Things to Do in Asheville During the Fall Season

Sunday, November 1, 2020

There is no shortage of fun things to do this fall in Asheville, North Carolina. From viewing the incredible burst of autumnal color to feeling the cool, crisp air of a stroll through downtown, Asheville.com has your guide to a perfect fall season. Here are a few of our top picks for fun things to do.

Scenic Drives

The area is home to several of the best scenic routes in the country, making for a perfect day-long outing to experience fall in Asheville. The ever-popular Blue Ridge Parkway twists and turns its way through some of the highest peaks in America, providing fantastic views along the way. Its various elevations offer visitors a chance to see fall at its best regardless of timing. If it’s early in the season, simply head to the higher elevations! And as the season progresses, the peak fall color reaches the lower elevations.

Pisgah National Forest is another great option. Both the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway and the Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway take you through the land of mile-high peaks and flowing waterfalls. The Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway is a mountain loop drive that follows US 276 from Brevard to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway follows NC Highway 209 from Lake Junaluska to Hot Springs.

Corn Mazes

We don’t care how old you are, a corn maze is one of the definitive ways to experience fall in Asheville. Nothing beats the sound of crunching leaves and the smell of warm cider as you attempt to make your way through a challenging maze. The Eliada corn maze is the region’s largest corn maze. It is operated by the nonprofit Eliada, and all proceeds go to helping the children in their various programs. Each year features a new maze theme while also sporting entertainment options such as a giant jumping pillow, hayrides, corn cannons, and story trails.

Popular Attractions

Biltmore Estate is a popular attraction which brings in tens of thousands of visitors each year. It offers a great escape to slow down and take in the gorgeous fall color. Take a self-guided tour of their wonderful property while working up an appetite for one of their famous harvest-themed dinners.

For another getaway, Hickory Nut Gap Farm is just a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Asheville. Their property has a trivia-based corn maze, a hay bale climb, nature walks, corn silos, daily lunches, friendly animals, and of course a bounty of fall food favorites. We highly recommend ordering a cup of their famous apple cider!

Spooky Tours

LaZoom’s Ghosted: Walking Comedy Tour offers a journey into Asheville’s unknown. You’ll learn about the weird, dark past that lies just beneath the surface of this quaint mountain town. Hear stories of hangings, murders, and shoot outs!

The Haunted History and Murder Mystery bus tour offers a fully narrated 75-minute getaway for participants. The tour will illuminate Asheville’s dark side with astonishing stories of spirits, ghosts, and more. The tours run April through mid-November, Mondays through Saturdays.

Places to Stay

Asheville has scores of lodging options, from hotels to bed and breakfast retreats. Visit our lodging guide to find your perfect match.