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Traveling to Asheville in the fall

Fall season in Asheville, North Carolina comes as a breath of fresh air- both figuratively and literally. The breezes that flow through the city act as a ready reminder to locals and visitors alike the glories of being in the mountains during the autumn months. A refreshing calm seems to surround the valley, announcing a ready transition away from summer. Excitement of what is to come is evident all around.

With its abundance of accommodation options, visitors can find the ideal Asheville hotel for exploring the surrounding mountains. The Residences at Biltmore offers Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites complete with full kitchens, stone fireplaces and private balconies. This Asheville all-suite hotel also offers fall getaway packages that are arranged through their 24-hour Concierge service. The Concierge also offer great tips on where to best view the fall foliage throughout the fall season.

Where to view fall color in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville

While Asheville itself most certainly plays host to the season it is the Blue Ridge Parkway that is the leader of the band, rolling out the first glimpses of fall beauty. With the leaves marking their change earliest in higher elevations, the Blue Ridge Mountains begin their cascade of color throughout Western North Carolina.

Travelers to the Parkway are greeted with an array of vibrancy nestled amongst blankets of fog. The serenity of the rolling hills couples with the steady drop in temperature as welcomed guests traverse through the mountains. Nothing can quite match the feeling of driving around a corner or moving through one of the tunnels on the Parkway and having the sky–line suddenly burst open to reveal a painting of orange, red and yellow. As crispness and color sets in, the scenery is a wonder to behold.

While a drive through the mountains is a welcome introduction, it is often the foot exploration that serves as an escape into fall. For those who wish to relish in the outdoors, a hike off of the Parkway is just the ticket. A walk through the crisp mountain landscape unveils the beauty of the mountains close-up.

North on the Parkway lies Mount Mitchell, where fall enthusiasts can take in the scenery on-top of the observation deck or wander through the lush forest. Just before Mount Mitchell travelers come to Craggy Gardens. The incredible panoramic views atop Craggy are a definite reward to nature seekers.

Winding south on the Parkway, the Pisgah National Forest opens up many wonderful hikes, including those through Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam and Graveyard Fields. During the fall, these hikes give way to hidden beauty and invigorating freshness. A short distance from the Parkway, further into Pisgah, reveals gorgeous streaming waterfalls which illuminate the fall foliage. The bright colors supply a wondrous backdrop to the flowing water as it tumbles amongst the rock walls.

Whether up along the Blue Ridge Mountains or nestled in the valley, the welcoming sounds of rustling wind and the colors of nature remind travelers exactly how special fall is in Asheville.

-Submitted by Concierge Meagan Whitehead