Fall in Asheville: A Trip I’ll Never Forget

 A few years back, I took a fall trip to Asheville, North Carolina, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable getaways I’ve ever had. The Blue Ridge Mountains in October are pure magic — fiery colors sweeping across the ridges, cool mountain air, and waterfalls framed by golden leaves.

Catawba Falls

Find Catawba Falls on Etsy

The Blue Ridge Parkway was my first introduction to just how stunning the season could be. I probably pulled over at every overlook, convinced each time that this one was the best view yet. The mountains stacked in layers of blue with bursts of red and orange in the foreground — I don’t think I’ve ever stopped so many times on a single drive.

One of the first hikes I did was to Crabtree Falls. The trail wound through a forest that looked like it had been painted in autumn colors, and when I reached the falls, I just stood there for a while listening to the water. The cascade dropped in a wide sheet over mossy rocks, framed perfectly by trees that were glowing in gold. I set up my tripod to get some long-exposure shots, but honestly, even without the camera, it was one of those places that made me stop and just breathe it all in.

Catawba Falls was another highlight. The hike in was peaceful, with fallen leaves crunching under my boots and the sound of water gradually getting louder. The waterfall itself felt wild and untamed, tumbling down in multiple tiers. I remember kneeling on a slick rock near the base, trying to capture the movement of the water while keeping my lens dry from the mist.

Then there was Little Bradley Falls, which felt like a hidden gem. The trail wasn’t crowded at all, and when I reached the falls, it felt like my own secret spot. The water poured into a quiet pool surrounded by trees that were halfway through their seasonal change. I ended up sitting there for a long time, camera beside me, just listening to the sound of the falls and letting the moment sink in.

The grand finale for me was Linville Falls. The hike took me to several different viewpoints, each one showing off the falls from a new angle. The upper falls thundered through a rocky gorge, and from the overlooks above, I could see the river carving its way through the mountainsides dressed in bright orange and red. Photographing it was a challenge — the light kept shifting — but it was one of those places where the memory mattered more than the perfect shot.

Looking back, that trip wasn’t just about the landscapes or the photos I came home with. It was about the way those waterfalls sounded in the stillness of the woods, the crunch of leaves on the trail, and the way the mountains glowed in the late afternoon light. Fall in Asheville reminded me to pause and savor the fleeting beauty of the season — something I’ve carried with me ever since.

Asheville as a Couples Weekend Getaway

This trip was one of those “we need to do this again” moments. Asheville is perfect for a romantic fall weekend: scenic drives, waterfall hikes, cozy cafés, craft breweries, and charming downtown streets. Even simple things — like sharing a thermos of coffee on a foggy overlook or walking hand in hand along a leaf-strewn trail — feel magical.

From early mornings chasing waterfalls to quiet evenings enjoying the autumn glow, Asheville offers the perfect mix of adventure and connection for couples. It’s the kind of trip that sticks with you, both in memories and photographs.

Why Asheville in the Fall

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is one of the best fall destinations in the U.S. The fiery reds, oranges, and golds that sweep across the ridges make for an unforgettable autumn backdrop. Pair that with cozy mountain towns, craft breweries, and endless outdoor activities, and you’ve got the perfect fall getaway.

Best Time to Visit for Fall Colors

• Late September – Early October: Higher elevations like Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell peak first.

• Mid to Late October: Blue Ridge Parkway and mid-elevation hikes put on their best show.

• Late October – Early November: Lower elevations in Asheville and surrounding valleys still glow with warm tones.

Top Spots for Fall Foliage

• Blue Ridge Parkway: A scenic drive with overlooks, tunnels, and ridgelines perfect for leaf-peeping.

• Craggy Gardens: Known for panoramic mountain views.

• Mount Mitchell: The tallest peak east of the Mississippi with sweeping fall vistas.

• Biltmore Estate: Gardens, trails, and the mansion surrounded by autumn color.

• Downtown Asheville: Trees lining streets with vibrant pops of color against historic architecture.

Photography Tips for Fall in Asheville

• Golden Hour Magic: Shoot early morning or late afternoon for soft, golden light that enhances fall tones.

• Use a Polarizer: A circular polarizer cuts glare and makes colors pop—especially helpful with wet leaves.

• Foreground Interest: Frame mountains with a branch of bright leaves or a rustic fence for depth.

• Foggy Mornings: Don’t be discouraged by mist—it adds mood and drama to mountain shots.

• Lenses to Pack:

  • Wide-angle for sweeping landscapes.

  • Telephoto for compressing layers of ridges (classic Blue Ridge look).

  • Macro for capturing details of leaves and textures.

• Long Exposures: Use a tripod near streams or waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls to capture silky water framed with fall foliage.

Things to Do Besides Leaf-Peeping

• Breweries & Cider Houses: Warm up with seasonal craft beers or spiced ciders.

• Apple Picking: Nearby Hendersonville has orchards perfect for a fall outing.

• Hiking: Trails like Graveyard Fields or Black Balsam Knob are stunning this time of year.

• Asheville Food Scene: Cozy cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and fall flavors everywhere.

Packing Tips

• Layers: Mornings and evenings get chilly in the mountains.

• Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Trails can be muddy with fallen leaves.

• Tripod & Extra Batteries: Cold weather drains batteries faster.

Some of the photos from this trip ended up in my Etsy shop if you’d like to check them out.