Embracing Autumn in Southeast Mountain Towns

Embracing Autumn in Southeast Mountain Towns

Kristin Goulet
Kristin Goulet9/27/2023

As the vibrant colors of summer gradually give way to the warm hues of autumn, there's no better time to plan a getaway to the Southeast's enchanting mountain towns.

The 100 Collection™, your trusted source for vacation rentals in these destinations, is here to guide you through the best fall activities and things to do in five picturesque locations: Asheville, Blowing Rock, Blue Ridge, Gatlinburg, and Big Canoe.

Get ready for a season filled with scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and cozy relaxation:

1. Asheville, North Carolina

A scenic view of forested mountains in autumn colors under a clear blue sky, with a bare tree branch framing the landscape in the foreground.
Photo Credit: @airamdphoto

Asheville is renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to witness the vibrant spectrum of colors. Better yet, take a hike through nearby Pisgah National Forest or DuPont State Forest for an up-close encounter with the autumn leaves.

Visit the Biltmore Estate: The Biltmore Estate is a must-see attraction year-round, but in the fall, it's especially captivating. The meticulously landscaped gardens are a sight to behold as they transform into a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow.

Explore Downtown Asheville: Stroll through the charming streets of downtown Asheville, where you can shop for local crafts, savor farm-to-table cuisine, and enjoy live music performances.

Other Notable Locations to View Fall Foliage: The North Carolina Arboretum, Graveyard Fields, Grandfather Mountain, Looking Glass Rock, Black Balsam Knob.

Peak fall foliage changes a little each year, but Asheville tends to peak around mid to late October.

Be sure to rent a cabin with our partner, Greybeard Rentals for your Asheville cabin rental needs.

2. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Rolling forested mountains covered in autumn foliage under a clear blue sky, with a bare tree branch stretching into the frame from the right.
Photo Credit: @hellothisisjeff

Experience the fall beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains by hiking along the numerous trails in Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Don't forget your camera, as you'll want to capture the stunning vistas.

Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train: For a unique fall experience, hop aboard the Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train, a family-friendly Halloween attraction that combines spooky thrills with the picturesque scenery of the North Carolina mountains.

Other Notable Locations to View Fall Foliage: John's River Gorge, Bass Lake Loop, Glen Burney Trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Loop.

Peak fall foliage changes a little each year, but Blowing Rock tends to peak around mid to late October.

Be sure to rent a cabin with our partner, Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals for your Blowing Rock cabin rental needs.

3. Blue Ridge, Georgia

A scenic mountain landscape with rolling ridges fading into the distance, colorful autumn foliage on the hillside, and a bright blue sky with a few scattered clouds.
Photo Credit: @clarkjenk

Mercier Orchards: Blue Ridge is famous for its apple orchards, and Mercier Orchards is the place to go for apple picking, cider tasting, and delightful apple-inspired treats.

Scenic Railway: Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and marvel at the stunning fall foliage. The train journey offers a peaceful and immersive way to enjoy the season's splendor.

Other Notable Locations to View Fall Foliage: Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area, Aska Road, Vogel State Park, Brasstown Bald Visitors Center.

Peak fall foliage changes a little each year, but Blue Ridge tends to peak around late October to early November.

Be sure to rent a cabin with our partner, Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals for your Blue Ridge cabin rental needs.

4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Sun rays break through clouds over a valley of forested mountains, where autumn foliage glows in shades of red, orange, and gold.
Photo Credit: @petross

Gatlinburg serves as an ideal base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Experience the beauty of the park's diverse ecosystem through hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

Anakeesta Adventure Park: For a unique and thrilling experience, visit Anakeesta Adventure Park. It offers ziplining, treetop canopy walks, and a scenic chairlift ride, all while surrounded by the stunning autumn landscape.

Other Notable Locations to View Fall Foliage: Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, Gatlinburg SkyLift, Foothills Parkway, Mt. Cammerer.

Peak fall foliage changes a little each year, but Gatlinburg tends to peak around late October to early November.

Be sure to rent a cabin with our partner, Mountain Laurel Chalets for your Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge cabin rental needs.

5. Big Canoe, Georgia

A colorful autumn forest with trees in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and a bright red-and-yellow hammock strung between two trunks above a ground covered in fallen leaves.

Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the serene lakes of Big Canoe. Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the pristine waters while surrounded by the vibrant autumn colors.

Big Canoe Jeep Trail: For off-road excitement, tackle the Big Canoe Jeep Trail, designed for 4x4 vehicles. It weaves through Nature Valley's natural and historical sites, with rocky inclines and creek crossings, delivering a thrilling experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Other Notable Locations to View Fall Foliage: Lookout Mountain Parkway, Appalachian Trail Outskirts, Amicalola Falls, Nancy Womack Trail, Lake Disharoon Trail.

Peak fall foliage changes a little each year, but Big Canoe tends to peak around late October to early November.

Be sure to rent a cabin with our partner, Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals for your Big Canoe cabin rental needs.

Each of these Southeast mountain towns has something unique to offer in the fall. Whether you're seeking breathtaking fall foliage, outdoor adventures, or simply a cozy and picturesque escape, Asheville, Blowing Rock, Blue Ridge, Gatlinburg, and Big Canoe have it all.

The 100 Collection is your partner in finding the perfect vacation rental to make your stay even more memorable. So, pack your bags, pick your favorite destination, and prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn in the Southeast's mountain towns.

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