Fall leaves flutter like confetti along the Blue Ridge Parkway, enveloping the mountains in fiery reds and golds. Drive a portion of the iconic route between Boone and Linville Falls — including the Linn Cove Viaduct — which recently reopened after dedicated crews cleared landslides and debris left by Hurricane Helene last year. Vibrant with leaf-laden views and trails to explore along the way, “America’s favorite drive” beckons your rediscovery.
Milepost 285 to 317.5
The Mile-High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain is the country’s highest suspension footbridge. photograph by SKIP SICKLER/GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION
Nature lovers flock to Grandfather Mountain, home to 73 rare or endangered species. Get tickets in advance to enjoy views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge and daily programs, such as Fall Color Rambles — guided walks in early October that explore leaf science and color. “No matter when you come this month, you’ll find fall color somewhere on the mountain, with mid-October a good bet for peak hues,” says Landis Taylor, vice president of marketing and communications at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
2050 Blowing Rock Highway
(800) 468-7325
grandfather.com
All aboard! Take your seat on the steam engine and settle in for a scenic tour through the mountains. photograph by Tim Robison
Since 1957, this Wild West theme park has been delighting families with its iconic steam-powered train rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Climb aboard a restored narrow-gauge steam locomotive — Engine No. 12 or No. 190 — for a winding, scenic ride through forests. Then, enjoy classic amusement rides, gold panning, and live entertainment across the park.
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane
(828) 264-9061
tweetsie.com
At Penland Gallery, visitors can buy one-of-a-kind art — like these bird sculptures made of flame-worked, acid-etched glass by Shane Fero, who has a nearby studio and teaches at Penland. painting by Shane Fero, Courtesy of Penland Gallery
This nationally renowned craft school offers immersive workshops in everything from glassblowing to textiles. Wander the scenic 420-acre campus, browse contemporary works at the on-site gallery, and watch artisans at work during live demonstrations.
2687 Conley Ridge Road
(828) 765-2359
penland.org
After closing their Valle Crucis restaurant in the wake of Helene, co-owners Ken Bell and Andy and Megan Long reopened in Boone, bringing back favorite dishes like crispy okra and “making sure people feel welcomed,” Andy Long says. Personal touches — ceramics made by Megan and shadow boxes made by Andy’s sister that hold their grandmother’s sewing tools — add warmth and comfort to every corner.
1377 Blowing Rock Road
(828) 865-3255
overyondernc.com
photograph by threeart/iStock/Getty Images Plus
More than 30 (mostly) heirloom apple varieties grow at this century-old orchard, and despite losing more than 400 trees to Helene, thousands still stand. Pick apples, take a tractor ride, and tap your toes to live bluegrass. “October is the prettiest month to visit,” says Mission and Sustainability Manager Sam McKinney. “You get crisp mountain air, stunning fall colors — and a chance to try our famous apple pie.”
1025 Orchard Road
Milepost 328.3, Blue Ridge Parkway
(828) 765-9531
altapassorchard.org
With its backdrop of Blue Ridge Mountains and gilded features, Biltmore Estate has enchanted visitors since 1895. photograph by Emily Chaplin
Fancy a peek inside America’s largest private residence? Tour the French Renaissance-style 250-room château — from lavish bedrooms to a storybook-worthy library — at your own pace or with a guide. Then explore 22 miles of trails in Biltmore’s vast “backyard.” On cooler days, stroll through the Walled Garden to see brilliantly colored mums, then warm up in the glass-roofed Conservatory filled with tropical plants.
1 Lodge Street
(800) 411-3812
biltmore.com
The “Poorman’s Supper” is a staple on the menu at Smoky Mountain Diner. photograph by Tim Robison
You don’t have to be a thru-hiker to grab a seat at this cozy mountainside diner in Hot Springs — but many come straight off the trail. Smoky Mountain Diner, just steps from the Appalachian Trail, dishes out generous portions of classic Southern comfort food — hearty breakfast skillets, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls, and the “Poorman’s Supper”: pinto beans, cornbread, coleslaw, and crispy potato cakes served with spicy pepper relish.
70 Lance Avenue
(828) 622-7571
smoky-mountain-diner.res-menu.com
After flood damage from Hurricane Helene, crews restored this treasured attraction beneath Humpback Mountain and rebuilt structures like the gift shop. “The support and help we received during the recovery was truly a blessing,” owner Zack Medford says. Today, friendly tour guides once again lead visitors through the winding limestone tunnels, where stalactites and stalagmites create a mesmerizing underground landscape.
19929 U.S. Highway 221 North
(828) 756-4171
linvillecaverns.com
At The Horse Shoe Farm, groups can gather around the firepit to roast marshmallows that are made on-site and infused with locally grown produce like strawberries. photograph by Tim Robison
This boutique resort in the hills of Henderson County hosts up to 75 guests in estate homes, cottages, and suites. White picket fences trace paths across the farm’s 85 acres, leading to quiet ponds, rolling pastures, and a sense of calm that stays with you long after you leave.
155 Horse Shoe Farm Drive
(828) 393-3034
thehorseshoefarm.com
When it comes to comfort, High Hampton feels timeless: Adirondack chairs on wraparound porches, dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, and 1,400 acres of mountain charm where time tends to slow. Tee off on the 18-hole golf course, then venture out on 15 miles of private trails.
1525 Highway 107 South
(800) 648-4252
highhampton.com
As the season changes, this western byway is referred to as The Road to Fall. photograph by Emily Chaplin and Chris Council
Start your road trip in Robbinsville, North Carolina. End in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. In between, this National Scenic Byway delivers 43 miles of high-altitude beauty, ascending above 5,000 feet and offering access to sweeping overlooks, pristine lakes and waterfalls, and two national forests.
While this restaurant is located 580 miles from New Orleans, Chef Dennis Barber’s food bridges the gap with Cajun-inspired dishes that feel right at home in the mountains. Since opening in 2007, The Copper Door has been a beloved fixture on Hayesville’s town square, serving seafood, crepes, and steaks in a cozy, inviting setting.
2 Sullivan Street
(828) 389-8460
thecopperdoor.com
The Phyllis Prevost Observation Deck at Pisgah Inn offers views of Hogback Mountain, Funnel Top, Looking Glass Rock, and Buckwheat Knob. photograph by Tim Robison
From its 5,000-foot elevation on Mount Pisgah, this storied inn serves more than breathtaking views of rolling ridges and distant peaks — though its open-air observation deck delivers one that’s worth the climb. Inside, the on-site restaurant’s menu leans filling and flavorful with comforting dishes like chicken pot pie.
Milepost 408, Blue Ridge Parkway
(828) 235-8228
pisgahinn.com
Call ahead for directions.
A hike through Pisgah National Forest near Sapphire leads to the spectacular, 150-foot-tall Rainbow Falls. photograph by Ruth Peterkin/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Transylvania County’s stretch of Pisgah National Forest includes Looking Glass Falls, an easy stop with a big reward: cascading water, mountain mist, and a great photo op. Just a few miles up the mountain, the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site offers a deeper look at the area, with trails, exhibits, and historic cabins dating back to America’s first forestry school.
Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in the fall and then return to experience their seasonal offerings throughout the year. photograph by Tim Robison
Clickety-clack down the tracks aboard a steam-powered train as you follow rails laid more than a century ago. Climb aboard the Steam of the Smokies for a scenic trip through Nantahala Gorge or along the Tuckasegee River.
45 Mitchell Street
(800) 872-4681
gsmr.com
Mast General Store planted its roots in Valle Crucis in 1883, and its legacy lives on. The provisions shop now has 11 locations that sell everything from outdoor gear to nostalgic toys — but nothing beats the original. Old-timey candy? Check. Creaky wooden floors and a wood stove? Double check. Time to stock up on tradition.
3565 NC Highway 194
(828) 963-6511
mastgeneralstore.com
Once an 18-room boarding house, the Saluda Inn has been welcoming guests since 1914. After a thoughtful restoration was completed in 2022, this historic property offers a high-end mountain retreat just steps from downtown. Lounge in the sunroom with views of the Blue Ridge or find a quiet moment on the Grand Lawn Terrace.
229 Greenville Street
(828) 388-9027
thesaludainn.com
The best times to spot elk are at dawn and dusk. But you don’t have to see them to know they’re there: Listen for the males’ iconic bugle during the mating season, which runs from mid-September through October. photograph by Derek Diluzio
Elk roam freely through the scenic meadows of Cataloochee Valley. Though flooding from Hurricane Helene damaged trails and roads throughout the valley, portions have reopened. Before you go, check the National Park Service website for the latest updates on trails and facilities, and be prepared to hike. Just remember to keep your distance: the best view of the elk is from a safe and respectful 150 feet.
(865) 436-1200
nps.gov/grsm
If walls could talk, The NuWray Hotel’s would share tales stretching back to 1833. James and Amanda Keith revived the building’s original log walls, updated centuries-old wiring, and restored the welcoming porches to reopen in 2024. Relief crews found shelter here after Helene, and today, guests enjoy its historic charm, gather by the stone fireplace, and explore the picturesque town and nearby mountain adventures.
102 Town Square
(828) 678-7070
nuwray.com
Make the nearly 500-step climb or ride the 26-story elevator inside a mountain to the top of Chimney Rock. photograph by Tom Moors
The iconic 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains from the top of the Rock have changed a bit, it’s true — but the beauty of this place hasn’t been diminished. Helene greatly damaged the historic bridge to the state park, along with Chimney Rock Village, but thanks to the community’s passion and teamwork, the park is welcoming visitors once more. “It’s been amazing to see people come together, with the same love for the area they had before the storm,” says Director of Chimney Rock Management Emily Walker.
665 Main Street
(828) 625-9611
chimneyrockpark.com
Reservations are required for park admission.
When it was built around 1889, this one-and-a-half-story log cabin was part of an expansive 125-acre farmstead. Livestock roamed free, apples hung heavy, and crops like buckwheat, rye, oats, corn, and sorghum thrived under the care of Martin and Caroline Brinegar. A cobbler and a weaver, the resourceful pair carved out a life for their family on this hill, and their cabin witnessed both hardships and delights. Today, it preserves construction techniques and materials that were commonly used by early settlers in remote areas of North Carolina: wooden clapboard siding, wooden shingles, and two dry-stacked chimneys on a full stone foundation. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Part of Doughton Park, the cabin — along with the Brinegars’ granary and springhouse, an interpretive garden, and more — provides visitors a peek into the life of a 19th-century Appalachian farming family, as well as a peaceful moment of reflection. The Brinegars may be gone, but their home still stands as a monument to an indomitable mountain spirit.
Milepost 238.5, Blue Ridge Parkway
(828) 348-3400
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