7 charming small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains to experience the fall colors

As the season draws to a close, America also begins to change its colors to the bright colors of fall, along with fresh air and a beautiful blend of unique local cultures and diverse landscapes. And of course, America’s Blue Ridge Mountains do not disappoint, with many quaint towns worth visiting and unique and fun activities to do.

The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch across southern Pennsylvania through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. But what makes the Blue Ridge Mountains so special? The mountain range is known for its bluish color when viewed from a distance, but in the fall, it magically transforms into an autumn wonder – full of gorgeous yellows, greens, oranges, and browns.

The winding roads, like the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 470-mile scenic drive, become a magnificent sight in the fall when the impressive golden palette of colors reaches its peak during the season. With the beautiful rolling hills, rushing waterfalls, sparkling rivers and lakes, and all the beauty and attraction that nature offers, the Blue Ridge Mountains are the place where travelers can enjoy the magnificence of fall.

Enjoy the bountiful harvest of pumpkins, apples, cranberries and more at one of the area’s family-owned orchards, purchase homemade foods at charming farmers markets or simply enjoy the region’s quiet beauty this fall. Check out some of the charming small towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains to see the fall colors.

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7 Staunton, Virginia

Located between the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for the bright colors of autumn

The fall foliage in Staunton, Virginia is like a living painting showcasing the stunning colors of fall, and its location between the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains makes the city a true fall wonderland during the season. It’s one of the underrated cities in Virginia that deserves to be explored – from the charming cafes and restaurants that line the historic center to the vibrant colors of the trees as fall reaches its peak in the surrounding mountains.

Travelers can enjoy spectacular fall foliage adventures in Staunton, such as hiking trails in the Betsy Bell Wilderness Area and Montgomery Hall Park. To see more of the changing colors of the leaves, take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or even visit a local fall festival.

6 Cashier, North Carolina

Located in the Nantahala National Forest and known for soothing waterfalls and scenic mountain peaks

Perched on a plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers is known for its calming waterfalls, beautiful mountain peaks, and tranquil lakes that transform into a fall wonderland during the season. It’s one of the coolest mountain towns in North Carolina to visit in a weekend, with stunning mountain vistas everywhere you look.

Cashiers is located in the middle of Nantahala National Forest, an incredible destination when the leaves change. The town center is full of antique shops, beautiful boutiques, quaint restaurants and local breweries to explore in the fall.

Cashiers’ Village Green is a great place to experience the city’s thriving art scene, featuring outdoor sculptures, boardwalks, and beautiful gardens. If you want to try something new in Cashiers, the Cashiers Farmers Market is a great place to shop for delicious homemade produce, fresh produce, and more.

5 Dahlonega, Georgia

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with beautiful waterfalls and a rustic atmosphere

Dahlonega is one of the most beautiful cities in Georgia that travelers must visit. It is a crown jewel in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains with a rustic mountain feel that comes even more alive in high season. The city was the site of the country’s first major gold rush and is considered the heart of Georgia wine country with its beautiful vineyards and wineries.

Located right at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega promises breathtaking fall foliage and leaf-color excursions – from exciting tours of the historic downtown to the breathtaking scenery of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The city’s mesmerizing waterfalls are also a sight to behold, including the towering Amicalola Falls, surrounded by beautiful forests.

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4 Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

A historic small town on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers

Harpers Ferry has so many great things to do and is considered the most scenic town in West Virginia. Tucked away at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry is known for Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the site of John Brown’s famous rebellion against slavery. Harpers Ferry is a charming little town in the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can experience the fall colors in all their glory.

The Appalachian Trail also runs through Harpers Ferry, and not surprisingly, the fall foliage in this area is hard to beat. The stunning colors transform the town into an autumn wonderland. There are unmatched opportunities to admire the leaves in Harpers Ferry. There are several places to check out, such as The Point, a lookout point with panoramic views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The lookout point also offers stunning views of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

3 Ellijay, Georgia

Known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia”

You can pick apples and drink apple cider in Georgia’s apple capital, Ellijay. In the fall, you can visit historic farms and enjoy exciting leaf-peeping activities. Ellijay is one of North Georgia’s small towns that brim with southern hospitality and offers a full spectacle of brilliant fall colors that transform the landscape into an awe-inspiring autumn wonder.

Carters Lake is surrounded by forests that create a kaleidoscope of deep reds, yellows, oranges and browns in the fall. The nearby wineries are also fantastic places to enjoy the fall foliage and, of course, sample local and unique wine varietals while overlooking the picturesque vineyards.

2 Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Named after the daring Blowing Rock rock formation in the Johns River Gorge with stunning fall foliage

Located on a peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains and part of the high country of western North Carolina, Blowing Rock was named for the unique rock formation known as Blowing Rock. that looks like it is blowing vertically over the Johns River Gorge. This is one of the reasons Blowing Rock is one of the most charming mountain towns in North Carolina, not to mention that the town’s main street is lined with large trees that are at their most magnificent in the fall season.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also love Blowing Rock’s stunning attractions, such as Glen Burney Falls and Glen Marie Falls in Annie Cannon Gardens. The Tweetsie Railroad Wild West theme park, where travelers can take a 3-mile train ride on the two historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives, is another popular Blowing Rock attraction for enjoying fall to the fullest.

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1 Blue Ridge, Georgia

Considered the most beautiful autumn city in Georgia

Scenic hiking trails, forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are just some of the best things travelers can enjoy in Blue Ridge. Located on the divide between the Tennessee River and the Alabama River, Blue Ridge is undoubtedly Georgia’s prettiest fall town.

To see more of the Blue Ridge’s fall colors, travelers can take a train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which follows the Toccoa River through green country forests to the lovely towns of McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee. The town center also features charming local breweries, small cafes and restaurants, and upscale shops with stunning mountain views.