“Autumn is a second Spring, where every leaf is a flower” Albert Comus
Fall is “leaf peeper” season in the NC/TN Blue Ridge Mountains. The North Carolina and Tennessee border are home to some of the most vibrant fall colors in the USA. This area also has several majestic waterfalls tucked deep within that thick Fall Foliage. NC Outdoor Adventures (NCOA) is bringing guests an opportunity to join us on a tour that drives to various waterfalls, swim holes and various stops along the Toe River for a plethora of different views of fall colors. This adventure trip will explore mountain elevations ranging from 2-6K feet in elevation, giving guests color changes to see the entire fall season! We have two different easy fall hiking tours.
Hike 1:
The upper elevations of the NC Blue Ridge Mountains are the first to show signs of fall foliage peeping through. Exploring the Black Mountain range along some of Mount Mitchell’s Highest peaks is the perfect place for leaf peeping early in the fall leaf season. We meet at the beautiful Carolina Hemlocks in Burnsville NC to load the van or bus depending on the group size. From here we depart on a short ride to our first waterfall hike. The hike is an easy ½ mile loop. We will spend 30 minutes at each spot to allow photography. Have a tripod no problem, ask our shuttle drivers for a hand carrying in your photography gear! Hike 2 is another short ride along the same mountain road to a beautiful cascading waterfall and includes a .7-mile hike in and out. After our waterfall hikes, we will head to Haw Tree Pub at Mount Mitchell Golf Course for a private catered BBQ lunch with pulled pork sandwiches and Brunswick Stew, followed by a campfire dessert treat alongside the creek near the green. We will return where we started at the Hemlocks for a short hike and optional polar plunge.
Notes: Don’t forget $5 for parking your car at the Carolina Hemlocks. This includes access to the changing rooms, bathrooms, trails, and swimming. Alcohol is available for purchase at the Pub during lunch and dessert!
Hike 2:
Takes place at the end of NC’s leaf peeping season along ridges ranging in elevation of 2-3-k feet. Leaf lookers can enjoy an off the beaten path secluded waterfall along the NC/TN border. The waterfall is accessed via a short very steep trail so hiking poles and good hiking shoes are recommended! After the waterfall, we will load the shuttle and head off to a few stops along the Toe River. Stops include a couple swim holes, with easy sandy hiking and a stop at one of the area's last remaining working wooden suspension bridges. We will end where we started at the NC Outdoor Adventure River Outpost for a homemade bonfire BBQ meal and special dessert charcuterie. BYOB
When: Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 AM-4:30/ 5PM
Trip One (moderate hike): 9/30, 10/1, 10/7, 10/08, 10/14, 10/15, 10/21, 10/22
Trip Two (easy hike): 10/28, 10/29, 11/4, 11/5
Trips 1 and 2 date could vary based on the leaf color changes and weather! If we have any changes guests will be notified by email!
Where: Trip 1 meets at the Carolina Hemlocks. Trip 2 meets at the NC Outdoor Adventures River Outpost.
Cost: $72
Important Notes: Our fall foliage predictions are guided using this link 2023 Fall Leaf Color NC Mountains Forecast & Report (highcountryhost.com). Remember, we cannot predict weather or windstorms that could affect the predictions for leaf looking. Trips are rain or shine!
Please see our cancellation policy here: FAQ - NC Outdoor Adventures.
Trips close 3 days before departure to allow proper preparation for food.
