Where the mountain locals go to see the changing leaves
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The Ledger’s resident mountain expert, Lindsey Banks, shares 7 of the state’s best spots to hike, bike or walk to see fall foliage at its finest — all within a 3-hour drive from Charlotte
Ledger staff writer Lindsey Banks (left) and her 13-year-old brother Eli (right) on a backpacking trip last October on Graybeard Mountain near Montreat, N.C.
by Lindsey Banks
Nothing hits quite like the first cool September breeze after a brutally hot summer. The seasons are changing, which means the leaves are soon to follow.
Autumn is my favorite time of year for many reasons, but mostly, it reminds me of home. Growing up 10 minutes outside of Asheville in Black Mountain, I only had to look outside my window to see a wall of orange, yellow and red climbing over the mountains. I may not see that looking outside my NoDa apartment window, but luckily, the mountains are only a quick two-hour drive west.
Peak leaf-changing weekend in the North Carolina mountains is predicted to arrive in the third and fourth weeks of October this year, which gives us a month to prepare for our fall excursions and road trips.
If you left your trip planning to Google, it would tell you that the best places to see fall leaves in North Carolina are the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Gorge. But as a local who has been to those places countless times, I can assure you that they tend to be crowded in October and November. They’re worth visiting. However, if you’re looking to be alone with the trees, I’ve got a few suggestions — but be prepared to hike or drive a little to find that solitude.
So with the help of some fellow tree-huggers (AKA my friends and family), I present to you seven of our favorite, lesser-known spots to see the fall colors in western North Carolina:
🍁 Walk or Bike: Point Lookout Trail off Highway 70, about 17 miles east of Asheville
This trail is one of my family’s year-round favorites, mostly because it’s an easy trek with a rewarding view. The path is wide and paved, and you don’t need to walk the entire 3.6 miles to get to a view. It’s a great biking path, too!
There’s a gradual incline on the trail, so getting to the view is a nice downhill stroll. Walking back up to your car requires a little more energy, so keep that in mind if you decide to walk more of the trail. (The last time I walked the trail, I went with my fit and adventurous 75-year-old grandmother.)
I recommend starting your walk at the Ridgecrest Trailhead instead of the Old Fort Trailhead. My family and I usually walk to the flagpole, which is about a mile. When you pass over an old train tunnel, you’re almost there! Look for two wooden benches, a trail map and the red Fonta Flora sign.
Where to park: This trailhead doesn’t have a designated parking lot, but pedestrians can park along the side of the road before the gate at the beginning of the trail.
🍁 Hike: Walker’s Knob on Graybeard Mountain, about 20 miles east of Asheville in Montreat, N.C.
This suggestion is for our seasoned hikers who are looking for a secluded place to view the leaves. The trail is about 4 miles one-way, so an 8-mile trip in total. The first mile of the trail is a grueling trek. (The last time I hiked this trail, I had a 30-pound backpack on, so my judgment might be a little skewed.) It’s a steep incline, and the fallen leaves make the rocks slippery obstacles.
But after the first mile, the trail mellows out and turns into a gradual incline, with a few switchbacks that help mitigate the incline. There’s a nice water source toward the top of the trail that will reward you with drinking water if you have a filter, and there’s a shelter and fire pit if you decide to spend the night.
You’ll know you’re almost to Walker’s Knob when you reach a red shelter. Off to the left, you’ll see a sign that says “Walker’s Knob.” From there, it’s an easy 3-minute walk to the overlook. When I’ve gone, I’ve usually had the whole overlook to myself.
Where to park: You can leave your car at the trailhead. There’s a small lot and additional parking along the side of the road.
I snapped this sunset photo on an overnight backpacking trip to Walker’s Knob on Oct. 28 last year. I forgot to pack a pair of dry socks and almost went into hypothermic shock when the temperature plummeted at night. Learn from my mistake.
🍁 Drive or Hike: Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area in Caldwell County near Linville Gorge
Wilson Creek was recommended to me by a family friend who is also an avid hiker, and I can’t wait to check it out on my next trip to see my family. (So you might run into me this fall if you decide to check it out, too.) It’s located in the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest about 100 miles from Charlotte, and it’s known for its waterfalls.
The Wilson Creek area is a great place to go for a scenic parkway-type drive. There are also a few trails worth checking out, like Big Lost Cove Cliffs Trail, a 3.3-mile round-trip hike that’s said to be moderate and have a great view at the top.
🍁 Hike: Elk Knob State Park about 20 miles northeast of Boone in Todd, N.C.
This trail is another recommendation from a family friend. The Elk Knob Summit Trail near Boone is described by the AllTrails hiking website as a moderately challenging 3.9-mile round-trip hike. The trail has a gradual incline with many switchbacks and multiple viewpoints at the top that overlook Boone.
Explore Boone describes the summit trail as the “best-kept secret” in the Boone area. (Although maybe it’s not such a secret anymore.)
Where to park: There’s free parking at the trailhead at the end of Old Woods Road.
🍁 Walk: Lake Susan on the campus of Montreat College, east of Asheville
Lake Susan is in the middle of Montreat College’s campus near Black Mountain. Montreat is one of my favorite places to hike — there are a ton of trails — but if you’re looking for an easier stroll among the fall foliage, Lake Susan is a trusty option. It’s a 0.3-mile loop around the lake, and the reflection of the surrounding mountains and trees in the lake is immersive.
If you’re looking for a little more exercise, consider other Montreat trails. My favorite is Lookout Mountain, but be prepared for crowds if you go on the weekend.
Where to park: There’s free parking around the lake and all over campus.
🍁 Drive: Highway 9 to Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure, 25 miles southeast of Asheville
Everybody knows that the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must during the fall months, but if you’re looking for an alternate drive, the route along N.C. Highway 9 (referred to as “No. 9” by locals) is beautiful this time of year.
I usually start the drive in Black Mountain (if you’re looking for a starting address, you can type in Christmount Christian Assembly on Fern Way), but you can hop on Highway 9 wherever you’d like. If you’re coming from Black Mountain, it’s about a 40-minute drive and takes you through Chimney Rock State Park, which also has great views and hiking trails. Lake Lure is just another 20-minute drive.
🍁 Hear me out… Drive or Walk: Biltmore Estate & Gardens in Asheville
Everyone knows about the Biltmore House in Asheville; it’s not a secret or secluded place. (As an annual pass holder, I’m a firm believer that everyone should go at least once.) The drive alone through the estate is scenic, and during the fall, it’s breathtaking.
But here’s what isn’t as well-known: Biltmore plants a huge display of Chrysanthemums in its gardens during the fall. Whether or not you consider mums to be fall foliage, you can’t deny that the quilted pattern of fall colors will make you crave an apple cider and a cozy blanket.
There’s also a large pumpkin display at Antler Hill Village on the grounds right now.
Cost: You can purchase a grounds pass starting at $65, which allows access to the gardens, grounds, restaurants and shops. A House and Grounds pass is $95 if you’re interested in a self-guided tour through the Biltmore House.
Do you have any other “hidden gem” spots we should add to the list? Tag us on Instagram (@thecharlotteledger) or email me at lindsey@cltledger.com if you try any of these suggestions!
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This week in Charlotte: Civil rights pioneer dies at age 97, Momentum for expanding UNC Charlotte football stadium, Wells Fargo proposes sign atop skyscraper
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Politics
Tim Moore won’t seek re-election: (WRAL) N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore announced Thursday that he won’t seek re-election to the state House in 2024. He had already said he wouldn’t seek another term as House speaker. Moore, a Republican, has been talked about as a possible congressional candidate in 2024.
Higher fines for illegally parked big rigs: (Ledger) The city of Charlotte is considering raising fines for illegally parked tractor-trailers from $25 to $100, aiming to deter truck drivers from parking in unauthorized areas near neighborhoods, bike lanes, sidewalks and transit tracks.
Local news
Desegregation leader passes away: (Observer) Charlotte civil rights pioneer Sarah Stevenson died Tuesday at the age of 97. Stevenson played a crucial role in desegregating the city's schools in the 1970s and was the first Black woman elected to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board in 1980.
Business
Another uptown tower sign: (WSOC) Wells Fargo has submitted a request to the city of Charlotte to allow it to put the bank’s name on the top of 500 South Tryon, the former Duke Energy Center with the “handlebar” at the top.
Developer seeks height increase for SouthPark project: (Biz Journal) Synco Properties, the developer of The Colony mixed-use project in SouthPark, is seeking approval from the City Council to increase the height of its upcoming $180M apartment building by 30 feet to potentially 14 stories.
Sports
Big gift for UNC Charlotte football: (Biz Journal, subscriber-only) Charlotte developer Smoky Bissell is donating $25M to expand UNC Charlotte’s football stadium, an amount that was matched by an allocation in the state budget. The school hopes to double the stadium’s seating capacity to 30,000.
High school sports: (Wilmington Star-News) The N.C. High School Athletic Association, which oversees high school sports, is objecting to a bill passed by the legislature that could shift responsibility for sports to the superintendent of public instruction and members of the North Carolina Board of Education.
Good reads
Report on the deadly SouthPark fire: WBTV has released a comprehensive 44-minute special report, “WBTV Investigates: Fire and Failure,” shedding light on the May 18 construction fire in SouthPark that resulted in the tragic deaths of two construction workers.
What’s up with ‘First in Flight’? (N.C. Rabbit Hole) Have you ever wondered about the history of North Carolina’s “First in Flight” license plate? Even if not, you might enjoy writer Jeremy Markovich’s look at why the slogan, which was once controversial, has endured for 41 years: “Maybe people love it. Maybe most of us don’t really care all that much about license plates.”
From the Ledger family of newsletters
The graying of Mecklenburg: Despite the influx of young adults to Charlotte, the average age of residents in Mecklenburg County is on the rise, with 30% of the population now over 50, although the county's median age of 35.6 remains lower than both North Carolina and the U.S.
You Ask, We Answer: Readers sent in questions about grocery stores, as Lidl and Publix have announced plans to open new locations and seem to be either stalling the projects or not starting at all.
Possible downgrade on Charlotte Water bonds: Charlotte Water's bond rating may be downgraded due to higher-than-expected debt levels and costs, although the city says that this shift in rating outlook won’t impact borrowing rates.
Can your HOA dictate your internet provider? Residents of the Millbridge neighborhood in Waxhaw are upset over plans by the homeowners association to negotiate with Hotwire for installing fiber optic cable throughout the community, which would be charged to homeowners as part of their HOA fees.
Theory on surge in public pooping: Uptown residents have reported an increase in public urination, defecation and drinking, and while some initially attributed it to a lack of enforcement, Mayor Pro Tem Braxton Winston suggests it might be due to the closure of the main library uptown.
The return of Trammell Crow: Trammell Crow Co., one of the country's largest real estate development firms, is returning to Charlotte by opening an office in the city after having been a significant player in the local real estate scene for decades.
Hot community meeting in Ballantyne: A fiery meeting was held regarding a controversial 53-acre residential development proposed in the Ballantyne area. Residents expressed concerns about traffic and potential environmental impacts, while also questioning Charlotte City Councilman Ed Driggs' campaign contributions from developers.
Social districts proposed in 8 spots: Eight businesses and neighborhood groups in Charlotte have submitted applications or pre-applications to establish social districts, allowing people to walk outside with open containers of alcohol.
John Thomas Robinson, a former military helicopter pilot, passed away at the age of 77. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later flew for Medevac and the North Carolina National Guard.
A looming battle over control of CATS: Mayors of six Mecklenburg towns, along with County Commissioner Leigh Altman, have demanded more power in how transit decisions are made, which could significantly change the governance of the Charlotte Area Transit System that has been run as a city department.
Can two soccer stars both shine? Two of Charlotte FC’s top goal-scorers, Karol Swiderski and Enzo Copetti, need to find a way to work better together as the team needs several wins in the next five games to make the playoffs.
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman, BC Creative