Every fall, my family makes the 4-5 hour drive up to Western North Carolina to see the leaves change. We love the Asheville/Brevard area and there is endless hiking and sight seeing to do. But this time of year is particularly special and the sights are plentiful. This is our tenth year coming up to the mountains in the fall and this was the most colorful I have ever seen it!
Our Weekend Itinerary
- drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
- apple pick at an apple orchard
- go on a tractor ride
- hike the Rattlesnake Lodge trail, or any easy hike with kids off the Parkway
- see a bear
- visit a waterfall
- visit a scenic vista overlook of the mountains
driving the Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina
A few tips for enjoying the fall foliage on the Parkway. If you drive headed North, you will have a better view of the vistas and an easier time pulling off on the overlooks as most of them are on that side. We like to get on the Parkway via Pisgah Hwy out of Brevard. The colors were a little brighter (more reds and oranges) North of Asheville versus south of Asheville (near Pisgah) there were more greens and yellows. So depending on what time of year you go, if you don’t find the colors very vibrant, just know that it can change the further you drive. Lastly, if you enjoy tunnels like my kids do, there are several tunnels south of Asheville. Fill up on gas before getting on the Parkway. Look out of bears if you go early at dusk. Be patient with other leaf peepers/traffic during a busy weekend. Lower the windows and put on some good music (there are some great autumn playlist on Spotify) and have fun!
Jeter Mountain Farm Apple Orchard
Hendersonville, North Carolina
