Leaf-peeping season is upon us, and it’s time to start making travel plans. The natural shift of the earth’s seasons brings about a glorious display of flaming reds, oranges, and bright yellow hues that millions of people travel every year to see.
If you’re one of the many who love to watch Mother Nature shed her yearly skin, you’ll want to get a little more info about some of the best spots. Here is a brief overview of a few of the most stellar leaf-peeping towns in the Southeast United States.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is one of the hippest towns in the region. You’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities at all the cool trinket stores and head shops. There’s plenty to do in this little town, and the leaf-peeping opportunities in the fall are unlike any other.
Set the backdrop to a great fall vacation, and travel your way towards Asheville, North Carolina. Traffic isn’t bad, but be aware of motorcyclists on the road. There are often many explorers riding around to see the site. The ride there won’t leave you wanton, we promise.
Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia
Get your best feet on for a fall hike through Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia. Hike the Sitton Gulch Trail to get high on nature, literally. The difference in elevation from the beginning to the end of the trail is over 1,000 feet, so prepare yourself for the air to thin a bit.
The hike through the trail will also lead you past several breathtaking waterfalls and down towards the center of the canyon. Travel down 1,200 steps to get a unique perspective on the gorge.
Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville is the place to visit during the fall if you are an avid cyclist looking for a gorgeous ride. The 18-mile path down Swamp Rabbit Trail follows the flow of the Reedy River.
The last two weeks of October through the first couple weeks of November are the best time to see the leaves changing colors. There are also several breweries or distilleries to visit along the way.
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
The heart of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia will make your fall adventures far more colorful than you could possibly imagine. There are orchards you can visit, containing more than 20 different types of apples, and they’re all available for tasting.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Get up into the mountains, and stay in one of the Smoky Mountains famous cabin rentals. Get two lungs full of fresh mountain air, and leaf-peep without ever leaving your cabin. Stay close to Pigeon Forge if you want to be near all the action, or stay further into the mountains for a more secluded getaway.
