Best Fall Hiking Trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Known for some of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country, the Carolinas offers some of the best hiking trails. When you live at The Cliffs, these trails are just outside your front door!

During this season, crisp mountain air and sunlight combine to create a blanket that transforms the rolling peaks into a vibrant sea of colors. Often described as a hiker’s dream, the experience of exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains during the autumn months is an experience everyone should have.

To plan your next outdoor adventure, continue reading to learn about the best fall hiking trails in the area that allow you to experience the fall foliage in its full splendor.

1. Craggy Gardens Area –– Early Autumn

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville is the Craggy Gardens area, soaring a mile above sea level. During the spring months, these gardens are filled with colorful flowers, yet in the fall, the soaring trees steal the show! The Craggy Gardens Trail is a short hike that offers views of the quaint town of Montreat and the lofty Black Mountain Range. Additionally, the Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike that delivers 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. Given the altitude, the colors of the fall season are visible early in the season. So, if you’re looking to get in the fall spirit, be sure to visit these trails first!

2. Beacon Heights Trail –– Early Autumn 

Found along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Beacon Heights Trail is a short, moderately challenging yet scenic trail. Once at the top of the rocky overlook, hikers will be afforded panoramic views of the iconic Grandfather Mountain in the distance. At just under a mile roundtrip, this trail connects with the Tanawha Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail, offering even more hiking opportunities in the area.

3. Pisgah National Forest –– Early to Mid-Autumn

Later in the season, around mid-October, Pisgah National Forest offers a front seat to view the colorful mountains. The park consists of more than 500,000 acres of protected forests just waiting to be explored! Within the park, Looking Glass Rock Trail is among the most popular. The 6.2-mile out-and-back trail is moderately challenging, yet once at the top, the panoramic vistas make it all the more rewarding. Another popular trail is Graveyard Fields Trails which peaks in early October given the high elevation. The short yet challenging trail is a 2.9-mile loop that takes just over an hour to complete.

Looking for more ways to enjoy fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Read our post, How to Make the Most of Peak Leaf Season in the Carolinas, and plan your next fall adventure! 

4. DuPont State Park –– Mid-Autumn 

Another wonderful fall hiking option with various trails is DuPont State Park, just under an hour drive from Asheville. What’s special about this park is that there are various waterfalls located throughout the 10,000 acres of protected forests. With more than 86 miles of hiking trails in the park, there are plenty of paths to choose from, but the most well-known is the three-mile waterfall hike. This moderate trail takes hikers to three waterfalls in the park –– Hooker, Triple, and High Falls –– and during the autumn months, it is one of the best fall hiking locations in the region.

Related: 10 Best Viewpoints in the Blue Ridge Mountains

5. Chimney Rock State Park –– Late Autumn 

Later in the autumn months, Chimney Rock State Park offers a number of fall hiking trails for adventurers of all skill levels to take in the colorful display. The most well-known trail in the park is Exclamation Point Trail, a 20-minute, moderate-to-strenuous hike that is mostly uphill. Once at the top, you will have panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge from 2,480 feet above sea level. 

Another option that brings you to the base of Hickory Nut Falls is Hickory Nut Falls Trail. The falls are one of the highest east of the Mississippi River and offer an impressive view for visitors. The trail is a moderate 1.4-mile round trip adventure you won’t want to miss when visiting the park. If you are looking for more of a challenge, the Skyline Trail is a moderate-to-strenuous trail option that takes hikers further up the mountain. The 2.2-mile round-trip hike offers even more spectacular autumn views that are sure to take your breath away.   

Private Hiking Trails, All Year Round

With panoramic vistas and countless trails to explore, there is a reason hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains is so popular. This popularity can often make hiking on public trails crowded and take away the serenity that is often sought after by hikers. Fortunately for members at The Cliffs, we have our own set of private hiking trails within our seven communities. These trails make it easy to explore the region, right from the comfort of your own backyard! 

In addition, our private social clubs offer a way for avid hikers to come together and enjoy their favorite pastimes with other members. These clubs provide the perfect setting to learn about new trails from experts, connect with the outdoors, and make long-lasting friendships with others members at The Cliffs.

All of this and more can be yours when you become a homeowner at The Cliffs. We invite you to explore our community and the many amenities that come with living in our private corner of the Carolina mountains. Easily browse available homes online here or contact our team to schedule an in-person tour by clicking below.