The sweet aroma of toasted marshmallows and the hush of anticipation warm the air at the annual Stecoah Valley Harvest Festival. It’s a chilly Friday night in October, and the campfire, storytellers, and musicians draw festivalgoers close. The festivities continue the next morning on the grounds of the historic Stecoah Union School. Regional craft vendors sell all things handmade, from woodwork to fiber arts, and experts demonstrate traditional, practical skills like barn quilt painting and crosscut saw demonstrations.
Among the Stecoah Valley Art Center’s many annual events, the Harvest Festival is the favorite of board president Sara Davis. She loves that it celebrates the Appalachian tradition of marking the change in seasons.
The Stecoah Valley Harvest Festival ushers in fall. photograph by Mike Waller/Graham County Travel & Tourism Authority
“People gather to renew old acquaintances, listen to traditional mountain music, and enjoy the wares of talented vendors who bring their best products to sell,” Davis says. “It’s a culmination of activities to celebrate the autumn season as folks have done in these mountains for many generations.”
Read on for six more of our favorite autumn activities on this side of the Appalachians.
Explore the forty-three miles of the Cherohala Skyway – the National Scenic Byway that rides the ridgelines from Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN. Climb to elevations over 5,400 feet, take in sweeping panoramic sunsets, and hike to the top of the mile-high Huckleberry Knob.
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See autumn splendor during a ride along the Cherohala Skyway. photograph by D. Hunter Turner/Graham County Travel & Tourism Authority
Enjoy a drive on the Cherohala Skyway, nearly 42 miles of breathtaking views on this National Scenic Byway through remote and unspoiled mountain terrain. Its path from Robbinsville winds its way upward to crest at 5,390 feet at Santeetlah Overlook before descending to its destination in Tellico Plains.
Along the 18-mile climb and 23-mile descent, stop and take in sweeping vistas of the Santeetlah River basin where trees are ablaze in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Spend a crisp autumn day making memories at picnic areas, overlooks, and connecting trails. Before you hit the road, pick up a “Road to Fall” brochure at the Robbinsville Visitor Center. When you’ve completed the drive, you’ll receive a souvenir, offered while supplies last.
Learn about unique instruments at Robbinsville’s Cigar Box Festival. Photography courtesy of Robbinsville Tourism Authority
Music lovers and those who appreciate a good DIY project will enjoy the celebration of cigar box guitars on Saturday, September 13. These guitars — borne of ingenuity, limited means, and a desire to create melodies — have origins in the 1800s. These quirky instruments remained popular through the Great Depression, becoming integral to jug bands and blues music of the time. During the Cigar Box Festival, Robbinsville comes alive with the twang of guitars, hometown barbecue, hands on musical experiences and vendors selling handmade crafts.
The Fontana Clogging Jamboree encourages locals and visitors alike to participate in a lively dance tradition. photograph by Mike Waller/Graham County Travel & Tourism Authority
Another celebration of traditional Appalachian culture, the 22nd annual Fontana Clogging Jamboree takes place September 19 and 20. Hundreds of cloggers of all ages will make their way to Fontana Village Resort high in the Smoky Mountains near Fontana Lake for a weekend of dancing and fellowship. Workshops and group dances begin Friday morning at the spirited gathering, and registered attendees have the opportunity to learn and participate in old-time square dancing as well as traditional and modern clogging routines.
Enjoy a day of peace and quiet — and catch sizable trout — at Big Snowbird Creek. photograph by D. Hunter Turner/Graham County Travel & Tourism Authority
Listen up, anglers — delayed harvest season begins October 1 on Big Snowbird Creek, a creek that originates in the Snowbird Mountains and flows to Santeetlah Lake. During that time, the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission begins stocking a 2.8-mile segment of the creek with brown and rainbow trout.
From October to next June, the increased numbers of trout make it a great time for fly fishing novices to hone their skills without using live bait. Big Snowbird Road follows along the shaded creek, providing easy access to the water and primitive campsites. Since only catch and release is permitted during this period, populations of fish have the opportunity to increase and grow. During harvest season, from June through September, you may catch and take home up to seven fish a day.
Grab your paddle and take advantage of Cheoah River’s annual river releases in October and November. photograph by D. Hunter Turner/Graham County Travel & Tourism Authority
Before the creation of the Santeetlah Dam nearly a century ago, the Cheoah River ran steady and strong. To protect and restore its native habitat and to create opportunities for recreation, an annual ‘river release’ schedule has been maintained since 2005. On at least 18 scheduled days a year, water released from the dam restores the flow to the nine-mile stretch of water, making it one of the most difficult and sought after kayaking runs in the Southeast. Expert paddlers come from near and far to test their skills on Cheoah’s class IV and V rapids. This year’s remaining Cheoah River Release Days are October 25, and November 8.
To witness the excitement without getting wet, the riverside location of Historic Tapoco Lodge has a great vantage point for spectators to watch paddlers, with front-row seats on the patio of Tapoco Tavern just below a class V rapid. Several events at Tapoco Lodge coincide with the river releases this fall. Beginning in September, Dustin Tramper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will share stories about his heritage by the fire pits on Friday evenings. On Saturday nights in October, reserve a spot for a walking tour through the lodge while listening to spooky tales. The evening before November’s river release, melodies will drift over the river as musicians perform at the lodge.
On November 28 and 29, spend an afternoon touring through the countryside, stopping at the studios and galleries of artists who live on the slopes and hollers nearby. Stecoah Valley Center organizes these self-guided tours, which occur twice yearly.
Artisans and crafters of all types participate in the Arts & Crafts Drive-About, welcoming visitors to see their workspaces, learn about their creative processes, and browse their wares.. And conveniently, the fall Drive-About is scheduled just in time for the holiday shopping season.
How many memories will you make? Whether you want to plan a paddling adventure or attend a beloved festival, click here to start planning your fall getaway to Graham County.
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