There’s nothing quite like fall in Western Carolina — when the mountain air turns crisp and cool, the nostalgia comes flooding back with overwhelming waves of inexplicable sensation. Autumn is that seasonal sweet spot between the balmy, bug-bitten days of summer and the frigid frost of winter when fiery foliage makes outdoor excursions even more alluring. While out of town leaf-peepers flock to our mountains, some of the area’s most stunning natural spaces remain nearly devoid of visitors.
Join us for a look at the best hiking spots to enjoy views of orange, gold, and purple — from the most popular to the lesser traveled.
Kids and pets on leash are welcome.