There’s something extra alluring about a mountain town in the fall, and the North Carolina communities of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Lake Junaluska are no exception. Located within Haywood County, the towns are within easy driving distance of each other, so you can visit all of them in a weekend.
Waynesville’s annual Church Street Art & Craft Show in early October turns the already charming downtown into an autumnal dream complete with cloggers, bluegrass bands, artisan crafts, and local food. A week later, the Apple Harvest Festival brings more spirit to Main Street. Around the same time, the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds play host to both the Fall Arts & Crafts Show and the Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival. Even when there are no happenings on the schedule, visiting any of these towns during this time of year feels like a special event.
Elevation greatly affects when the trails and vistas erupt into shades of crimson, orange, and gold, so there’s a wider window than you may think to catch some of the region’s signature color, depending on where you venture. Top places for observing the incredible displays include Waterrock Knob (access the “mile-high” visitors center via the Blue Ridge Parkway, or travel on foot to gain another 450 feet or so of elevation on a 1-mile out-and-back trail) and Graveyard Fields, which has a path that takes you across a stream-filled valley to see two beautiful waterfalls. At the top of Black Balsam Knob, hikers are rewarded with windy but stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains awash in color.
Before the leaves fall and the season's over, plan a trip to Haywood County’s most memorable locales: Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Lake Junaluska. While you're there, check out these extra special places to eat, shop, and enjoy the outdoors.
Waynesville
Credit:
Robbie Caponetto
Singletree Heritage Kitchen: Chef Josh Weeks transformed a historic service station just off the main drag into a farm-to-table restaurant focusing on seasonality, locality, and sustainability for both lunch and dinner. Expect a chef-driven menu of dishes (above left) like fennel-seared trout with lemon-chive aïoli and bone-in pork chop with a saffron-Parmesan risotto cake, garlicky Broccolini, roasted cipollini onions, and a green apple-walnut–sage bruschetta.
The Scotsman: Grab a pint and dine on classic Irish and Scottish fare inside this 1927 structure that was built by Freemasons. The Celtic-themed bar and restaurant’s dark wood, cozy corners, and tartan upholstery are the perfect complement to cooler evenings—as are dishes like Guinness Braised Ox Cheeks. Play a round of billiards or shuffleboard in the pub’s game room.
Frog Level Brewing Company: There’s not a more peaceful place around than the creekside beer garden at this downtown microbrewery. The Nutty Brunette (a smooth brown ale with notes of toffee and caramel) or the Hopscotch Ale are both excellent companions.
Axe & Awl Leatherworks: Peruse handcrafted leather goods—anything from belts to totes to wallets—in a modern storefront (above right) that’s also home to a small cocktail bar.
Haywood Handmade Gallery: Supported by the Haywood County Arts Council, this place holds an exhibition area and a retail space, both of which showcase pieces from local artists working in a range of mediums.
Barber Orchards Fruit Stand: A fifth-generation family-owned and -operated place that’s been in the apple business since 1910. On any given fall day, you'll find freshly picked fruit in at least a dozen different varieties; an overwhelming selection of jarred jellies, jams, preserves, and pickles; and a bakery dedicated almost entirely to apple products.
Maggie Valley
Credit:
Robbie Caponetto
Credit:
Robbie Caponetto
Credit:
Robbie Caponetto
Soco Falls: Situated between Maggie Valley and the neighboring town of Cherokee, this spectacular natural feature is a quick detour off U.S. 19. Recent upgrades to the trailhead have created a larger parking lot and an accessible upper observation platform providing scenic views. A moderate path (about a half mile round trip) leads you to another deck for admiring the twin falls.
Cataloochee Ski Area: North Carolina’s first official ski destination was established in 1961 by none other than Mr. Tom of Cataloochee Ranch. With ski season typically starting sometime in November and going into March, if you’re lucky, you might be able to enjoy a little fall foliage alongside some runs down the mountain.
Joey’s Pancake House: Ordering a short stack at this beloved breakfast spot has been a basic requirement for all who pass through since 1966.
Lake Junaluska
Lake Cruises: Hop aboard the Cherokee IV to sail on the 200-acre lake and learn about its history as the centerpiece for a Wesleyan community and a popular conference location. Tickets are $10, and the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. There is also a 3.8-mile walking trail that loops around the lake and passes by the area’s historic buildings and homes as well as major points of interest, including the Rose Walk, the Memorial Chapel, pickleball courts, the pool, and a gift shop.
Crepe & Custard: A butter yellow house on the edge of the lake serves sweet and savory crepes plus soups during colder months. When the weather is warm, cool off with a custard on the front porch.