NorthlaneColor moves down the mountains, not across a map. Higher elevations near Mount Pitchell and Graveyard Fields usually peak in early October, while lower sections hold on until late in the month.
Rather than chase one peak weekend, we plan the drive in the direction of the change, starting high and finishing low, so most days land on good color.
Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter at the popular overlooks. Budget extra time: at 45 mph with frequent stops, 100 miles is a full day.