Enjoy A Fantastic Fall in Asheville, NC, 2024

Looking for a fall mountain getaway? Spending fall in Asheville, NC, exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains is the best choice!

I’ve spent many years vacationing in Asheville and surrounding areas. Fall is one of my favorite times to visit because of the cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Asheville offers fun activities, tasty breweries, and abundant outdoor adventures. Follow along as I share my favorite things to do in autumn in the Asheville area. 

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Fall Temperatures

Fall in the South is beautiful but also erratic at times. You can cozy up in jeans and a sweater or face a heat wave. Luckily, the temperatures in western NC drop earlier than in other parts of the region. September is generally still warm, but by late October and early November, it will be cooler compared to non-mountainous areas of the South. 

I advise checking the weather before you leave and packing layers, as nights are typically cooler. 

September

• Average highs- high 70’s
• Average lows- high 50’s

October

• Average highs- high 60’s
• Average lows- mid 40’s

November 

• Average highs-high 50’s
• Average lows- high 30’s

Things to do in Asheville in Autumn

The fall season is the best time to experience many activities that draw people to Western North Carolina. For instance, the weather is ideal for outdoor adventures such as hiking and mountain biking. 

Apple Picking

Western NC offers visitors the fun opportunity of picking your own apples. This is one of my favorite fall activities, especially with kids. Many of the best U-pick farms are south of Asheville, between Hendersonville and Chimney Rock. Luckily, it is a short drive south on I-26.  Make sure to enjoy some fresh apple cider and homemade apple treats!

Here are some great suggestions for apple orchards-

• Sky Top Orchard
• Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
• Grandad’s Apples N’ Such
• Jeter Mountain

Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

Visiting a pumpkin patch is another great fall tradition with several family-friendly activities. Many churches sell pumpkins on-site, or you can venture out to a farm. I’d find a small spot in town if you want a quick picture. If you wish to have the whole experience with hay rides, a corn maze, fall snacks, and picking your pumpkin,  visit an actual pumpkin patch.

Here are some great suggestions for pumpkin patches–

• Grandad’s Apples
• Packa’s Place
• The Pumpkin Patch
• Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
• Coston Farm & Apple House
• Lantern Farm

Here are some great suggestions for corn mazes-

• Eliada Corn Maze
• Darnell Farms
• Vollmer Farms

Hickory Nut Gap Farm

From mid-September through October, Hickory Nut Gap holds its annual fall festivities. Visitors can choose from various activities such as hay rides, pony rides, culvert slides, playing in the creek, an animal farm, and fresh apple cider.

Hickory Nut also offers some events on specific weekends, such as barn dances, Sow & Grow Fest, Big Barn Market on Sundays, and an annual sausage festival.  

Check out some amazing day trips from Asheville, NC!

Hiking

Hiking in autumn is an excellent opportunity to witness the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains with its stunning color changes and cooler temps. Visitors have many different parks and national forests to choose from.

Some popular options include Mount Mitchell, Pisgah National Forest, DuPont Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you don’t mind a little bit of a drive, check out Grandfather Mountain. 

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway, photo credit: R. Schwartz

If hiking isn’t your scene, but you love the outdoors, plan a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I’d run into Publix, pick up some fresh sub sandwiches and picnic supplies, and take off. You could easily spend a day stopping at various scenic overlooks and awe in the magnificent fall colors of Western NC.

Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is one of my favorite spots in Asheville. I’ve been there numerous times in all seasons and never tire of the property. Although the house is a must-see, the rest of the property is just as captivating. I highly suggest spending at least one full day here. 

You’ll want plenty of time to explore the house and the gardens and visit the winery. There’s so much to do- you won’t be bored, even if you don’t love old houses.

Visit a Brewery

Sierra Nevada Brewery, photo credit: R. Schwartz

If you enjoy visiting local breweries, then Asheville is your town. On a beautiful fall day, we celebrated my husband’s 40th birthday here on a beer crawl. Our group enjoyed sitting on patios with cold drinks and watching college football. 

In downtown Asheville, you can easily spend a day bouncing around. There’s New Belgium, Wicked Weed, Thirsty Monk, and Green Man Brewery, to name a few.  Highland Brewery is another great idea outside of downtown.

Outside of town, you’ll discover the stunning masterpiece of Sierra Nevada. Even if you don’t enjoy beer, it’s worth the drive. I’m not a beer drinker, but I love the property. They offer tasty food, a fun atmosphere, and a terrific family-friendly outdoor space. We took our kids and everyone had a great time.

Dining

Downtown Asheville is home to excellent cuisine, such as Curate, Limones and Chesnut. If you desire more casual places, check out Pack’s Tavern. Corner Kitchen and the Asheville Pizza Company outside of downtown are also tasty!

For breakfast, check out Sunny Point Cafe, Tupelo Honey, Biscuit Head, or Early Girl Eatery. 

Downtown Asheville

Downtown Asheville is unique—some may even say quirky. I love it, as I have fond memories of spending time there in college summers. If it isn’t your vibe, check out the Biltmore Village.

But alas, downtown Asheville is a must-do. There is an abundance of fun breweries within walking distance or catch a concert at the Orange Peel. You must also peek into some shops, such as Lexington Glass Company, Mast General Store, and Malaprop’s Bookstore. Check out the Pinball Museum downtown if you want something off the beaten path.

Fall Festivals in Asheville

During this time of year, Asheville hosts a wide range of special events. Check them out if you are in town!

Asheville, photo credit: L. Green

Boomtown AVLFest

In early September, Asheville hosts a free festival at Pack Square Park. Come and enjoy local artists, live performances, and food vendors. The festival aims to highlight and celebrate everything that makes Asheville a unique and fun community. 

Heritage Weekend

The Folk Art Center hosts an annual festival in mid-late September highlighting Appalachian culture. Visitors can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, soap making, weaving, woodcarving, and blacksmiths, to name just a few.

River Arts District 2nd Saturday Art Stroll

Residents and visitors can shop for local artists at the Arts District on the second Saturday of every month. A trolley helps with transportation, and food and drink are sold.

The Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival

In mid-October, visitors can gather at Carrier Park for the Lovely Asheville Annual Fall Festival. This family-friendly event celebrates everything that makes Asheville lovely.

Other Festivals

Asheville offers so many fun & exciting fall festivals and fairs. Here’s a quick snapshot of some other ideas-

• Flock to the Rock
• Downtown After 5
• Clawtoberfest
• Blue Ridge Pride Festival
• Asheville Greek Festival
• Black Mountain Home Fall Festival
• Oktoberfest Half Marathon and 5K

FAQ: Visiting Asheville

🍁What’s the best time to see fall colors?

Prime time is late September to mid October; however, leaves change earlier in higher elevations. In the city, fall foliage will occur later in the fall. The Blue Ridge Pkwy is a great spot to experience the beautiful colors of fall. 

🍁What are the fall months in Western NC?

September thru November

🍁What are day trip ideas from Asheville?

Boone, Hendersonville, Cashiers, Cherokee and Greenville, SC

In Conclusion: Fall in Asheville, NC

I hope my guide on spending a fall in Asheville, NC, helps you plan your next great adventure.

North Carolina Resources
How to Visit the Biltmore Estate with kids
Fall in Asheville
Day trips from Asheville