ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — It’s that time of year — Western North Carolina residents are bracing for the rush of tourists who flock to the area to see the fall colors. Although fall hasn’t officially started, some trees in the Asheville area are already showing hints of the coming change.

Which brings to mind the question, “Where do locals like to go see the fall colors?

One of the best ways to view the fall foliage is by riding the Blue Ridge Parkway, where plenty of overlooks provide breathtaking views.

“I can view the colors from my front porch, but if I really want you to be inspired, I would say the Blue Ridge Parkway offers the best views,” said Henderson County Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca McCall, a native to the area.

Hendersonville City Manager John Connet has lived in Hendersonville since 2013 but also has local ties to the area from both sets of grandparents.

The Western Carolina and Appalachian State graduate said his favorite places to see fall colors are the Carl Sandburg Home and Jump Off Rock.

Hendersonville Communications Director Allison Justus, who was born and raised there, said Main Street is her go-to place for a downtown fall foliage stroll. But Big Glassy at Carl Sandburg Home is where she goes for a quick hike.

Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb, a WNC native, said his favorite place to see fall color is the Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain.

APD Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp, WNC native, said she really enjoys the Blue Ridge Parkway.

APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice says Bent Creek is one of his favorite places to see fall colors. (Photo credit: Rick Rice)

APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice, who has lived in Asheville for 25 years, said fall is “BY FAR” his favorite season.

Rice said one of his favorite places to see the fall colors is Max Patch.

“It’s pretty popular now, but it was a hidden gem of sorts when I proposed to Stacy in 2000,” Rice said. “I also enjoy running the trails at Bent Creek in the fall. Great way to enjoy the colors. ”

APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice says the Blue Ridge Parkway is a great place to see fall colors. (Photo credit: Rick Rice)

If you want to see beautiful colors, you can never go wrong with a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, he said.

“And we’ve been known to do a day or overnight trip to Bryson City and a visit to Deep Creek, followed by a few beers downtown. Nothing finer on a beautiful autumn day!” the Buffalo native said.

APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice says Deep Creek is one of his favorite places to see fall colors. (Photo credit: Rick Rice)
APD Public Information Officer Rick Rice says Deep Creek is one of his favorite places to see fall colors. (Photo credit: Rick Rice)

“Honestly, I can just sit on my porch and enjoy the fall colors. My house is in a neighborhood with lots of big, old trees! Then, at night, sit around the firepit with a bourbon and maybe make some s’mores.”

Friends of the WNC Nature Center Marketing and Events Manager Vanessa Tsumura is from Highlands but has lived in Asheville for three years. She also lived in NYC and Japan for many years before moving back to WNC.

“My favorite places to view fall color are the WNC Nature Center (of course) and DuPont Forest (Triple Falls),” she said.