Things to do / Travel Guide
South of the Mason-Dixon line, many people claim that the fall foliage in the Blue Ridge, Smoky, and Shenandoah Mountains rivals the autumn show put on in New England. This claim is supported by the presence of millions of visitors who trek to this huge swath of the Appalachian Mountains every October.
Residents of the Eastern United States, from New York to Georgia will find that this region is suitable for a long weekend excursion or more. Asheville, Charlottesville, Roanoke, and Knoxville make nice urban bases in the area, with Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and several interstates providing views and access to the area.
The mountains and the ridges are covered with sugar maple, beech, birch, and basswood. In drier areas, you'll be able to see oaks and hickories. The lower in elevation you go, the more yellow buckeye, white ash, and red maple you see. Bear in mind that peak colors are during mid to late October, extending into November at lower elevations and further south.
Fall Foliage Trips Along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway
The 600 miles covered by Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which run roughly parallel to I-81 and the Appalachian Trail, provides access to the mountains and valleys of Virginia, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, and Tennessee. There are official overlooks on both the Drive and the Parkway roughly every two miles. Bear in mind that I-81 is your best bet if you're concerned with making time, given that speed limits are reduced and traffic is to be expected during peak times on Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. If the car in front of you seems to be taking their time and you feel slowed down have everyone in the car repeat the mantra – “the journey is the destination!... the journey is the destination!”. Note that both Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are also open to bike traffic.
Fall Foliage Trips near Skyline Drive and in the Shenandoah Mountains of Northwest Virginia
Close to Washington DC and the Northeast Corridor, Shenandoah National Park is less than an hour and a half drive from Washington, DC, and five hours from New York City. The Southern end of the park and of the 105 mile Skyline Drive is at Waynesboro, located just an hour and a half from Richmond. From the many overlooks and hiking trails, you can see the bright-red maples framed against the background of yellow and orange hickories and birches. As for those red vines climbing over the trees and rocks onto the highway walls – that's the Virginia creeper, of course. Some recommended viewing spots are:
- The Limberlost Trail (milepost 43) is a mile and a half long loop trail through a thick forest of tall trees. The trail is ADA accessible.
- The Whiteoak Canyon Trail (milepost 42.6) is a 4.6 mile round trip hike through steep terrain reaching the first in a set of waterfalls.
- Big Meadows (milepost 51) is a prime viewing spot where you can get a great view of the crimson-colored blueberry and huckleberry bushes complimenting the colorful trees.
- Viewpoints from north to south - Range View Overlook (milepost 17), Pinnacles Overlook (milepost 35), and Big Run Overlook (milepost 82)
- Float trips on the Shenandoah River around Luray, Virginia
- Head west on US Highway 33 (milepost 65) to the Massanutten Resort. During some days in the fall, chairlifts run to Massanutten Peak and the panoramic view from its top. If you plan ahead, you can arrange to be there for the resort's fall festival held on a Saturday in mid-October.
- Balloon flights leave from the main cities in the immediate area. Expect to pay about $200 for a one hour ride.
Charlottesville, Virginia, 20 miles to the east of Skyline Drive, has inspired onlookers with its beauty since Colonial times, and the beauty just becomes even further enhanced in the fall. Visit the downtown district, Monticello, and the University of Virginia, and enjoy Thomas Jefferson's architectural masterpieces.
Fall Foliage Trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia near Roanoke
The Blue Ridge Parkway traverses 190 miles of Virginia, with access to Roanoke between mileposts 105 and 121 before entering North Carolina. Some of the small towns off the Parkway have fall and harvest festivals during peak foliage season. The most popular foliage viewing areas are to the south and west of Roanoke.
West of the Parkway, Douthat State Park is recognized as one of the best in the state. It is about one hour north of Roanoke and west of the parkway, off I-64. The park has 40 miles of trails, and boat rentals at Douthat Lake.
Also west of the Parkway, about an hour south of Roanoke, New River, Claytor, Grayson Highlands, and Hungry Mother State Parks offer boating and forested hiking trails.
The rural area in the Blue Ridge Highlands in the southwest corner of Virginia, about 2 hours drive from Roanoke, has the highest elevation in the state. Some points of fall foliage interest are:
- Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway. Located off I-77, this road follows a leisurely pace through 16 miles of the Jefferson National Forest. It has access to the Seven Sisters Trail and the Monster Rock Trail, both of which are outstanding viewpoints for mid-October fall colors.
- Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. With 400 miles of trails, a scenic byway, lakes, waterfalls, and the highest mountain in Virginia there are many options for fall foliage viewing, while walking in the footsteps of Daniel Boone and the Native Americans before him. A good starting point is Green Cove Station.
- Grayson Highlands State Park. The park features nine short trails, all of which lead to waterfalls and panoramic vistas.
Roanoke, the largest city on the parkway, makes a great base for exploring the area. Spend some time exploring the historic sites in the city and walking on any of several greenways in town.
Fall Foliage Trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway traverses 270 miles of North Carolina, terminating at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From north to south, the Parkway passes by the High Country region of North Carolina, Pisgah National Forest, Ashville, and Nantahala National Forest. It also provides access to Cherokee National Forest to the west of the Parkway.
The northern end of the parkway, at the North Carolina border, is less than three hours from Roanoke, Virginia, two hours from Greensboro, NC, and six hours from Washington, DC. The southern end of the parkway, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is four hours north of Atlanta, Georgia, two hours southeast of Knoxville, Tennessee, and three hours northwest of Greenville, South Carolina.
Fall Foliage Viewing in the High Country Region along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
Highlights along the Blue Ridge Parkway going south from the North Carolina border include:
- A pond surrounded by trees at Fox Hunters Paradise (milepost 218.6)
- Walking through the woods at Cumberland Knob (milepost 217.5)
- Doughton Park (milepost 238.5 to 244.7)
- The view of Grandfather Mountain from Flat Rock (milepost 308.3)
- The trails that overlook Linville Gorge (milepost 316.3)
Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains at almost 6000 feet, offers unique opportunities, including a mile high swinging bridge and a road right up to the summit. Botanically speaking, the high elevation at this southern location produces a combination of trees that thrive at higher elevations and southern species. In the fall, this combination translates into a brilliant palate of colors. Please note that the mountain is privately owned and an admission of about $15 is charged.
Fall Foliage Trips in Asheville, North Carolina and The Biltmore Estate
Asheville, North Carolina makes an excellent base for a fall foliage or other outdoors vacation. The town itself is has been called “the Paris of the South,” with excellent hotels, thriving culture, and a spirit of excitement. The town is surrounded by mountains, and attracts many mountain bikers, kayakers, and other outdoorsy types. Popular destinations on the Blue Ridge Parkway are nearby, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only an hour and a half away. Some popular destinations in and around Asheville are:
- Kimberley Avenue. This street is located near downtown Asheville. Stroll down this street and admire the orange colored sugar maples. Stroll some of the historic districts, as well.
- The Biltmore Estate. Located on the southern outskirts of Asheville, this is the largest private estate in the United States. If you were not convinced about the “Paris of the South,” one look at the Biltmore and you will be convinced you are in the Loire Valley, except that here, in North Carolina, the fall colors, on display in the estate gardens, are better. Still not convinced it's worth the trip? They were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame.
- The North Carolina Arboretum. Go through the Arboretum and observe the foliage in the garden with the Pisgah National Forest providing a beautiful backdrop.
- During the peak weekend at Asheville Regional Airport, pilots offer tours in their personal planes for about $25.
Fall Foliage Views around Asheville, North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest
Asheville is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, and the Parkway cuts a 100-mile long path through the forest. Mt. Pisgah gets its name from the Bible. Moses climbed Mt. Pisgah, located in present day Jordan, and was rewarded with a panoramic view of the promised land. If you can get to milepost 407 and climb a mile and a half, you will understand the name. Other highlights in the forest are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway which is considered inside Asheville's boundaries between mileposts 375 and 405:
- Mt. Mitchell, bordering the forest, in the Black Mountains is the highest peak in the Eastern United States. There is a paved road to the top, and many scenic trails in the area. It is located at milepost 355.4.
- Craggy Gardens and the short hike to the summit of Craggy Pinnacle, located at milepost 364.
- Walk a portion of the Shut-In trail. An easy one starts at the Chestnut Cove Overlook at milepost 398.3.
- Looking Glass Rock at milepost 417 is considered by many to be one of the best viewpoints on the Parkway. The 3.1-mile moderate to strenuous hike to the summit is rich in fall colors. The trailhead can be accessed from US Highway 276
- Chimney Rock Park on U.S. Highway 74, located 20 miles east of Asheville has views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
- Ghost Town in the Sky, the mountaintop theme park in Maggie Valley located at milepost 455 is a nice place to spend a day. The views from the top of the mountain can only be described as breathtaking. This is an even more apt description when you are on a rollercoaster hurtling over the side of the mountain.
Fall Foliage Routes around Asheville, North Carolina and Pisgah National Forest
Consider the following side roads off of the Parkway for great views and less crowds:
- Take US Highway 276 to Waynesville near milepost 415 will give you views of Cold Mountain.
- Drive south of Asheville, where the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway intersects with the Parkway two locations; at Shining Rock (U.S. Highway 276) and 11 miles further south (State Road 215)
- Take US Highway 19 from Cherokee east to Maggie Valley parallels the Parkway with excellent foliage views.
- Head south out of Ashville on I-26 and then north on Chimney Rock Road (US Highway 64) to Lake Lure. Backtrack to Bat Cave (yes, that's the name of the town!) and follow State Road 9 as it winds its way through the mountains before meeting up with I-40.
Fall Foliage Viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most visited National Park in the country, many of Great Smoky Mountains National Park's visitors come during the last two weeks in October for the express purpose of seeing the colorful sugar maples, scarlet oaks, hickories, and sweet gum trees. Ever see a tree turn pink? The sweet gum's leaves bathe the tree in pinkness in a sight not soon forgotten.
The park straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border, about an hour southeast of Knoxville, Tennessee and an hour west of Asheville, North Carolina. Coming from Asheville on the 87-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, during peak foliage season? Expect the drive to include three hours of vivid orange sassafrass trees, whitetail deer, and much more.
Enjoy the drives, get out and do some hiking, or even enjoy the Smokys from a boat in Fontana Lake. Alternatively, just sit back and enjoy the 53 miles of scenery going by as you ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. During October, trains run daily out of Dillsboro along the Tuckasegee River and out of Bryson City headed for the Nantahala Gorge. The cost is approximately $50 for the half-day trip.
Fall Foliage Drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The best fall foliage viewing is at the 2000 to 4000 foot level, with the following drives highly recommended (note that many are one-way):
- Newfoundland Gap Road - this is the main road in the park, crossing the park from Cherokee, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
- Cades Cove Loop Road – this is an 11 mile one-way loop around cades Cove; one of the most popular destinations in the park
- Parsons Branch Road – this is an 8 mile one-way gravel road connecting Cades Cove with U.S. Highway 129. It gives fall foliage viewers a more intimate drive through the park.
- Balsam Mountain Road – this road branches off the Blue Ridge Parkway 11 miles before Cherokee. The road winds through northern hardwoods and then southern hardwoods as it follows the long way to Cherokee.
Fall Foliage Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Even though you can see some truly breathtaking vistas while driving, the best way to experience the fall colors is to get out of the car and hike. There are trails for all levels of ability, from short walks suited for the disabled and elderly to longer hikes deep into the wilderness for the more rugged hiker. Those who are so inclined can pick up the Appalachian Trail right there in the park, start hiking north, and see how far they can get before ski season kicks in. Some recommended hiking areas are:
- The 5-mile Abrams Falls Trail, located in Cades Cove, the most crowded area of the park.
- Look Rock Tower, accessible via a 1-mile, moderate, family friendly, round trip hike. The hike ends with great views from the tower. It is located just outside the park, off the Foothills Parkway near Happy Valley, Tennessee.
- The 3.4 mile roundtrip from the Newfound Gap Road to Indian Gap Take on the Appalachian Trail is suitable for a family trip.
- Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, is accessible by a side road that leads off Newfound Gap Road, and a steep, though paved, half-mile hike.
- The 2.7-miles to the Mt. Sterling Firetower, north of Cataloochee makes for a fun though steep hike.
- The Cataloochee Valley is less crowded than other areas in the park and, being right off of I-40, is easily accessible from Asheville and Knoxville. Its seven mile Boogerman Trail traverses old growth forests and is of moderate difficulty.
- The Ramsey Cascades trail, near Greenbrier and Pittman Center, includes not only the best waterfall in the park, but primitive stands of old-growth forests and massive trees, including black cherries, poplars, and chestnut oaks. It's 8-miles round trip, and quite challenging, but still suitable for families.
Fall Foliage Viewing around Knoxville, Tennesse
Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake make for good short excursions from Knoxville. Rent a boat from a local service and experience the fall colors from the water with the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance.
Starting in downtown Knoxville, the 11-mile route of the Three Rivers Rambler train runs along the Tennessee River, passing the colorful Tennessee farmland and woods. The vintage car and steam engine make the 90-minute trip a memorable experience and you even get to pick a pumpkin along the way! In October, trains run on weekends only at 2pm and 5pm. Reserve early, as the “Pumpkin Express” sells out weeks in advance. The cost is approximately $20.
Fall Foliage Trips in the South Carolina Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
The “main street” for fall foliage viewing in South Carolina is the 115-mile long Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway, also known as State Road 11. The road winds through farmland and orchards, and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can be reached in less than a half hour from Greenville, South Carolina.
Further south, at a lower elevation than the mountains of North Carolina, the foliage peaks in the last two weeks of October and lasts into early November.
The following State Parks are prime leaf peeping spots, all located very close to each other and about one hour from Greenville :
- Table Rock State Park has 10 miles of trails and calm lakes reflecting the colorful trees and mountains. A moderately difficult 4-mile trail leads to the summit of Stool Mountain. An easier hike is possible along the flat paths around Pinnacle Lake.
- Caesars Head State Park and the adjacent Jones Gap State Park have 50 miles of hiking trails including the popular fall hike to the Raven Cliff Falls overlook. Part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness, this is where the Blue Ridge Mountains slope down to the Piedmont.
Just outside Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park has several trails through tall stands of hardwoods.
Further west of Greenville, wedged into the “Golden Corner” of South Carolina, are:
- Devils Fork State Park, where Lake Jocassee adds blue water to the foreground of the colorful mountain scene and where you can rent a boat.
- Oconee State Park, where you can meet up with the Palmetto Trail; a trail that crosses South Carolina.
Fall Foliage Viewing in West Virginia
Leaf peepers coming from points west, will find many fall color vistas and active adventures around the western flanks of West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains. They will be rewarded with a view of some of the most forested area and wildest rivers anywhere in the Eastern United States. The prime viewing areas are accessible in about 3 hours from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and 5 hours from the main cities in Ohio. Peak foliage is during the last two weeks in October.
Fall Foliage Viewing in the Potomac Highlands and Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia
In this part of the country, many mountain summits are known as 'knobs', so expect to add a knob or two to your foliage quest. Most of the prime viewing areas are in and around the Monongahela National Forest, with the maples, birch, oak, and beech trees providing the colors. The highlights include:
- Seneca Rocks crag, a steep peak favored by climbers, which is also accessible to hikers. A 1.3-mile steep, yet moderate, trail in Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area leads to the summit where there are some amazing views of the colorful valley below.
- Spruce Knob, across the street on U.S. Highway 33, is the highest point in West Virginia. A gravel road leads to the top here; an easy half-mile, handicap accessible, trail circles the top of the mountain. There is a lookout tower at the summit and many miles of hiking trails on the mountain, with a particularly good one leading down from the summit.
- A few miles further north, the vistas of the Dolly Sods Wilderness go on for 50 miles of fall colors.
- Snowshoe Mountain, a ski site with an attached resort, runs their chairlift on October weekends for panoramic views and access to the bike trails. The attached resort offers reasonably priced packages, as well.
- Take to the rivers –to the Gauley River for some of the wildest rafting in the United States, or to the South Branch of the Potomac, from Petersburg to Moorefield, for a much calmer experience. In both cases, you will see some great fall colors from the comfort of your locally rented raft or kayak. On the Gauley, the color you will see the most is probably white and it's considered a popular spot for whitewater rafting.
Fall Foliage Drives in the Potomac Highlands and Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia
The popular drives in this area do not suffer from the October weekend crowds found across the ridges and valleys of Virginia, and they are pleasant for biking as well:
- The Canaan Loop road is an 18 mile primitive road circling Canaan Mountain. Start 3 miles south of Davis and end the loop at Blackwater Falls State Park.
- The Highland Scenic Highway will give you views of the Allegheny Highlands, with colorful hardwood forests decorating the rolling terrain. The highway, also known as State Routes 55 and 150, runs east of Richwood, West Virginia until it reaches U.S. Highway 219.
- U.S. Highway 219 affords views of the mountain scenery from Bickle Knob, near Elkins to the I-64 intersection near White Sulfur Springs. The 100 mile drive is a pleasant, slower way to cross West Virginia in a north-south direction
Fall Foliage Viewing in the New River and Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia
If you can afford it, the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs is the place to be in October. Picture stately architecture, a world-class spa, overall luxury, first rate sporting facilities, and outdoor recreation, all located together in the lush forests of the Alleghenies. Now paint that picture with the brilliant fall colors of mid to late October. See you there.
Plan B would be getting out in nature without the resort. The Greenbrier River Trail is top-notch for hiking and biking. It is 75 miles long, and runs north from North Caldwell (near White Sulphur Springs) to Cass. The mostly-gravel trail parallels the river, and passes through some of West Virginia's finest fall scenery.
A much shorter trail, at 3 miles, is the Kaymoor Trail along the New River in Fayette. The hike through the gorge provides great fall views without getting wet. Another option is to shoot the whitewater rapids of the New River, while watching the fall colors go by at high speed.
As an added bonus for people who enjoy activities not covered by standard life insurance policies, Bridge Day is held in Fayetteville on the third Saturday in October to coincide with peak foliage season. 300 BASE jumpers leap off the New River Gorge Bridge with 200,000 people watching.
Fall Foliage Viewing in Eastern Kentucky and Southwestern Virginia
The area along the eastern border of Kentucky and the “Heart of Appalachia” region of Virginia provides foliage views easily competitive with those further east. This area is quite remote, at two and half hours from Lexington, Kentucky and an hour and a half from Knoxville, Tennessee, rendering it crowd-free, yet is relatively simple to explore. All you have to do is follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone and the hundreds of thousands of early American settlers who crossed west over the Appalachian Mountains on the Wilderness Trail. Significant fall foliage viewing spots on the Wilderness Trail include:
- Cumberland Gap, the gateway to what was known in Boone's day as “The West”. The overlooks, mountain passes, thick forests and waterfalls of Cumberland Gap National Historic Park are prime foliage viewing areas. Don't let the word “historic” distract you – there are 70 miles of trails. In the park, a drive on Pinnacle Road to Pinnacle Overlook gives you a vast panorama of lush valleys and the surrounding mountains.
- Pine Mountain, which is reached by heading into Kentucky, and following in the footsteps of the great Daniel Boone on U.S. Highway 25E the 13 miles to Pineville and Pine Mountain State Resort Park. There you can see panoramic views of the Cumberland Mountains and the Kentucky Ridge State Forest.
Next, head north, along the Wilderness Trail on U.S. Highway 58, turning off on U.S. Highway 23, and eventually winding up in Breaks Interstate Park which is shared by Kentucky and Virginia. Known as the Grand Canyon of the South, a series of short but steep trails allow you to descend the 1600-foot deep canyon. The Overlook Trail, on the edge of the cliffs, has great views of the poplars, maples, dogwoods, and other trees that grace the canyon. Serious whitewater enthusiasts will most likely try to enjoy the fall scenery while shooting the Class IV and higher rapids of the Russell Fork River, the forces of which created this canyon.
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