) the foliage peaked mid-October and hung around until the first week of November.

My only advice is to book your hotels well in advance. It is a very, very popular time of year to visit.

dubaiguy

dubaiguy avatar

Feb 15, 2013 11:20 AM
Posts:  152

2

Thanks for the info, travelingtrixie. One question about hotels: we'll be on a rather long road trip, from New England on down to your neck of the woods. I can't really book hotels in advance (except in some crucial towns)--wouldn't it always be possible to find a cheap motel?

bzookaj

bzookaj avatar

Feb 15, 2013 1:17 PM
Posts:  5,224

3

wouldn't it always be possible to find a cheap motel?
Along Skyline Drive during peak foliage? Not achance. Even if anything is available, it will not be "cheap."
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway? Your chances are better, but be prepared to drive a ways to find "cheap."

SoloHobo

SoloHobo avatar

Feb 15, 2013 1:42 PM
Posts:  9,914

4

Yea, need to plan ahead, most the budget places are taken by the motorcycle crowd already booked with annual rides...

ianw6705

ianw6705 avatar

Feb 16, 2013 1:35 AM
Posts:  8,207

5

I'm bit open to the timing, but approximately Oct 15--Oct 30th I'll be driving the Skyline Drive and Boone, NC, the Smokies, etc.

We are doing this trip in reverse (late May), and I can advise that we have booked the following (budget) accommodation along the way:

• Marietta (northern suburbs of Atlanta) - Super 8
• Cherokee (near Great Smoky Mountains NP) - Wyndham group Motel
• Linville Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway) - Parkview Cabins & Lodge
• Floyd - Hotel Floyd
• Lexington Virginia (Blue Ridge Parkway) - Wyndhm Group Motel
• East Louray (Louray Caverns / Skyline Drive) - Hillside Cabins

I don't know if those places would suit you, but they are all budget, well reviewed, well located, including in terms of their distance apart, and close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive.

dubaiguy

dubaiguy avatar

Feb 16, 2013 8:15 AM
Posts:  152

6

Hi Lanw6705, you should enjoy your trip. I traveled through part of that area in spring a couple years back and it was wonderful. Not much traffic at all on much of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Have fun and thanks for the names of places.
← Back to topic list
ADVERTISEMENT

In our shop

See all shop products

Hotels & Hostels

See all hotels & hostels