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Hi all-
We are planning our annual trip to the NC mountains this Fall (mid-October) and I am thinking about going somewhere other then Boone/Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, Banner Elk area. We love it there and pick the High Country because the leaves tend to be more vivd in the higher elevations. It's all so beautiful, but we were thinking about trying the West Jefferson/Fleetwood/Todd area. Are the elevations as high? Is it as pretty as the rest of the High Country? I know it is still close enough to take the kids back to Tweetsie, go to Grandfather Mtn. and all of that, but we wanted something a little different for Fall break this year. We tend to enjoy the less touristy places, but still need to be near things because of the kids. Burnsville area is lovely, but I don't know if it is high enough in elevation to have the brilliant color we will be seeking. I'm a native North Carolinian, having grown up in eastern NC, but I just LOVE the mountains.
Opinions anyone? Many thanks in advance!
-Kim
I think your assumption of leaves higher up being more vivid is incorrect. You are most likely seeing that the high elevations are at their peak but the lower haven't gotten to it yet. Anywhere in the mountains is pretty in the fall. I'd check the smokies though if you are convinced you need to be higher.
I think the west jefferson area/ashe county is a great idea for your october vacation. We have friends who have a cabin up in W.J. off of the BRP, and it is quite beautiful.
The terrain is still pretty high up so you *should* get great color.
You could go apple picking. West jefferson has a very cute main street for an afternoon stroll and a bit of shopping. It is also very close to the blue ridge parkway so you can travel/hike along the northern end of the BRP a bit. There are state parks eg: doughton - that have great hikes as well as just any of the BRP hikes.
In October, it'd be worth watching the local areas in both ashe and wilkes counties for 'apple' or 'fall' festivals if you are going to be there on a friday/saturday.
It is definitely less touristy -- so you have fewer choices of eating out and such. If you don't mind cooking, then it might just be the place for you!
Thanks WeLuvNC!
Just the info we needed. The "touristy" places are not what we are really into, though OK once in awhile with the kiddos. As a family, we would rather hike, cook out, etc. I think we will try Ashe county this year. The last three we have done the Valle Crucis, Blowing Rock stuff, and now we want to try something else, but love the area. Still close enough in Ashe to drive over to Granfather mtn, Tweetsie, etc. if we choose. Last year we hit the festival in Valle Crucis and the Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk. It was fun, but not something I want to do every year. Trying to talk the kids out of Tweetsie this year...LOL!
Thanks again!
Location: River's Edge Inn, Todd NC, and Lorgues France
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Hi, We have a house right on the New River near Todd we as a vacation home. If you are interested in a place to stay, please let me know. thanks, tom g
Also, the little Mt. Jefferson Natural Area is a fantastic vantage point to see all the Christmas tree farms down below. The color from up there is just spectacular!
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