10 Blue Ridge & Smoky WNC Mountains Hiking Trails This Fall

WNC Mountains -- Fall 2024 brings a breathtaking transformation to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains in Western North

Carolina.

The rolling hills and towering peaks of these mountain ranges become a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating the perfect backdrop for hiking enthusiasts. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery or a challenging ascent to test your limits, the region offers a wide range of hiking experiences. Here's a guide to some of the best hiking trails, categorized by difficulty, along with options for camping or comfortable overnight stays.

Easy Hikes for Fall Adventures

1. Graveyard Fields

One of the most popular spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Graveyard Fields offers a family-friendly loop that winds through picturesque meadows and past two waterfalls. The 3.2-mile trail is easy to navigate, with relatively gentle elevation changes, making it a great introduction to the beauty of fall in the mountains. The surrounding fields and forests are bursting with color, and several spots along the trail provide opportunities to stop, take a break, and absorb the stunning scenery.

Camping: Stay at the nearby Mt. Pisgah Campground for easy access to this and other Blue Ridge trails.
Lodging: For more comfort, the Pisgah Inn offers cozy rooms with mountain views.

2. Laurel Falls Trail

In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Laurel Falls is an easy 2.6-mile hike with a rewarding view of the 80-foot waterfall at the end. The paved path is ideal for beginners or families, with minimal elevation gain and a beautiful fall forest to explore.

Camping: Pitch your tent at Elkmont Campground, a popular spot in the park.
Lodging: Comfortable cabins and inns are available in nearby Gatlinburg, TN.

3. Oconaluftee River Trail

Perfect for a peaceful, flat walk along a scenic river, the Oconaluftee River Trail in Cherokee, NC, is an easy 3-mile out-and-back trail. It's one of the few dog-friendly trails in the Smokies, offering a relaxing environment to enjoy the fall foliage.

Camping: Set up camp at Smokemont Campground just outside Cherokee.
Lodging: Stay in Cherokee, NC, where you'll find a range of rustic cabins and inns.

Moderate Hikes with Stunning Views

4. Craggy Gardens

If you’re looking for sweeping panoramic views without a grueling climb, Craggy Gardens is a perfect choice. This 1.5-mile hike, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, takes you through dense rhododendron tunnels to a peak with a stunning overlook of the surrounding mountains. The fall colors here are particularly vibrant, making it one of the best spots for photographers.

Camping: Stay at Crabtree Falls Campground for tent camping along the Parkway.

Lodging: Base yourself in nearby Asheville, NC, for a comfortable stay.

5. Alum Cave Trail

A must-hike in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Alum Cave Trail is a moderately challenging 5-mile hike that rewards you with stunning geological features, like Arch Rock and the imposing Alum Cave Bluff. The trail offers spectacular views as it winds through the forest, with the fall colors creating a magical atmosphere.

Camping: Cades Cove Campground offers tent and RV camping.

Lodging: For a rustic adventure, hike to LeConte Lodge, accessible only by trail, or stay in Gatlinburg, TN.

6. Mount Pisgah

One of the most iconic peaks in the region, Mount Pisgah offers a moderate 2.6-mile hike to the summit, where hikers are greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The fall season enhances the beauty of this popular trail, making it a must-do for those visiting in autumn.

Camping: Set up camp at Mount Pisgah Campground near the trailhead.
Lodging: The nearby Pisgah Inn offers a cozy mountain lodge experience.

Challenging Hikes for the Adventurous

7. Black Balsam Knob

For those seeking a more strenuous hike with unparalleled vistas, Black Balsam Knob is an excellent choice. The 5-mile loop trail takes you across open balds with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. The fall foliage here is breathtaking, with rich colors stretching as far as the eye can see. While the trail is exposed and can be windy, the reward of the views makes it worth the effort.

Camping: Backcountry camping is allowed in the Shining Rock Wilderness (permits required).
Lodging: Stay in nearby Waynesville, NC, or book a room at the Pisgah Inn for a more comfortable stay.

8. Charlies Bunion

One of the more challenging hikes in the Smoky Mountains, the Charlies Bunion trail is an 8-mile out-and-back hike that follows part of the Appalachian Trail. With a steep elevation gain and rocky terrain, this hike is best suited for experienced hikers. However, the panoramic views of the Smokies from the top make the effort more than worthwhile, especially in the fall when the colors are at their peak.

Camping: Backcountry camping is available at Icewater Spring Shelter (permits required).
Lodging: Comfortable accommodations are available in Gatlinburg, TN.

9. Shining Rock via Art Loeb Trail
For those looking for a true backcountry adventure, the 9.8-mile hike to Shining Rock via the Art Loeb Trail offers both a physical challenge and stunning fall scenery. This rugged trail leads you through alpine meadows and past scenic overlooks, culminating at the white quartz outcrop of Shining Rock. Fall colors along the ridgeline are spectacular, and this trail is sure to provide an unforgettable hiking experience.

Camping: Backcountry camping is available in the Shining Rock Wilderness (permits required).
Lodging: For a more comfortable stay, book a cabin or inn in Waynesville, NC.

Camping and Lodging for Longer Hikes
For those planning multi-day hiking trips, there are plenty of options for both backcountry camping and comfortable overnight stays. The Appalachian Trail Shelters provide basic accommodations for thru-hikers, while campgrounds like Deep Creek Campground in the Smokies and Crabtree Falls Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer more structured options for tent campers.

If you prefer a more comfortable stay, towns like Asheville, Waynesville, and Gatlinburg offer everything from rustic cabins to full-service hotels, making them great bases for exploring the region's many trails.

With its vivid fall colors and diverse hiking options, the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are a hiker's paradise in autumn. Whether you're looking for an easy walk to a waterfall, a moderate hike with sweeping views, or a challenging adventure to a mountain summit, Western North Carolina offers something for everyone. Combine your hike with a night under the stars at one of the area's many campgrounds, or treat yourself to a cozy cabin or mountain inn. This fall, explore the beauty of these iconic mountains and discover why they’re considered some of the best hiking destinations in the country.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes