We were headed back from Myrtle Beach to the Midwest and spent a couple nights in Ashville. We decided to take the blue ridge west of Ashville in October knowing we'd run into s lot of traffic but see some nice views. We were wrong on both accounts. The traffic was manageable and flowing, with plenty of spots to pull off. The views were not nice, they were amazing as the colors were close to peak at the upper elevations.
Highly recommended and worth your time.