Autumn is one of the busiest times of the year in western North Carolina. Millions of people visit our area for a variety of reasons, none the least of which is the amazing display put on by nature. For weeks, leaves will begin changing color on the highest ridges first, with the colors working their way down the valleys.
Whether you live in the area or are preparing for a visit, there is plenty to do and see. You may be expecting to spend your getaway in the great outdoors, but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. Here, we are helping you plan your trip with X ideas for fall fun near Asheville.
Six Ways To Experience Asheville During the Fall
1) Hiking
You’ll find the Blue Ridge Parkway crowded this time of year, but you can beat the crowds by going at least a little ways off the beaten path. There are literally hundreds of miles of hiking trails from which to choose. Shorter treks like Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, and Crabtree Falls are great for kids and feature big fall views and, at Crabtree Falls, a unique waterfall.
You can also find longer hikes with plenty of climbing and more spectacular fall scenery like Mount Pisgah, Turtleback Falls, the Linville Gorge, the Art Loeb Trail, and so much more.
2) Biking
All bikers can enjoy western North Carolina this time of year. Whether you prefer road, gravel, singletrack, or dirt jumps, we’ve got it. Whether you are just starting on two wheels or have been riding for decades, there’s something for you.
There are many miles of greenway paths, especially by the French Broad River and River Arts District. The Pisgah area has hundreds of miles of gravel biking and some of the East Coast’s most rugged and exhilarating singletrack. Bike parks like Kanuga, The Riveter, and Kolo keep it interesting for beginner to advanced mountain bikers.
3) Pinball Museum
The Pinball Museum in downtown Asheville is one of the city’s most unique locations. It is exactly what it sounds like – a museum dedicated to the game of pinball. There are over thirty machines that you can actually play. Introduce your kids to the way you spend many a summer afternoon at the Pinball Museum.
4) Festivals
There are a number of fall festivals in and around the Asheville area, including:
- NC Apple Festival – Hendersonville, NC
- Mountain State Fair – Asheville, NC
- Heritage Weekend at Folk Art Center – Asheville, NC
- Smoky Mountain Elk Fest – Maggie Valley, NC
- Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival – Cashiers, NC
- LEAF Festival – Black Mountain, NC
5) Pick Apples
Picking apples is one of the best and most unique ways to enjoy the Asheville area in the Fall. The highest concentration of u-pick-style apple orchards is near Hendersonville. Often, facilities include playgrounds, hay rides, and other entertainment for kids and adults alike. Of course, in addition to apples, you can come away with doughnuts, apple cider, and other quintessentially fall food.
6) Play GellyBall and Laser Tag
Since you were a child, laser tag has advanced significantly. We no longer employ hefty cables and big, heavy jackets. New LaserWar taggers have taken the role of bulky jackets and have sensors and comfortable head straps. The day when sprinting meant being tangled up in long, swirling wires is long behind.
All ages love GellyBall, the brand new lower-impact shooting game! Our commercial-grade, battery-powered blasters, fire hydrated gel spheres at targets or other players, but if you’re hit, it feels a lot like getting flicked with a rubber band.
While getting hit doesn’t feel as impactful as paintball or airsoft, you don’t miss any of the excitement because blasters can still fire precisely up to sixty feet. Even though children as young as five can enjoy it, adults have just as much fun as the kids! You won’t want to stop playing once you get going!
Come Play Laser Tag and GellyBall at Black Mountain Adventure Zone
If the rain and weather don’t cooperate with your outdoor plans, or if you just want to have a great time in our area, playing laser tag and GellyBall at Black Mountain Adventure Zone is sure to be a hit! Reach out to us ahead of time, as soon as you know you want to play, to make sure you have a chance to reserve your timeslot!