Anxious for some fall color? Try a day trip to Graveyard Fields, less than 3 hours from Charlotte

I bought a Pumpkin Spice Latte on September 1. My flannel is back in rotation. And now that it’s October, I’m desperate for some fall color.

Despite predictions of an early season, the recent heat has kept the majority of trees from turning at this point in the season. In the N.C. mountains, the hills are still mostly green — even as high as 4,500 feet.

Want to find fall color this weekend? Try a day trip to Graveyard Fields.

While color will eventually spill down the mountainside, there is at least one place you can get a good show right now.

At more than 5,000 feet in elevation, Graveyard Fields is already awash in reds and oranges. It’s a solid 2 hours, 45 minutes from Charlotte.

It’s just past Asheville, and you can combine a trip here with visits to Biltmore or the N.C. Arboretum. But the hiking stands on its own.

Here’s some of what you’ll see on the hike.

You’ll start out heading to Lower Falls, which is about a quarter mile from the parking area.

Then you’ll pass through some beautiful country on your way to Upper Falls.

Here’s the view at the end of the trail at Upper Falls.

As a bonus, stop by Fryingpan Tower for a stellar view.

It’s 10 miles north on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Graveyard Fields. You’ll probably go by it on your way in. Just park beside the turnoff for Forest Service Road 450 and walk the 3/4-mile path up.

The 70-foot tower will give you sweeping views.