I'm planning a road trip in mid/late October through the mountains of NC/TN. Plan the event around that time and I still won't go.
Asheville people, are the leaves changing color by then? I'm not going unless the leaves are changing color.
Well, with a 4000 ft altitude differential being considered the "mountains," you can come anytime the whole month of October and see the color change. Kinda hard to fuck that up.
Peak color change the last two years has been the last week of October. Classically, the color change is over by then and peak is the first or second week. If you want to see majestic views @ the peak of the change, come early in the month. If you want Asheville (2500-3000ft lower) @ peak of the change come ~3rd week.
BTW, tourism is completely in the toilet this year; if you had tried to book a room two months ago you would have found one after a little looking. As of right now... good luck. You should be able to find a couple openings during the weekdays.