Best places to see fall leaf color?

As prime viewing season for fall leaf color approaches, there are plenty of spots within an easy day’s drive to see some spectacular views.

This Web site has updates on where the color is best, day to day, as well as recommended trails and driving routes around the Asheville area: Click here.

If you’re looking for a group to hike with, two local suggestions are the Berg Wanderers, a social hiking club (Berg is German for mountain), and the Sierra Club, which combines hiking with environmental activism (click their names to get to their Web sites).

Does anyone out there have tips on where they like to go for leaf viewing? I love the Blue Ridge Parkway, but its traffic gets terribly backed up during leaf season. I’ll hunt for some out-of-the-way spots and follow up – please e-mail me if you know of something I should include.