Fall is a truly spectacular time of year in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. When the leaves change color, and cool breezes blow through our mountain peaks, the chill in the air is something to celebrate.
With so many different things to see and do in Maggie Valley during the fall, you might struggle to plan your itinerary. To help, we’ve created a guide so you can ring in the season the right way with the best Maggie Valley events, things to do, and what to pack!
Book your stay with Carolina Vacations so you don’t miss out on all the fall happenings, and keep reading to discover what you need to know about the season.
Fall Weather in Maggie Valley
Fall in Maggie Valley means crisp mornings and evenings and warm, often sunny afternoons.
- Daytime temperatures typically fall in the 60s and 70s throughout September and October.
- By November, temperatures dip into the high 50s.
- Lows, meanwhile, range from the 50s in September to the 30s in November.
Temperatures can shift rapidly up here in the mountains, so you’ll need to pack and plan accordingly. You won’t see too much rain at this time of year, but frost on the ground in the mornings is common. Visitors hoping to hit the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area might need to be patient — our first snowfall occurs toward the tail end of November or early December.
Best Things to Do in the Fall in Maggie Valley
If you’re in the mood for some outdoor adventure, fall in Maggie Valley brings with it all sorts of activities perfect for the whole family or friend group. No matter what you’re interested in, this gorgeous time of year has a little something for everyone.
You can use this list as a starting point, but since we didn’t have room to cover everything here, you might want to branch out into even more seasonal fun.
Hop on Trail
Featuring beautiful waterfalls, stellar views, and much more, the trails surrounding Maggie Valley are worth a hike all year round. But they’re especially exciting for hikers during the fall. All that cool weather is perfect for strolling or even mountain biking if you want to rent yourself some wheels.
These are a few of our favorite trails, and all are located a short drive away from the heart of Maggie Valley:
- Soco Falls Trail (0.1 miles, easy)
- Waterrock Knob (1 mile, moderate)
- Boogerman Trail (7.3 miles, difficult)
Go Looking for Leaves
During fall, Maggie Valley’s star attraction is the foliage, which draws leaf-peepers from all over the world. You won’t have to go too far to see those jaw-dropping colors, but if you want to dedicate a full day to marvel at the show, book a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
The train runs year-round, with several different routes starting in the nearby town of Bryson City. GSMR’s fall foliage rides are especially popular among visitors, who can soak in the scenery from the comfort of an enclosed or open-air car. Snacks and beverages are also available.
Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds right past Maggie Valley on its way from Cherokee, adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, all the way to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Hop on this famous scenic drive for a relaxing cruise, which will meander past gorgeous viewpoints, picnic spots, and hiking trails.
Graveyard Fields and the Devils Courthouse Overlook are among the parkway’s nearby highlights, so set aside some time to explore. You might just stumble across some hidden gems — plus, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to snap pics of the fall colors right at the parking areas.
Pick Up Farm Fresh Produce
Since fall is harvest season, picking pumpkins and apples is a yearly tradition around these parts. You can pick your own apples at KT’s Orchard and Apiary in Canton or head over to Darnell Farms in Bryson City for a gander at their annual, kid-friendly pumpkin patch.
If you’d rather leave the picking to the pros, though, Barber Orchards in Waynesville sells delicious, farm-fresh produce from a charming stand right on the property. That way, you can see exactly where your fruits were grown.
Get Out on the Water
Though summer is naturally our prime time for water sports like kayaking and rafting, many early fall days will still be warm enough for you to get in some quality time on our lakes and rivers.
You can go tubing in Deep Creek, whitewater rafting on the Nantahala, or even just rent a pontoon boat for a relaxing day on Lake Junaluska. What better way to see the leaves than from the water?
Fall Events in Maggie Valley
The Maggie Valley Festival Grounds stay busy all year long, and fall is no exception. Swing on down to bob your head to live music performances, try out tasty treats, and celebrate the spooky season here in the mountains.
Smoky Mountains Elk Fest
After their numbers were decimated by overhunting and habitat loss, the native elk population in the Smoky Mountains has made quite the comeback. Elk Fest is an annual September event celebrates these majestic creatures in all their glory and features games, food, music, and craft vendors.
Try to nail your elk bugle, which you might just hear out on the trails. Fall is the elk rut season, and nearby Cataloochee Valley offers your best chance to spot the herds in the wild.
Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival
Every October, the Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival brings together local musicians and bluegrass fans for a day honoring this unique brand of local folk music. Besides being a good time, this event is also for a good cause — ticket proceeds go toward the Haywood County Art Council’s programs and educational initiatives.
Quench your thirst with a pint of locally brewed beer, or when you start feeling peckish, grab a snack from one of the festival’s food trucks.
Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
The Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Festival takes place several times throughout the year, but the vendor lineup changes every time. This means that if you see something you love, snag it because it won’t be around for long! Food and drinks are also available, and live music performances will keep you hanging around long after you’ve finished shopping.
Screamfest Halloween Festival
Besides leaf-peeping, fall is also the season for everything spooky in Western North Carolina. Maggie Valley puts on quite the show in the form of Screamfest Halloween Festival, a multi-day event featuring live music, trick-or-treating for kids, themed activities, and much more. Young or old, visitors of all ages will enjoy this celebration.
Packing for Your Fall Getaway
Lastly, let’s talk about your packing list for your fall trip to Maggie Valley. Here are a few essentials that you should add to your suitcase before heading out:
- Light, waterproof jacket
- Versatile clothes you can layer
- Binoculars
- Camera(s)
- Warm socks, a beanie, scarf, and gloves
Join the Fall Festivities in Maggie Valley
Though summer and winter draw many visitors to Maggie Valley, fall is an equally wonderful time of year to experience our quaint mountain town. Book your stay with Carolina Vacations and get ready for the autumn getaway of a lifetime.
Fall in the Appalachians is like nowhere else, but to see what we mean, you’ll have to come find out for yourself!
