It’s almost time for that fall breeze and mountainscape of colorful leaves. Maggie Valley is rustling with the excitement of our favorite seasonal activities and events. As the air cools to a crisp breeze, pack your car and venture to the mountains for some much-needed sweater weather. It’s time to ooh and aah at the vivid colors coming to life here in these hills. As if you needed a reason to getaway, we’ve pulled together a few of our favorite reasons for a road trip to Maggie.
Cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway
Buckle up for prime leaf peeping season along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Haywood County is home to 46 miles of twisting and turning road lined with red, orange, and golden hues. Stop at a scenic overlook, like Graveyard Fields at milepost 418.8, or cruise into town for a pit stop and scrumptious meal. While you are out exploring, grab the perfect picture to add some fall aesthetic to your Instagram feed. No matter where you go, the mountain views are sure to be unbe-leaf-able.
Elk Bugling Season
Have you herd? Fall is mating season (A.K.A. The Rut) for the elk, which means you’ll hear a lot of noise coming from the bulls. These big guys will bugle and fight for domination to attract their fellow lady friends. While the bulls are bringing on the charm, visit Cataloochee Valley to hear them bugle for yourself. Just keep in mind this can be a dangerous time for visitors if you get to close, so always remain on the roadway and near your vehicle for safety. Check out our Elk Watching 101 guide for more helpful tips and elk spotting info.
Monarch Butterfly Migration
The beauty of the Smokies will give you butterflies—no, literally! Every year monarch butterflies migrate through Western North Carolina as they set their sights on warmer weather. Their 2,500-mile journey to Mexico may be a long trip, but we are lucky enough to enjoy their passing presence as they fly through. Come stay in Maggie Valley in September and early October to catch a glimpse of these beautiful visitors. They’ll leave you fluttering with awe!
Maggie Valley Events
It’s no secret this season is one of the prettiest times to visit Maggie Valley, and there are also several fall events to spice things up even more. Carve out some time for gatherings like the Maggie Valley Labor Day Arts and Craft Show and Fall Arts & Crafts Show for artisan-made treasures and creations. If you like live music, food, and a toe-tapping good time, you won’t want to miss the Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival. Are bikes and cars are more your speed? Get your engines ready for the Thunder in the Smokies Rally and the Annual Fall Regional Shelby/Ford Mustang Meet. All of these events are held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, conveniently located along Soco Road in the heart of the Valley. We hope to see you this season for some fall fun and a gourd time.
Consider this your cue to pile in the car and check out the fall festivities happening in Maggie this season. Capture your memories and share the fun on social. Be sure to tag us #MaggieValley or @VisitNCSmokies. Time to give your crew pumpkin to talk about this season.
