The Ultimate Fall Hiking Itinerary
in the Blue Ridge Mountains
The sound of crunchy leaves underfoot while hiking on a cool fall day is the stuff of dreams. We can feel it already. There’s something about those fiery autumn hues and crisp temperatures that makes for an almost enchanted experience. And, we think that hiking is one of the best ways to take it all in. For the hikers out there, we’ve created an itinerary that’s the epitome of fall adventure, complete with rustic cabins, colorful foliage, waterfalls, and mountain views. Go ahead, dream a little—those golden autumn days are just around the corner. Book your fall cabin escape now.
To time your trip with the best fall color, check out our Interactive Fall Color Map.
NOTE: If hiking with dogs, follow the rules of the forest and keep them leashed. Keep kids within eyesight at the top.
Where to Stay
For cozy accommodations close to the trails, you’ve got some top-notch options in our corner of the mountains. Foggy Bottom Cabins is a quiet forested hideaway at the doorstep of Pisgah National Forest. For that “rustic without roughing it” feel, book a stay with DuPont Yurts. Or, for a remote getaway with easy driving access to Gorges State Park, check out the Cabins at Seven Foxes.
Gearing Up
No hiking gear? No problem. Transylvania County’s outfitters are ready to help you hit the trail in style. These locally owned shops can help you pick out the best equipment for your needs. And, they may even tell you their favorite trail while you’re there. However, if outdoor expertise is what you’re after, consider exploring the forest with a hiking guide. They’ll take you to some of the most scenic vistas and waterfalls in Transylvania County.
DAY 1
Waterfall Hikes in DuPont State Recreational Forest
What to Do
Most folks know the superstars of DuPont State Recreational Forest—Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls—but we think that Wintergreen Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are ideal trails for a fall hike. For starters, they’re less crowded. Plus, trees surround both waterfalls, so they’re especially beautiful with some colorful foliage. For more waterfall chasing inspiration, take a look at our Interactive Waterfall Map.
For an easier hike:
Wintergreen Falls
Moderate hike, 2.75 miles round-trip
For a more challenging hike:
Bridal Veil Falls
Strenuous hike, 4.5 miles round-trip
Where to Eat & Drink
Get your morning fuel from CDR MTN Coffee Bar for breakfast, friendly service, and a delicious brew.
For a picnic lunch on the trail, grab some sandwiches and fixins from Cedar Mountain Cafe. Regulars rave about the chicken sandwich.
Have some beverages after your adventure at Cedar Mountain Canteen, featuring live music throughout the week, year-round, or at Cedar Mountain Moonshine, home to Studio276 Art&Co. It’s the only art gallery in the world that uses its own moonshine to create its art!
Wrap up the day with dinner at Cedar Mountain Outpost, serving up incredible pizzas and local beers on tap.
Insider Tip
If you’re an eco-traveler, the Cedar Mountain Canteen is the spot for you. This sustainability-focused, zero-waste taproom has a huge assortment of over 150 beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options—perfect for a post-hike refresher.
DAY 2
Fall Color Views in Pisgah National Forest
What to Do
Pisgah National Forest is a treasure trove of sweeping viewscapes, but the sights from John Rock are hard to beat. This steep hike along the Cat Gap Loop leads to a sheer, open rock face with spectacular views of Looking Glass Rock and the surrounding forest. For your waterfall fix, take the trail to Moore Cove Falls.
For an easier hike:
Moore Cove Falls
Easy hike, 1.5 miles round-trip
For a more challenging hike:
John Rock
Strenuous hike, 4.7 mile loop
Where to Eat & Drink
Grab a tasty baked good or breakfast sandwich to start the day from Pisgah Bakehouse, just minutes from the entrance of Pisgah National Forest.
For lunch, fill up on a classic meal at Corky’s Dawg House, or check out the rotating food truck options at The Hub.
Kick back and relax with a local brew from Oskar Blues Brewing after a long day on the trail. Or, stop by the newly opened Weevil Gear & Beer for a drink in their laid-back beer garden.Is barbeque what you crave, or is sushi more your speed? Either way, you’ll make a delicious choice at Hawg Wild Smokehouse & Taproom or SORA Japanese Restaurant for dinner.
Insider Tip
Stop by for coffee from The Velvet Cup Coffee Truck before you hit the trail, and reward yourself afterwards with a visit to Dolly’s Dairy Bar for a scoop of ice cream.
DAY 3
Get a Gorges View of the Appalachian Temperate Rainforest
What to Do
Gorges. . . gorgeous. . . see what we did there? You get the idea—Gorges State Park is stunning, no matter where you are. For a leg-burner of a hike, head over to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. This hike is a bit more challenging, but the views are so worth the effort. Don’t forget to stop by the visitor center for a bonus mountain view. For an easier hike, check out Upper Bearwallow Falls.
For an easier hike:
Upper Bearwallow
Easy hike, 0.5 miles round-trip
For a more challenging hike:
Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls
Strenuous hike, 3.5 miles round-trip
Where to Eat & Drink
Hiking requires energy, and energy comes from coffee. On the way to Gorges, find your energy at Panthertown Cafe—a solid option to fill up on an adventure-worthy breakfast.
Ever had a margarita and tacos next to a waterfall? Check it off your bucket list with lunch at Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant, right next to Toxaway Falls.
For a delicious dinner in a beautiful setting, Grand Olde Station and Villa Amato are delicious options near Lake Toxaway. Greystone Inn is another relaxing spot for dinner and a scenic sip. Head over to the Inn’s Mansion Bar for a glass of wine, hand-crafted cocktail, or cold beer. They make an especially tasty old-fashioned.
Insider Tip
When the sun sits just right in the sky, Rainbow Falls creates a lovely rainbow from the great mist caused by its cascade. Try to get there mid-morning to see those colors really pop.
Leave It Better in the Forest
We aren’t the only generations who have enjoyed these public lands—and with your help, we won’t be the last. Make litter as rare and difficult to find as Trashquatch, a mythical forest dweller, formed out of litter left by visitors to his home, who asks public land users to “Leave It Better”. Pitch in when exploring the forest and Leave it Better than you found it.
