While many towns in Western North Carolina (WNC) welcome visitors year-round, the fall is peak season throughout the area, as tourists from all over the world flock to the mountains and foothills of North Carolina in search of vibrant fall foliage, rich culture and crisp mountain air.
This year, Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction wreaked havoc throughout the area, causing a massive amount of devastation. While many areas work to pick up the pieces cased by Helene, there are many WNC towns open and happy to welcome visitors. Traveling to the WNC areas open for business will not only afford you the ability to take in fall color like never before, but you’ll also be directly contributing to the local economy, helping to support areas damaged by Helene.
If you would like to help support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, donations may be made to the American Red Cross through a personalized link, ensuring that contributions go directly to the communities where the need is greatest.
Getting to WNC
Driving to WNC has improved over the last few weeks, but there are still some detours and road closures. Please view this report as you plan the best route for your trip. Click here for an interactive map of what’s open and what’s not in WNC.
Is the Blue Ridge Parkway open?
Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive” and one of the main attractions in the Western North Carolina mountains, much of the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed to all visitors at this time. But for those seeking a glimpse of fall color, reported on October 23, The National Park Service has re-opened 20 miles near Blowing Rock–milepost 285.5, at Bamboo Gap, to milepost 305, near Beacon Heights. Read more here.
Open for business: Biltmore
The Biltmore reopens November 2nd for Christmas at Biltmore. Biltmore Village was heavily damaged by Helene and is not open at this time.
Open for business: Haywood County
Five communities make up Haywood County and if you’ve never been to Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde or Lake Junaluska, now’s the time to explore this magical area. Planning a trip to this area? Read about our favorite spots in Haywood County.
Open for business: Jackson County
Each fall, the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva experience one of the longest leaf seasons in the country, spanning from early October to mid-November.
Open for business: Highlands
This gorgeous getaway destination is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River and is located in one of the few temperate rainforests in North America, high within the Nantahala National Forest at the meeting place of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Fine dining abounds in Highlands and here are some of our favorite local restaurants to check out.
Open for business: Cherokee
Take a peep at the fall leaves in these Smokey Mountains Towns of Murphy, Andrews and Brasstown.
Open for Business: Clay County
The magical combination of mountain and lake is made even better with the charming community of Haysville-Clay County.
Open for Business: Watauga
Businesses are up and running and ready to welcome visitors for the fall in Boone and Blowing Rock.
Open for business: West Jefferson
Open for business: Swain County
Bryson City is a quaint mountain community perfect for leaf viewing by way of the Great Smoky Mountains, winding through the Nantahala or hanging out with Santa on the Polar Express.
Open for business: Transylvania County
Downtown Brevard, Lake Toxaway and Pisgah Forest are open and ready for visitors. You can check on the status of public lands and trails here.
Open for business: Graham County
Now’s your time to visit the Cherohala Skyway–a National Scenic Byway that crosses through the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina.
Open for business: Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain will reopen to guests on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 9 a.m.
Open for business: Henderson County
Late fall is one of the best times to visit Hendersonville. Apple picking, taking in the vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves and enjoying a winery tour are all highly recommended items to check off of your to do list when you visit Henderson County. Need even more ideas? Here are our favorite things to doin Hendersonville.
Open for business: Polk County
Now’s the time to explore the charming mountain towns of Polk County. Thinking of a weekend getaway to Saluda? Here’s everything you can’t miss.
