Near the tunnel at the end of the “Road to Nowhere” in Swain County, this maple’s fading red-and-yellow leaves brightened an otherwise brown landscape in mid-November. 
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
For still-shocking colors, drive down to Bat Cave / Lake Lure and get into Chimney Rock SP. It still looks like near peak autumn – most trees still largely in leaf, and if you get back on some trails, the color is still peak and fully stunning. Because its on the Escarpment (transition from Blue Ridge to western Foothills) temps are much warmer, thus – colors still in high gear.
And around downtown there are all kinds of orange maples, yellow ones – some sweet pockets!
Always great to walk on the Road to Nowhere. Nothing like a good, back-to-nature meander down to Nowhere, especially here in the oldest mountains on Earth. Highly recommended!