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The annual fall leaf show is now at its peak throughout the Upstate’s Caesar’s Head region as well as the western North Carolina mountains as gloriously cool mountain temperatures has continued and color has crept down the mountainsides. All areas around Asheville are showing brilliant color as are lower elevations. While the higher mountain peaks have become slightly bare, they still provide an optimal view of the mountainsides and valleys below. Currently, the colors are absolutely brilliant, which may have come as a bit of a surprise to some who thought they might be only average this year.
Now is the perfect time for a day trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the high ground at Mount Mitchell or Grandfather Mountain to the northeast of town or a day hike up Mount Pisgah to the southwest (be sure to keep your eyes open for the bicyclists on the Parkway – they are out in large numbers right now, also enjoying that cool, fresh air). These popular mountain peaks have a great network of trails and most visitors should be able to find suitable trails for their fitness and ability level. The highest peaks still offer great vantage points for taking in the entire show – the leaf colors have deepened to their best reds, golds, purples, yellows, and browns, all the way to the valley floor. Mother Nature maintains a pretty predictable plan when it comes to which trees begin the parade and which ones are the big finishers – most sourwoods remain at their best bright red now, and the tulip poplars are brilliant gold. The deep reds of native dogwoods have ripened, and maple varieties in a seeming sunset of red, brilliant orange, and yellow are simply stunning. Birch, cherry, and sweet gum are at their brightest best, and the reds and burnt yellows of the mighty oaks are coming into their own. Even the tiniest shrubs and woodland vines add to the picture-perfect natural canvas, which should continue through mid-November.
Fall is a great time to get outdoors with family and friends, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. With so many great destinations to choose between – from closer gems such as the great trails in the Landrum/Tryon area and the Dupont State Forest just south of Hendersonville, NC, to more far-reaching sites such as the NC Arboretum in Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park (and its great view of Lake Lure), or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, the cool weather and great color make their own brand of entertainment and lifelong memories of driving or hiking through the mountains. There is also a wealth of incredibly cozy bed and breakfast inns and hotels in the Greenville and Asheville areas to accommodate almost any taste. The only trick to getting what you want is to reserve a room early! These beautiful little niches are very popular, and it is difficult to book something the further we get into fall … the wise traveler books now! A good source for many of the best bed and breakfast inns is Greenville.com's lodging page, Greenville Lodging – most of the inns offer pictures of their rooms, so visitors can select the one they find most appealing. Another good source for many of the best bed and breakfast inns and hotels in the Asheville area is Asheville.com's lodging page, Asheville Lodging. With so many great destinations to choose between – from local beauties such as the Biltmore Estate or the NC Arboretum to the more far-reaching sites such as Chimney Rock, Dupont State Forest, or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, now is the time to grab your family, pets, and friends, breathe that fresh fall air, and enjoy the bracing blast of crisp, mountain days at their best. (Photo provided by Greenville.com)
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Even with the increased crowd size – and the possible sacrifice of a Clemson, USC, or Furman football game on television (hit the record button!) – popular spots, such as Caesar’s Head, and to the north, Mount Pisgah, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, and the Cradle of Forestry are so stunningly beautiful, they are well worth the effort. And “those in the know” will not drive past the Pisgah Inn (on the Blue Ridge Parkway) without stopping in for an early dinner while enjoying the spectacular, unobstructed mountain view from any table in their spacious dining room.