Fall Color & Events

WCU's fall foliage forecaster says WNC leaf color could be spectacular
A long spell of dry weather during the spring and summer could provide some of the most brilliant colors seen in several years for leaf-lookers headed to the mountains of Western North Carolina this autumn. Read More

Trees in and Around Haywood County

The Sweetgum is a favorite because it offers several colors including reds, purples, and yellow. These trees are found mostly in the lower elevations will peak mid-to-late October.

The Scarlet Oak gives us a brilliant scarlet color and can be found in the low-to-mid elevations.

The Sugar Maple can be found all the way to 4,000 foot elevations and presents yellows and oranges for our enjoyment.

The Red Maple gives us reds and yellows and ranges up to 6,000 feet.

The Dogwood evolves to a deep red color and can be found anywhere below 3,000 feet.

Moto Touring

NC 209 “The Rattler”
This ride from Lake Junaluska to Hot Springs only takes an hour but it packs in everything you come to the mountains to enjoy.

The Pisgah Triangle
An outstanding ride from Bethel Valley to the highest section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Combine with US 64 further South, or go all the way to South Carolina and back in a triangle. Waterfalls, winding roads, wonderful views!

The Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Lies between US 276 South of Waynesville and US 19 West of Maggie Valley. Enjoy panoramic long-range views on the highest section of the parkway from numerous breathtaking overlooks. If you see no other part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, see this one.

See Breathtaking Autumn Colors on a Blue Ridge Parkway Loop Tour

Maggie Valley 19 Loop
Directions: U.S. 23/74 to Exit 102B. Left at U.S. 19 (Dellwood Road). Stay straight through Maggie Valley (Dellwood turns into Soco Road). At top of Soco Gap, take a right at half-loop to stop sign, then turn right onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Exit Parkway at Balsam Gap. Return to Balsam Visitors Center.

Maggie Valley/Waynesville Loop
Directions: U.S. 23/74 to Exit 102A. Follow Russ Avenue to Main Street. Make a right onto Main Street into downtown Waynesville. Left onto Pigeon Street, which becomes U.S. 276 South. Follow through light at N.C. 110 intersection. Continue through Bethel and Cruso to Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. Make left onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow Parkway to Soco Gap, exit onto U.S. 19 (Soco Road). Stay on U.S. 19 through Maggie Valley. Right Russ Avenue. Right onto U.S. 23/74. Return to Balsam Visitors Center.

Waynesville 276 Loop
Directions: U.S. 23/74 to Exit 102A. Follow Russ Avenue to Main Street. Make a right onto Main Street into downtown Waynesville. Left onto Pigeon Street, which becomes U.S. 276 South. Follow through light at N.C. 110 intersection. Continue for several miles through Cruso to Blue Ridge Parkway entrance. Make left onto Blue Ridge Parkway. Exit Parkway at Balsam Gap. Return to Balsam Visitors Center.

Canton/Clyde 215 Loop
Directions: U.S. 23/74 to Exit 106. Follow U.S. 19/23/74 through Clyde. Enter Canton. Stay straight onto Main Street. Make hard left onto Park Street. Make left onto N.C. 215. Stay on N.C. 215 to Blue Ridge Parkway. Take right onto Parkway. Exit Parkway at Balsam Gap. Return to Balsam Visitors Center.

October Events

September 17th - November 1st   The Maize, Get lost and have fun in this Corn Maize. Fore more information Click Here.

Weekends – 16th    “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at HART Theatre, Waynesville. This hilarious show is full of heart and went on to become one of Broadway’s biggest hits. “No holds barred” by the contestants in this year’s annual spelling bee. For reservations call 829-456-6522.

6th – 8th   High Country Quilt Show will be at the Maggie Valley Community Center. Enjoy luncheon and quilt show featuring new & antique quilts. 9 am – 5pm, 926-6003.

7th   “Art After Dark” more than a dozen fine galleries & studios will remain open till 9pm offering demonstrations, special showings,refreshments & music. Main Street & historic Frog Level section of Waynesville.

8th    Bethel Half Marathon & 5K Races starts at Bethel Middle School. Run along the peaceful back country roads of the Bethel Community. Visit www.bethelrural.org to register or call 828-646-0303 for more Information.

8th   Church Street Arts & Crafts- Main street Waynesville is transformed into an arts & crafts marketplace for this one day event. A juried show, mountain music, clogging, entertainment & food. 10am – 5pm.

8th   “Jammin at the Mill Pond” at Haywood Community College.
A free bluegrass event to showcase the college and it’s alumni along with the Appalachian heritage that the area has to offer. Craftsmen, Bluegrass, clogging, corn shelling, corn milling, car show just to name a few things. 10am - dusk at the college. 828 - 627- 4522

8th & 9th   1st Annual October Leaves Arts & Crafts show at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. 9am – 5pm both days. Crafters galore, food and music. Call 828-497-9425 for more information.

8th & 9th   Blue Ridge Crafters Autumn Leaves Show will be held at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. An indoor event featuring work of 50+ craftsmen,many from the local area. 648-0500. 9am-5pm

11th   GSM Audubon Society will hold their monthly “general meeting”
at the Maggie Valley Pavilion. 6:30PM.  Please check the website www.gsmas.com for more information. Free         

13th & 14th   “Crowe Brothers” will hold a Fall Color Season Concert series at the Stompin Grounds in Maggie Valley. Brotherly duo blends classic country and bluegrass in a sound made for the golden age of the Grand Ole Opry. 8PM. Call 828-421-3039 for more info.

15th   “Vairs in the Valley” Corvair show at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Free entry for spectators. www.ncmountaincorvairs.com Call 828-626-3617 for more information.

15th   North Hominy Apple Festival will be held at the North Hominy Community Center. Come choose from hundreds of apple pies and learn how to make apple butter in copper pots. Country breakfast will be served. 10am – 2pm, call 648-5397 for more information.
       
15th   Annual Apple Harvest Festival will be held on Main Street in Waynesville. Live music, handmade crafts, apple treats & locally grown apples. 10am- 5pm, 828-456-3021

15th & 16th   Maggie Valley’s Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Show will be held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds 9AM -4PM both days. Local & regional craftsmen, food & beautiful surroundings.  828-926-1686. FREE EVENT

15th & 16th   Blue Ridge Crafters Autumn Leaves show will be held at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. An indoor event featuring work of 50+ craftsmen,many from the local area. 648-0500. 9am-5pm

16th   Sunday Concert Series at the Haywood County public Library Auditorium  3pm. This is a free event & it is held the third Sunday in each month. 828-452-0593

16th   Haywood Community Band Concert at the Community CenterPavilion in Maggie Valley. Last concert of the season, 6:30pm- Bring your blanket or lawn chair, a picnic supper and enjoy. Call 926-8021 for more information.

21st – 23rd   Annual World Championship Clogging Hall of Fame Competition will be held at the Stompin Ground in Maggie Valley. National clogging teams & individuals compete for awards & recognition.

31st    “Treats on the Street” with the Downtown Waynesville merchants. 5 – 7 PM, This is a safe and fun adventure for costumed children and their parents to stroll the streets in search of delicious candy and special treats.