The Carolinas are one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in the United States, offering opportunities for people of all ages to experience their fair share of fun and adventure throughout the year. It’s one of the main reasons that Penny Insurance calls this area home—with office locations in both Hendersonville and Tryon, North Carolina.
With this area offering a wide variety of places to visit, you have the opportunity to explore many areas and find your perfect fall experience. With this guide to fall in our own backyard, you will be sure to make the most of your time enjoying all that our area has to offer in this beautiful season of autumn.
Drive the Blue Ridge parkway
If seeing the fall colors and changing leaves is top of your “to do” list, one of the best (and easiest) things to do is to drive The Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic, four-lane highway runs for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive to the Cherokee National Forest near Gaffney, South Carolina. With incredible views all the way, this winding, remote path is great for adventuresome souls looking to explore.
Fortunately, the drive can be completed in less than a day if you’re looking for a quick getaway, although you can see plenty with picnic spots and a few hours in North Carolina’s section of the drive. If you decide to drive it, make sure you check out Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the highest point on the parkway at 6,643 feet.
Pick some apples
Fall means apples, and apple picking is an excellent way to spend a fall day in Hendersonville, North Carolina. There are plenty of places for apple picking, but some of the most popular—Mountain Fresh Orchard, Justus Orchard and Sky Top—provide incredible experiences surrounding your pick of your favorite fruit.
If you can’t decide where to go, just decide when. Plan to visit the area over Labor Day weekend, when you can attend the Apple festival, and sample apples, ciders, donuts, and other treats from around the state—all within a mile’s stretch of downtown Hendersonville.
Fly through the air
For those looking for adventure and a bit of adrenaline, look no further than The Gorge in Saluda, N.C. This zipline is one of the steepest and fastest ziplines in the nation, and is an adventure like no other. You’ll soar over a picturesque gorge on a suspended cable, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings below.
Once you’re done with your flight, there’s still plenty more to explore. Seek out Green River Adventures for everything from whitewater trips to rappelling down one of the local waterfalls. Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a rush after doing it.
Take a hike
Looking for beautiful sights and a little fresh air? You’re in luck—both North Carolina and South Carolina have some of the prettiest spots to take a hike anywhere in the southeast. Check out the trails at Lake Jocassee, head toward Sassafrass Mountain (right on the NC and SC border), or head out toward Caesar’s Head, Flat Rock, or any number of gorgeous locations. If waterfalls are your thing, check out the Carolina Mountain Club’s WC100—a list of 100 waterfalls in the region that are “must sees”.
In short, Western North Carolina is the best place to hang out in the fall. The mountains and the lakes are breathtaking, and it’s a great place for outdoor recreation and exploration. Fall means that all the leaves are changing colors and falling from the trees, so there are photo opportunities a plenty for nature lovers. Even better: there are lots of events happening during this time, too—like festivals, arts fairs and live music.
We fell in love with Western North Carolina, and we know you will, too. And whether you’re new to the area, looking to buy a second home in the mountains, or just stopping in, we’d love to help you with any of your insurance needs – home, auto, life, business, equine, premium and more. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your needs, please contact us and let us know.