No matter how you see it, the fall foliage makes autumn a gorgeous time of year. Hiking and driving are two of the most popular fall activities in Western NC to experience the changing season, but there are many other alternatives. Some will get your adrenaline pumping, and others will spark joy and soothe your soul.
Wildberry Lodge is fortunately located near many forested lands, mountain trails, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, which have the perfect opportunities for leaf-peeping. We are also the perfect base camp for those who crave adventure, even enjoying the leafy fireworks display.
Adrenaline Pumping Adventures:
Up, Up and Away
Book a flight in a beautiful balloon. Be mesmerized as you float above the trees, seeing the variation of golds and reds and the last of the greens. Asheville Balloon Company will take you soaring adjacent to Pisgah National Forest with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ride the Rapids
Six rivers near Asheville make getting a view of the foliage from the water an easy possibility. Take in the fall foliage view from a raft, kayak, or canoe — if you dare let your eyes leave the water. You can take a leisurely float down a lazy river or a whitewater rush. You can even tube or paddleboard. However you do it, the glorious color of the trees will surround you. Asheville Adventure Company and other river wandering companies like French Broad Adventures will add a splash to your autumn.
Zip Over the Trees
French Broad Adventures and Navitat are among several companies offering zip-line tours through the trees for a kaleidoscope effect. What’s more, there’s a scenic walk on your way to the zip line, which will allow you a clear view of the reds, golds, and oranges. The ride that follows will enable you to zoom right above, and sometimes between, the trees.
On Wheels
Because the Flying Bike doesn’t have bikes that fly, maybe this isn’t too extreme, but it’s different and fun. The Flying Bike offers electric bike rentals and tours. Customize a tour with them and see fall at a different pace and from a different angle.
Motorcycle riders, usually adventurous, will find some great rides that will be extra special with the rich colors of western North Carolina’s foliage. Just remember to be careful on those curvy roads.
Find the Fly Zone
See the trees from the sky in a helicopter! Or, take a beginning flying lesson; you will feel comfortable enough to look away from the controls to the scenery below! If that doesn’t get your blood pumping, we don’t know what will!
Chill Activities in the Fall:
Visit an Orchard for Apple Picking
Did you know there was an area near us called “Apple Alley?” There is a four-day apple festival over Labor Day, but if you missed that, there is still plenty of time to visit one of the many apple orchards to pick your apples. While at it, sample cider doughnuts and maybe some hard cider.
Get to Know Local Spooks on Haunted Tours
Do you love getting just a little bit scared? Our area has numerous tours, especially this time of year. If you want a history of Asheville’s strange, sometimes sordid past from ghoulish guides, along with some seriously bad jokes, take the Lazoom Comedy Bus Tour. For a more typical ghost tour, the Haunted Asheville Tour has been voted one of the best in the country!
Enjoy a Local Festival
Fall is the time of year when festivals abound! There are plenty of Arts and Crafts, live music, great food, and produce of the season. Here are some of our favorites; there is one almost every weekend.
Go Beer or Wine Tasting
Fall is harvest time, and that means grapes! Just a few miles from Wildberry Lodge is Addison Farms. We can help you reserve a tasting if you like. If you want more variety, try Blue Ridge Wine Tours. For those of you who prefer craft beer, don’t worry! Book a trip on the Asheville Brews Cruise for an introduction to our local beer.
Extreme Relaxation and Fun at Wildberry Lodge
Whether your heart rate is pumping or you’ve chilled out with your fall activities in Western NC, return to Wildberry Lodge and relax before your next big adventure. We are here for you. Wildberry Lodge offers comfortable luxury and beautiful views.
Our guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with large, plush beds, comfy chairs, and beautiful private baths. Many rooms have personal decks, but the huge front porch is open and offers spectacular scenery. Enjoy the hot tub with the mountain view if your room doesn’t have a Jacuzzi. At Wildberry, we offer you extreme relaxation. Reserve your room today. No matter your style, your adventure awaits!
