Visit Smokies

Fall brings a whole new kind of adventure to the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. As the forests surrounding the Nantahala Gorge shift from summer green to brilliant shades of gold, orange and red, cooler temperatures make it an ideal season to get outside and explore.

One of the best places to experience it all is

There’s something extra special about fall in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Crisp mountain air arrives, forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold, and communities across Western North Carolina celebrate the season with festivals, live music, Appalachian heritage, arts and crafts, farm traditions and plenty of good food.

From Franklin and Bryson Cit...

Fall color season is approaching in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, bringing brilliant reds, oranges and golds to the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina.

From the highest peaks of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway to mountain towns including Cherokee, Bryson City, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers...

There’s something special about waking up in Maggie Valley on a crisp fall morning. Mountain ridges glow with shades of gold, orange and red, cool air settles into the valley, and some of Western North Carolina’s most beautiful scenic drives are waiting just beyond your door.

For travelers looking for a comfortable, locally owned place to experience it all, ...

For decades, Cover Falls remained hidden on private property just outside Andrews, North Carolina. Today, visitors can finally experience one of Cherokee County’s newest public waterfalls thanks to a conservation effort that opened the preserve and trail in June 2026.

If you...