1. Leaf Peeping Like a Pro

Fall foliage in the High Country is world-renowned, and for good reason! Mid to late October is usually peak season, and there are endless ways to soak in the views:

• Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drives: Enjoy a leisurely ride with pull-offs for photo ops and picnics.

• Rough Ridge & Beacon Heights Trails: Short hikes with huge payoffs in vibrant views.

• Grandfather Mountain: Walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge for panoramic vistas of fiery red, gold, and orange.

2. Visit Local Fall Festivals

Fall brings a calendar full of small-town festivals that celebrate the season with food, crafts, music, and good old-fashioned fun.

• Woolly Worm Festival (Banner Elk): A quirky and beloved tradition featuring worm races, local vendors, and mountain charm. This festival is for the dates of October 18 & 19 in 2025.

• Valle Country Fair (Valle Crucis): A church-hosted event with handmade goods, BBQ, and a backdrop of peak fall color. The Valle Country Fair will be on Saturday, October 19th this year. 

• Blowing Rock Halloween Festival: Trick-or-treating on Main Street, the Monster March parade, and costume contests. This will be on the evening of October 25th! 

• Boone BOO!: On Halloween, head to downtown Boone for trick-or-treating, spooky music, inflatables, a costume contest, and live music! 

3. Apple Picking & Cider Tasting

What's fall without fresh apples and warm cider?

• The Orchard at Altapass (near Spruce Pine): A scenic drive from Boone, this orchard is a family favorite with live music, storytelling, and plenty of apple varieties to pick.

• Alexander County, just down in the foothills an easy drive away, offers multiple orchards on Highway 18 between Lenoir and Wilkesboro!

• Boone's Hard Cider Scene: Check out local cideries like Appalachian Mountain Cidery for small-batch ciders that taste like fall in a glass.

4. Hit the Trails

Fall is prime hiking season. Enjoy our cool temperatures, no bugs, and those unbeatable views.

• Linn Cove Viaduct Trail: A short walk along the famous elevated road with incredible fall foliage.

• Elk Knob State Park: Moderate hikes with overlooks perfect for leaf peeping.

• Flat Top Tower at Moses Cone Manor: A 5-mile round trip hike with 360° views from a fire tower.

5. Cozy Up in Town

When you're ready to wind down, the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk offer cozy charm and mountain hospitality.

• Downtown Blowing Rock: Grab a hot drink, shop local boutiques, and relax at a sidewalk café.

• Boone's Local Eats: Try fall-inspired dishes and craft beers at places like The Cardinal, Proper, or Lost Province Brewing.

• Banner Elk Winery: Sip wine by the fireplace and take in the autumn scenery from the vineyard.

Stay in the Heart of Fall

Nothing completes a fall getaway like the right home base. Whether it's a cabin with a fireplace, a mountain chalet with a hot tub, or a cozy cottage close to town, our vacation rentals put you right in the middle of the High Country's autumn magic. Nothing beats waking up and enjoying a cup of coffee from the deck of a cabin with a beautiful view! 

Book now to catch the leaves at their peak as our fall calendar fills up fast! Browse our selection of handpicked vacation rentals in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk, and start planning your unforgettable fall escape today! 

Click on any of the three photo links below to see our 2025 availability for the main 3 weekends in October: 

Final Tips for Fall Travel:

• Peak foliage typically runs from early to late October, depending on elevation.

• Pack layers as our temperatures can swing from sunny afternoons to chilly evenings.

• Bring a camera! The views are postcard-worthy, and you'll want to remember them.

• Book your first choice cabin as soon as you can!