The cool breeze and the sound of crunching leaves underfoot is why fall is a perfect time to go hiking in Western North Carolina.
The lofty vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys along with the gold, orange, red and yellow foliage makes for a stunning experience. Here are a few of our favorite hikes to see the best fall leave color in Asheville.
6 Fall Hikes to Take Near Asheville
Max Patch Bald
Max Patch is a section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) with an incredible 360-degree view at the top. To reach the summit, it’s a short uphill hike from the parking area located deep in the Pisgah National Forest. There are two easy loop trails that lead you to, and around the summit for maximum viewing. The Great Smoky Mountains dominate the horizon to the southwest where you can see miles and miles of fall colors. The best time to hike here is the second or third week in October.
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Graveyard Fields Trail
Graveyard Fields Trail is about a 3.3-mile round trip, moderate hike that takes you through a thick forest of rhododendron and mountain laurel. Walk past two waterfalls—upper and lower falls for spectacular views of the water and changing leaves in the background. The best time to see leaf color on this hike is early October as it’s one of the first spots in the mountains where leaves begin to change.
DuPont State Forest
This three-mile waterfall hike is gorgeous in fall and is perfect for any fitness level. You’ll see multiple waterfalls during this hike—Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls. DuPont State Park has many picnic areas making this a great place to spend time on a fall day.
Beacon Heights Trail
This quick, under one-mile hike has panoramic views of the south, east and north. From the top, you will see Grandfather Mountains, Mount Mitchell and Table Rock Mountain in the distance. Fall color arrives in early October on this hike.
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Rough Ridge on the Tanawha Trail
This breathtaking hike is in the Pisgah National Forest and is part of the 13-mile Tanawha Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Part way through the hike, you’ll find a boardwalk to the top that protects fragile vegetation. Rough Ridge is one of the best sports for bright early fall color.
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Biltmore Estates Trail
The grounds on the Biltmore Estate are just as impressive as the historic mansion. The property is filled with beautiful hikes and walking trails for everyone in the family to enjoy. There are over 22 miles of hiking trails where you can walk along the French Broad River, through forests of colorful leaves, or out in the open meadows. Walking the Biltmore gardens is also fun because of the fall flowers that are planted this time of year. Keep in mind that you will need a season pass or a day ticket to enter the property.
About Asheville Realty Group
Asheville Realty Group is located in the heart of Downtown Asheville, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are your local Asheville connection servicing the towns of Arden, Asheville, Black Mountain, Candler, Fairview, Leicester, Mars Hill, Hendersonville, Fletcher, and Weaverville to just name a few. As an independent group, our brokers combine their experience from successfully closing hundreds of transactions every year. Asheville Realty Group specializes in out of town customers, looking to relocate to Asheville, NC.
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