Fall Foliage (Henderson, Hendersonville, Brevard: buy, store, cabin) - The Mountain Region including Asheville - City-Data Forum

ss20ts · 08-03-2010, 10:59 PM

We're finally going on our first vacation in over a year! Our first since moving to SC. We're going up to the mountains and can't wait. We're hoping to do lots of autumn things up there. Definitely leaf peeping! Maybe some apple picking and pumpkin picking.

It looks like we're going the week of October 17 and we're going for a whole week. We're still trying to figure out where to book our cabin, but I'm leaning towards Maggie Valley. We know we're going to Dollywood for a day. I would love to find a place to go apple picking, get some pumpkins, maybe visit a farm. We'd also like to picnic in a park and take a short walk/hike to see some waterfalls.

I would love ALL suggestions! Thank you so much!

Jellobiafra · 08-05-2010, 07:11 AM

Not sure about the apple picking, but as for the picnic and waterfalls...you should think about the Cullasaja Gorge if you haven't already. From Maggie, head towards Sylva and take the exit for Dillsboro, which is 441, and drive towards Franklin. After passing the Wal Mart, there is an exit, which I THINK is for hwy 64, not sure. You'll see a sign for Highlands. Come down off the hwy and take a left and it's a straight shot into the gorge. There are, I believe, 4 waterfalls right on that road including Dry Falls, which has a parking area and restrooms, and allows you to hike down to the falls, and walk behind it. Very cool.

On that road before Dry Falls is a day use area at a very high altitude lake that is awesome. Should be stunning in October. Would be great for your picnic. Look around on the internet for info on the other falls. The first one is right on the road, and there is only a tiny little pull off which tends to get busy, so you might have to take a few tries before you get lucky. But it's very worth it.

Have fun!

ss20ts · 08-06-2010, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jellobiafra

Not sure about the apple picking, but as for the picnic and waterfalls...you should think about the Cullasaja Gorge if you haven't already. From Maggie, head towards Sylva and take the exit for Dillsboro, which is 441, and drive towards Franklin. After passing the Wal Mart, there is an exit, which I THINK is for hwy 64, not sure. You'll see a sign for Highlands. Come down off the hwy and take a left and it's a straight shot into the gorge. There are, I believe, 4 waterfalls right on that road including Dry Falls, which has a parking area and restrooms, and allows you to hike down to the falls, and walk behind it. Very cool.

On that road before Dry Falls is a day use area at a very high altitude lake that is awesome. Should be stunning in October. Would be great for your picnic. Look around on the internet for info on the other falls. The first one is right on the road, and there is only a tiny little pull off which tends to get busy, so you might have to take a few tries before you get lucky. But it's very worth it.

Have fun!

Thank you so much! I Googled the Cullasaja Gorge and found some great info about all the waterfalls. It looks like a beautiful place especially in October.

ss20ts · 08-06-2010, 10:10 AM

I also found a website - pickyourown.org - that lists out all kinds of farms in every state. Very helpful! Tons of apple & pumpkin picking to be had in the mountains. Can't wait!!!

lab4life · 08-11-2010, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jellobiafra

Not sure about the apple picking, but as for the picnic and waterfalls...you should think about the Cullasaja Gorge if you haven't already. From Maggie, head towards Sylva and take the exit for Dillsboro, which is 441, and drive towards Franklin. After passing the Wal Mart, there is an exit, which I THINK is for hwy 64, not sure. You'll see a sign for Highlands. Come down off the hwy and take a left and it's a straight shot into the gorge. There are, I believe, 4 waterfalls right on that road including Dry Falls, which has a parking area and restrooms, and allows you to hike down to the falls, and walk behind it. Very cool.

On that road before Dry Falls is a day use area at a very high altitude lake that is awesome. Should be stunning in October. Would be great for your picnic. Look around on the internet for info on the other falls. The first one is right on the road, and there is only a tiny little pull off which tends to get busy, so you might have to take a few tries before you get lucky. But it's very worth it.

Have fun!

Yep it's HWY 64, and it's my favorite NC mountain drive. It's a solid 15-20 slalom drive, love it! There's Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, etc all within minutes. And I love that picnic area, so quaint...it's been empty every time I've gone, even peak times. Also on 64 west on the right hand side (past Highlands) is a pullover to hike Whiteside Mtn. Stunning!

Also check out Brevard-Transylvania Co. for lots of waterfalls. And apples can be found out by Hendersonville.

One last thing, check out Cherokee and the Smokies.

Steph2699 · 08-11-2010, 11:10 AM

Whiteside Mountain is a mountain in Jackson County, North Carolina between Cashiers, Highlands, North Carolina, and the Georgia border. It's amazing. The view is one of the best I have seen in NC. We buy sandwiches at Mountain Fresh Grocery store the Hike up. Once you are at the top, there are plenty of places to grab a rock and enjoy the view. Have fun and enjoy!