The Chimneys at Linville Gorge Wilderness

SYLVA Visit local shops and restaurants and take advantage of the excellent fly-fishing on the CHECKLIST in this small mountain town.

RHODES BIG VIEW OVERLOOK This spot has something special in addition THE LEAF-PEEPER’S GUIDE to fall foliage: the mystical phenomenon known as “the shadow of the bear.” For a few TO THE MOUNTAINS weeks in mid-October and early November, come to Rhodes Big View Overlook at 5:30 22 of our favorite mountain spots to see stunning fall color. p.m. to watch the shape of a giant bear emerge from behind .

HIGHLANDS BOTANICAL GARDEN NORTH CENTRAL This free botanical garden features plants that are native to the mountain ecosystem, and is a beautiful place to check out GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN/ CRAGGY GARDENS VISITOR CENTER the changing colors in the trees and (milepost 364.4) other plants while enjoying a picnic. (milepost 304.4) While the wildflowers that give this spot The Linn Cove Viaduct winds gracefully along its name will not be blooming as much in OSAGE AND BLUE VALLEY OVERLOOKS the fall, there will still be plenty of color the side of and offers These overlooks on NC Highway 106 provided on the surrounding mountains. gorgeous views to drivers along the way. near the town of Highlands offer visitors dramatic views of Blue Valley as well as ROUGH RIDGE OVERLOOK MT. MITCHELL STATE PARK nearby Osage and Scaly mountains from the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. (milepost 302.8) (milepost 355.4 + drive into park) Climb to the viewing platform for a stunning The highest peak this side of the Mississippi view of the surrounding mountains — and is well worth a visit, but the observation deck CULLASAJA AND DRY FALLS get a bird’s-eye-view of Linn Cove Viaduct. also makes for some excellent leaf-peeping Take U.S. Highway 64 through the Cullasaja in the fall. You can drive almost to the peak River Gorge and you’ll pass several and then take a short walk to the top. dramatic waterfalls. At Cullasaja Falls, BANNER ELK autumn leaves frame a 250-foot drop. A High in a northwestern corner of the state, short distance upstream is Dry Falls. a little town on the Elk River enjoys mild BILTMORE ESTATE summers, snowy winters, and — perhaps most The Biltmore Estate is beautiful at any time of spectacularly — bright, beautiful autumns. year, but autumn is an especially good time to RICHLAND BALSAM OVERLOOK visit the house and gardens, since temperatures (milepost 431.4) are comfortable and colors are vibrant. CHIMNEY ROCK At 6,053 feet, this overlook is the highest point on the — and it’s a It’s 499 steps to the top of Chimney Rock, great place to see some of North Carolina’s but you can catch your breath as you enjoy Christmas trees. But not all of a fantastic view of Lake Lure below. SOUTH the trees here are evergreen; you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see some color. BEACON HEIGHTS CHEROHALA SKYWAY (milepost 305.2 + 1-mile roundtrip hike) NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY GRAVEYARD FIELDS A short hike from the parking lot rewards It may not be as well-known as the Blue Ridge (milepost 418.8) Parkway, but this remote scenic byway offers you with an area of exposed rock where you Leaves here turn early, but this is a spot you plenty of dramatic overlooks as it winds through can relax and take in views of Grandfather won’t want to miss. Much of the foliage here and Nantahala national forests. Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, and Table Rock. is found on shrubs rather than tall trees.

BLOWING ROCK WATERROCK KNOB  BRYSON CITY (milepost 451.2) This beautiful mountain village is home This small town on the border of Great to downtown restaurants, boutiques, and is best visited at either Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful outdoor activities. At Tweetsie Railroad, sunrise or sunset. Be sure to bring place to appreciate the colors of autumn take a ride on a real steam locomotive. warm layers as this picnic area sits while exploring downtown or taking a ride more than a mile high in elevation. on the Railroad. CHESTOA VIEW OVERLOOK (milepost 320.8) CULLOWHEE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK This view requires a very short hike, and Check out the fascinating Judaculla Rock One of the entrances to Great Smoky at the end you will be rewarded with a (from the Cherokee name Tsul ’kalu), which Mountains National Park is located two spectacular view of Linville Gorge, Table is covered in petroglyphs and holds spiritual miles north of the town of Cherokee, which Rock, and Grandfather Mountain. significance for the Cherokee people. sits in the Valley.

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