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91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
(828) 944-0761
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View of the Great Smoky Mountains in Haywood during Fall

FALL COLORS IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Unwind in the peaks this fall

Where to See Fall Color on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Where to See Fall Color on the Blue Ridge Parkway
  1. Home
  2. Planning
  3. When To Visit
  4. Fall
Experience Haywood in full color

Experience Haywood in full color

Elk in a golden field in Cataloochee Valley during Fall
View of lodging in Cataloochee Valley in Haywood
Cataloochee Valley
Graveyard falls during Fall in Haywood
Graveyard Fields Hiking Trail & Waterfalls
Graveyard Fields Hiking Trail & Waterfalls
CantonModerate
Canton
Apple farm in Haywood NC
KT Orchards & Apiary
KT Orchards & Apiary
CantonFarm To Table
Canton
Trees reflecting on the waters of Lake Logan in Haywood during fall
Lake Logan
Lake Logan
CantonCabins, Cottages & Vacation Rentals
Canton

Sweater weather is calling

Fall in Haywood County brings crisp mountain air, vibrant leaves and cozy small-town charm as one of the best times to visit. Pack layers, boots and sweaters for cool mornings and scenic fall adventures.

Average temperature during fall in Haywood NC

Western North Carolina by season

Plan Your Trip
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winter
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee Ski Area
Maggie ValleyOutdoors
Maggie Valley
Unwind in winter in Haywood County

Ski the slopes at Cataloochee, sip something warm, and enjoy mountain calm without the crowds.

Plan Your Winter Trip
Friends hiking in the Smoky Mountains in Haywood
spring
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Black Balsam Knob
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
Explore springtime in Haywood County

Glide into spring with mild hiking trails, scenic drives, and first sips of patio season.

Plan Your Spring Trip
Friends jumping from a rock in Haywood NC
summer
Sunburst Swimming Hole
Sunburst Swimming Hole
CantonAttractions
Canton
Experience summer in Haywood County

Beat the heat at higher altitudes, wander our towns, and soak up long, golden evenings.

Plan Your Summer Trip

Get your fall fix in Haywood

Driving in Haywood during Fall

Go for a scenic drive

Wind through a canopy of crimson and gold along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hold your breath before the views take it away.

See Scenic Drives
A hiking path in fall in Haywood NC

Hike in the colors

Wander through nature’s canvas, hear the leaves crunching under your feet, and experience some of the most stunning mountain landscapes.

See Hiking

FALL ACTIVITIES IN HAYWOOD

Round out your itinerary

Discover the magic of fall in Haywood with wildlife viewing fishing beneath crimson trees, apple picking in the orchards and corn mazes tucked away in the valley.

Elk during fall in Haywood
Wildlife viewing

Listen closely for bugle calls during this rut season for the elk. They are easiest to spot at dawn and dusk, so plan accordingly.

Discover
A man fishing in a stream during fall in Haywood
Fishing

Cooling waters in the fall time prompt the fish to feed ahead of winter, making Haywood a favorite fishing destination at this time of year. Head to Lake Junaluska and cast your line into relaxation.

Discover
Apple farm in Haywood NC
Apple picking

Crisp autumn air brings the mountain orchards to life, making Haywood a favorite harvest destination. Head to the local rows and enjoy this sweet seasonal tradition.

Discover
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Corn maze

October afternoons turn local farms into giant corridors of fun, drawing visitors to a classic, and sometimes spooky, Haywood tradition at this time of year.

Discover

Peak color awaits

Discover Leaf Peeping
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Early October transition

In early October, the brightest reds and golds appear along the highest peaks before slowly drifting down into the valleys below into November.

See All Trails
Graveyard Fields Hiking Trail & Waterfalls
2.3mi
Graveyard Fields Hiking Trail & Waterfalls
CantonModerateDogs on Leash
Canton
Black Balsam Knob
0.5mi
Black Balsam Knob
EasyDogs on LeashHiking
Easy
Cold Mountain Hike
10.6mi
Cold Mountain Hike
CantonStrenuousDogs on Leash
Canton
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Mid-October glory

As mid October rolls around, Haywood’s hues reach their full glory around all mid-elevation zones. That means most of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be painted in their signature autumn reds.

See All Scenic Drives
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Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
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Cold Mountain Loop
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
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Heintooga Spur Road
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
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Late October immersion

Later into the month, fall colors begin to coat the valleys of Haywood County. Since so many towns sit at higher elevation, you’ll wake up surrounded by the changing leaves.

See All Scenic Overlooks
East Loop of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
East Loop of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Maggie ValleyOutdoors
Maggie Valley
Copperhead Loop
Copperhead Loop
WaynesvilleOutdoors
Waynesville
The Rattler - NC 209
The Rattler - NC 209
ClydeOutdoors
Clyde
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Early November resolution

Late in the season, pops of color linger at the lowest elevations. November is a peaceful time to witness the change of seasons as fall takes its final bow.

See All Trails
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3.8mi
Lake Junaluska Walking Trail
Lake JunaluskaEasyDogs on Leash
Lake Junaluska
Dahlia Ridge Trail
3.5mi
Dahlia Ridge Trail
ClydeModerateHiking
Clyde
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
7.5mi
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
ModerateDogs on LeashWaterfalls
Moderate

Paint the town red with mother nature

Upcoming Events
  • Go With the Flow: Art Exhibit
    Sep 2 → Nov 2
    Go With the Flow: Art Exhibit
    WaynesvilleArts & Culture
    Waynesville

    Haywood Handmade Gallery's "Go with the Flow" exhibit celebrates the beauty, power, and importance of Haywood County’s waterways. In partnership with Haywood Waterways, this exhibition invites artists to create works inspired by rivers, streams, and other bodies of water—both literally and metaphorically. From flowing currents to reflections on life’s journeys, the show highlights how waterways inspire creativity while raising awareness of the need to protect and conserve our local watershed. Pictured work is by Peter Brown.

    Get details
  • Paint & Sip @ BearWaters Brewing Riverside
    Aug 27 → Dec 17
    Paint & Sip @ BearWaters Brewing Riverside
    CantonShopping & Markets
    Canton

    Join a fun, beginner-friendly paint & sip experience at BearWaters Brewing in Canton, right along the Pigeon River! These weeknight painting events are designed for adults 21+ who want to unwind, get creative, and let go. Each event runs from 6:00–8:00 pm and features step-by-step instruction starting from a blank canvas. Each month features a new painting. No experience is needed — everyone will leave with a finished painting to be proud of. Drinks are available for purchase from BearWaters’ selection of local craft beverages.

    Get details
  • Haywood County Fair
    Sep 24 → Sep 27
    Haywood County Fair
    WaynesvilleFestivals
    Waynesville

    Come to this year’s Haywood County Fair for a blend of classic fun and heart-racing excitement! Featuring carnival games and rides, circus acts, magic and illusion shows, face painting, a viewing zoo, heritage craft demos, and more! Challenge yourself with axe throwing, GellyBall wars, and mechanical bull ride, then grab a bite from Food Truck Row and settle in for the demolition derby! Compete for top honors in in Haywood Idol, livestock contests, the mullet competition (yes, for real), and a cornhole tournament. Attendees with sensory sensitivities and other special needs can enjoy an accommodating Fair experience on a private-entry Inclusion Day!

    Get details
  • Mill Town Farmers Market
    Aug 27 → Oct 29
    Mill Town Farmers Market
    CantonOutdoors & Sports
    Canton

    Held Thursdays from 4pm-7pm at the Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton, the Mill Town Farmers Market celebrates Haywood County’s local farmers and artisans. Browse handcrafted wood carvings, metal work, and pottery to spruce up your living space, pamper yourself with botanical skincare and perfumes, and stock your pantry with locally grown produce, farm-fresh dairy, homemade jams, baked goods, and much more! Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and sip on a fresh lemonade while you browse.

    Get details
  • C-10s in the Valley/SE Gas & Petroleum Expo/Swap Meet
    Sep 25 → Sep 26
    C-10s in the Valley/SE Gas & Petroleum Expo/Swap Meet
    Maggie ValleyCars & Motorcycles
    Maggie Valley

    Join the annual C-10s in the Valley, the biggest Chevrolet & GMC truck show of the year! You won't want to miss the chance to see hundreds of top-tier trucks invade the Valley for three days of fun. Shop vendors from the SE Gas & Petroleum Exchange and Maggie Valley Swap Meet and chow down at onsite food trucks. Don’t miss Saturday’s awards ceremony, where registrants can win Top 50 awards, Best of Show, and huge cash prizes. Please refer to the event website for full schedule and pricing.

    Get details

Check out Haywood’s fall lineup

See All Events

Get cozy in all kinds of ways

Cozy season starts where you rest your head. Find your perfect Haywood County stay for the fall getaway you’ve been dreaming about.

See All Places to Stay
Sunrise over Elk & Embers lodging in Haywood
Elk & Embers
Elk & Embers
WaynesvilleCabins, Cottages & Vacation Rentals
Waynesville
Waynesville stays

Wake up downtown Waynesville and immerse yourself in the festive fall vibes of town, make sure you sip on some hot cider along the way.

Explore Waynesville Lodging
Exterior view of Koi Kottage lodging in Haywood
Koi Kottage
Koi Kottage
Maggie ValleyCabins, Cottages & Vacation Rentals
Maggie Valley
Maggie Valley stays

Stay close to the heart of Haywood’s nature in Maggie Valley. You’ll have easy access to hikes, wildlife viewing and endless adventure.

Explore Maggie Valley Lodging
A train looking lodging in Haywood NC
Buffalo Creek Vacations
Buffalo Creek Vacations
ClydeCabins, Cottages & Vacation Rentals
Clyde
Unique lodging

Tuck into the foliage, literally. Sift through glamping options, cozy yurts and even a restored train caboose.

Explore Unique Lodging

FALL IN HAYWOOD COUNTY

Your guide to fall in Haywood

See All Blog Posts
Fall Photo Ops in Waynesville
Arts & CultureFall Photo Ops in Waynesville
Seven Sensational Spots to See the Fall Leaves
OutdoorsSeven Sensational Spots to See the Fall Leaves
5 Must-Do Activities to Enjoy in Canton This Fall
Trip Planning5 Must-Do Activities to Enjoy in Canton This Fall
Friends hiking in the Smokies Haywood NC
Friends hiking in the Smokies Haywood
Friends swimming on a waterfall cascades in Haywood
People sliding down on a snow tube in Haywood

Explore Haywood by season

SpringSummerWinter

Let the Smokies take your breath away

A family looking at a map in Haywood
Plan Your Trip
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When to Visit
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Where is Haywood