In Western North Carolina’s Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, fall bursts with stunning displays of autumnal color–-and Haywood County is draped in the most vibrant of the region’s iconic foliage. Here are some pointers on the best leaf-peeping spots in Canton, Clyde, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville:
Waterrock Knob
Put on your hiking boots and wander to views of spectacular hues. Waterrock Knob is a great spot to see fall flourish. It’s the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This peak is also the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern US, making for an "on top of the world" experience. Swing by here to see the color show as it trickles down the mountains throughout the season.
Devil’s Courthouse
Another notable elevation with a sinister name is the Devil’s Courthouse. The views of fall foliage here are sure to take your breath away. Reaching 5,720 feet, you can see the colors of the season stretch across 4 different states in a 360-degree panorama at the summit.
Roy Taylor Forest Overlook
A lesser-known stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Roy Taylor Forest Overlook offers a long-range view of the Great Smoky Mountains at 5,580’ elevation. Park in the paved lot and head to the wooden, wheelchair-accessible observation deck to soak in a painterly view that stretches for miles.
Graveyard Fields
This spooky sounding trail is a popular site for photography during the fall—and for good reason! The colors really show off to make a true mountain masterpiece during the fall. This hike takes you along two waterfalls and a stream-filled valley. Missing out on this would be a grave mistake.
Copperhead Loop
Put your windows and convertible top down as you cruise through the cool fall breeze on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Drive through a tunnel of colorful leaves as you twist and turn your way through the mountains. Copperhead Loop is a challenging but picturesque ride for motorcyclists too. See for yourself why it’s described as, “beauty with an attitude.”
Keep in mind that the leaves change at different times based on elevation, with the highest elevations turning first.
No matter where you choose to explore in Haywood's towns of Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde, you're sure to come across the best places to view fall foliage in the Western North Carolina mountains. While you wander, be sure to snap and photo of your fall finds and share with us at @VisitHaywood. Happy leaf-peeping!
