Fall color near the Tri-Cities, October 17 to 23
Peak color is moving down the mountains. ETSU's October 16 Fall Color Report says elevations above 4,000 feet have mostly passed peak, while the 3,000 to 4,000 foot range is approaching peak, so mountain roads and high-elevation towns are still strong picks this weekend and into next week. Wind from Hurricane Isaias took fewer leaves than feared. Poplars and other early droppers lost the most, and some downed trees were reported at higher elevations, mostly on the North Carolina side. Most of the Tri-Cities sits between about 1,000 and 3,000 feet, and ETSU expects another week or two before peak color is widespread here, though neighborhoods are already showing good color. Some higher spots could approach or drop below freezing this weekend, with another cold stretch possible around October 26. ETSU posts a new Fall Color Report every Friday at news.etsu.edu, and we refresh this page weekly.
Where to drive this week
ETSU's picks for this weekend include highways 321 and 421, the old Asheville Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Unaka Mountain, and Mount Rogers and Grayson Highlands in Virginia. Its advice: pick a favorite mountain road, pack a lunch, and make a day of it.
Roan Mountain and Carvers Gap. About 45 minutes to an hour from Johnson City, via US-19E and then TN-143. The state park is at 1015 Hwy 143, Roan Mountain. The balds up top are above 4,000 feet, where ETSU says color has mostly passed peak, so the drive up through the lower slopes is the better bet now. The Upper Campground is still closed from Hurricane Helene bridge damage, Bear Wallow Trail is still closed from 2024 storm damage, and Blue 2 trail is partly closed through December 2026. Weather changes fast above 6,000 feet, and it could be near freezing up high this weekend. Current trail closures: Roan Mountain State Park hiking page.
Beauty Spot. About 40 minutes from Johnson City to Erwin, then a gravel road. From I-26, take Erwin Exit 36 toward Highway 395 (Rock Creek Road) to the state line, then Beauty Spot Gap Road. The last stretch is gravel. The Forest Service still lists a July 14, 2026 alert that Highway 395 is closed, blocking Unaka Mountain access from Indian Gap, so check before you go: Cherokee National Forest alert.
Unaka Mountain scenic drive. A loop from Erwin on TN 395, Forest Road 230, and TN 107. ETSU named Unaka Mountain as one of this week's drives. The Forest Service recommends a high-clearance 4WD vehicle on Forest Road 230, which closes from mid-December to mid-March. The Highway 395 alert above applies here too, and the Forest Service scenic drive page still shows an old 2020 closure date, so call the number on the alert (423-638-4109) before you go.
Later in the month
Shady Valley and Backbone Rock are about 45 minutes to an hour from Johnson City, about 35 miles. Shady Valley sits on US-421, one of ETSU's recommended drives this week, though the report gives no color stage for that valley.
Pinnacle Drive is a paved overlook above Kingsport on Bays Mountain. ETSU expects another week or two before peak color is widespread at Tri-Cities elevations.
Signs to watch around town: ETSU's arborist says the burning bush near Sherrod Library on campus is already well on its way to red. ETSU's earlier tip still holds too: when the dogwoods around town turn fully red, the lower elevations are next.
Longer drives
Heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Check the NPS road status page first. Its October 14 update still lists Helene-related closures, including no recreation between NC 80 and Mount Mitchell State Park, no hiking at Crabtree Falls, and a closed Linville Falls campground and picnic area: Blue Ridge Parkway road status.
ETSU's tree of the week is the sourwood, which turns bright red to purple-red. ETSU suggests the Parkway stretch between Asheville and the Cradle of Forestry near Brevard to spot it, and the NPS page showed that stretch open as of October 14.
Sources
ETSU Fall Color Report, October 16, 2026
ETSU Fall Color Report, October 9, 2026
Tennessee State Parks: Roan Mountain State Park
Tennessee State Parks: Roan Mountain camping and Upper Campground notice
Forest Service: Unaka Mountain Scenic Drive
Forest Service: Cherokee National Forest alerts
NPS: Blue Ridge Parkway road status
Visit Johnson City: Unaka Mountain Beauty Spot
Roan Mountain and Carvers Gap day trip
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