Autumn in the Appalachians; fall colors ripple across the highlands of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina - Fall Vacation Planner

Travel America, July-August, 2003 by Charles Doherty

Mount Mitchell State Park, another parkway highlight, encompasses the 6,684foot summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Facilities include an observation tower and museum.

On the parkway at Asheville, the largest city in western North Carolina, the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild operates the nationally recognized Folk Art Center. Fine mountain crafts range from quilts and rocking chairs to brooms and baskets. Asheville's top attraction is Biltmore, a 250-room mansion built in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt. Modeled after 16th century French chateaux, it is the largest private residence in America.

Southeast of Asheville, the 26-story elevator at Chimney Rock Park whisks visitors to the top of an outcropping that affords 75-mile views. Three hiking trails lead to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the East.

The Qualla Boundary Cherokee Indian Reservation, near the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is home to 8,500 members of the Eastern Band of Cherokees. Attractions include the Qualla Arts and Crafts Shop, Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Oconaluftee Indian Village, where the making of pottery, baskets, canoes, arrows and blowguns is demonstrated.

For a delightful fall color excursion, hop aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railway, an old-time train that travels between Dillsboro and Bryson City. The route follows the Tuckasegee River, past farmland, forests, waterfalls and sheer rock faces. Bryson is home base for rafting outfitters that offer trips on the Nantahala, Ocoee and other rivers.

The town of Franklin, 35 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, makes a good base of operations for exploring the Nantahala National Forest; where hiking trails and scenic roads lead to spectacular waterfalls, gorges, and whitewater rapids. Much of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, a 61-mile drive, winds through the forest, the largest of North Carolina's four national forests.

Set against a backdrop of mountain peaks and ridges, Franklin is known as the "Gem Capital of the World." Area gem mines give rockhounds the chance to pan for semi-precious stones, such as rubies, sapphires, and garnets. Gem shops offer a vast selection of unusual jewelry. A popular gem show, Leaflookers Gemboree, is set for October 17-19.

Franklin hosts the Macon County Fair, the state's only agricultural fair, September 10-14, and Scottish Heritage Weekend October 11-12. Downtown Franklin comes alive on Saturday evenings in summer and fall when musicians and cloggers gather for Pickin' on the Square.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO ...

WHEN TO GO: PEAK COLOR USUally occurs between October 15 and 25, but trees at higher elevations start turning in late September and splashes of color linger until early November. October temperatures are generally in the 60s and 70s. To avoid crowds, travel mid-week. Hotel reservations are essential on fall weekends.

For more information on attractions, accommodations and fall festivals, contact these state tourism offices: