Don’t go where the leaf peeping experts say to go.

Their advice gravitates to the easily accessible go-to color hotspots, mostly along the easily accessed Blue Ridge Parkway: Graveyard Fields, Rough Ridge, Price Lake … . Sure, photos taken within the past few days scream chamber-of-commerce-certified color, but they’re screaming it to the tens of thousands of others looking for a quick autumn fix. A fix that can be had without venturing too far from the car. With a classic fall forecast for this weekend, expect those hotspots to be just that in more ways than one.

But fret not: there’s plenty of great color to be had, color you don’t necessarily need to share with the rest of the world. 

Here are five of our favorite spots for seeking kaleidoscopic solitude. A quick note: These are not drive-by visits; you’ll need to invest some sweat equity — even in 50-degree temperatures — to find the color you seek. We’ll give you a sense of how much effort is required in each entry. We also share what the hike is an alternative to that’s popular nearby.

1. Big East Fork Trail

Pisgah National Forest

Location: 18082 US-276, Canton, NC 28716. GPS: 35.365956,-82.8198767

Type of hike: Out-and-back

Distance: About 7 miles

Difficulty: It’s not the elevation gain, but the rocky passage along the creek that makes for challenging — and sometimes slow — going. You’re not likely to cover the entire distance of the trail; it’s best to set a turnaround time and stick to it.

Alternative to: Graveyard Fields

I haven’t hiked this trail in the fall, but I have hiked it in the inverse season: early spring, when sprouting leaves reflect the color they’ll turn come fall. The color from my visit 20 years ago remains burned in my brain. So does the wild nature of this hike, which begins from a trailhead off U.S. 276 2.8 miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail spends its time along, and in, the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River, on a comparatively (for the region) flat run that gains just 800 vertical feet. With multiple creek crossings, this can be a wet hike and one hard to follow: just remember the trail sticks to the water. In addition to the rich color from the dense hardwoods overhead, you’re treated to waterfalls along the way.

More info here. 

2. Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Holloway Mountain Road

Blue Ridge Parkway

Location: From Milepost 298.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, head west on Holloway Mountain

Road for about a mile, to where the MST crosses. GPS: 36.13978, -81.75740

Type of hike: Out-and-back

Distance: 3.8 miles (7.6 miles roundtrip)

Difficulty: Moderately easy: trail is in good shape, the elevation gains moderate

Alternative to: Rough Ridge and Price Lake

Heading west on the MST from Holloway Mountain Road, the trail goes uphill into an open pasture, then spends a mile or so noodling through smaller pastures; the edge forests through here should be good for early color. Note: when you enter one of these clearings, the trail may not be obvious; if not, take a moment to survey across the way for the next visible white-dot MST blaze. These pasture pockets give way about midway to dense forest, where the evergreens should provide nice contrast to the emerging hardwood color. We suggest turning around just shy of the Boone Fork Parking Area, a popular access spot along the Parkway.

More info here, at the Mountains-to-Sea Trail online grail guide for this section.

3. Mountains-to-Sea Trail at Devil’s Garden Overlook

Blue Ridge Parkway

Location: Devil’s Garden Overlook, Milepost 235.7, Blue Ridge Parkway. GPS: 36.43404, -81.10429

Type of hike: Out-and-back

Distance: 3.6 miles (7.2 out-and-back)

Difficulty: Relatively easy: good trail surface and moderate elevation change

Alternative to: Doughton Park

This 3.6-mile stretch may get the award for least appreciate stretch of the MST in the high country. For starters, the turnaround point, at Brinegar Cabin, essentially marks the turnaround point for people hiking east from Doughton Park. The cabin is a carrot: they’ve walked 3 miles from the main parking area to see it — time to turnaround. Devil’s Garden Overlook itself should provide a good view of color cascading down the Blue Ridge Escarpment. From there, take the MST west, and in a mile-and-a-half, cross the Parkway to Air Bellows (as opposed to Doctor Bellows) Gap for great views of color cascading downhill to the west. Much of the rest of the hike involves intimate passage through quiet woods on the way to your turnaround at Brinegar Cabin (which is well worth the visit).

More info here, at the Mountains-to-Sea Trail online grail guide for this section.

4. Big Lost Cove Cliffs

Wilson Creek area, Pisgah National Forest

Location: Trailhead is along FR 464 about 4 miles west of NC 90, near the town of Mortimer. GPS: 36.0081995,-81.8706308

Type of hike: Out-and-back

Distance: 1.7 miles (3.4 miles out-and-back)

Difficulty: Relatively easy: there’s a good climb at the beginning of the hike, a steep but short climb on the hike back.

Alternative to: Wilson Creek gorge

Wilson Creek gets loved to death — the main gorge, at least. But venture into its side attractions and you’ll find hidden treasures galore, one of which is the 1.7-mile trail leading out to Big Lost Cove Cliffs. The beginning of the hike is less-than-inspiring, a climb, steep at times, to a ridge. But then, it’s a mellow ramble through tight woods until the trail dips into an open hardwood forest and then, shortly, deposits you at Big Lost Cove Cliffs. Come prepared to spend some time on this ample rock outcrop that offers great views of the valley below and, on a clear day, of Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge beyond. Against a blue sky, it’s one of the best views around.

More info here.

5. Rock Castle Gorge

Rocky Knob Recreation Area, Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia)

Location: Primitive camping trailhead at the base of the gorge, off VA 8. From the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Rocky Knob Campground, take VA 8 headed south. After 3.6 miles, go right on Rock Castle Road, which will terminate shortly at the trailhead. Hike in about 200 feet to pick up the trail.

Type of hike: Loop

Distance: 10.4 miles

Difficulty: Hard. There are climbs at the beginning, steep drops about two-thirds of the way in, some scrambling.

Alternative to: Trails along the Parkway

Wait, if this trail is along the Parkway, how is it an alternative to trails along the Parkway? Good point. And for maybe a mile and a half, where access is made easy along the Parkway, it’s not an alternative. But for the most part, this is one gorgeous hike that the masses aren’t likely to undertake. And they certainly aren’t going to pick it up from this hidden trailhead at the bottom of the gorge. Pick up the trail and hike counterclockwise, hiking up Little Rock Castle Creek through a spectacular hardwood forest. Mellow at first, the trail has a steep climb requiring some scrambling, before entering another mature hardwood forest and, shortly, reaching the Parkway. From there, it’s about 3.5 miles along the ridge, through several open meadows, before descending back into the gorge. The last 2.5 miles is a relaxing downhill along Rock Castle Creek.

More info here.

* * *

GetHiking! with Co-workers and Friends

Speaking of this incredible fall weather and the resulting color, wouldn’t it be great to have your own, personal hiking group — with friends or coworkers — that got together and hiked once a week? A hike that lasts an hour or so, is geared toward your group’s ability, that’s near where you live and that’s planned and led for you? That’s our GetHiking! with Co-workers and Friends hiking program! Learn more about the program and how you can get started with a group of up to 10 co-workers or friends, here.

The post 5 Fall Blue Ridge Hikes: Great Color, No Crowds appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Where? you inquire.

Here are 10 spots where we think you should head based on two things:

1. The temperature. Hike in the mountains and you could be starting out in temperatures in the 40s!
2. Fall color. Hike in the mountains, and high enough in the mountains (above 5,500 feet), and you could see the start of some pretty good color. 

Based on those two criteria, most of our recommendations are all in the mountains. Enjoy!

North Carolina

1. Black Mountain Crest Trail

Mount Mitchell State Park

North Carolina

Might as well start at the top, atop 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, the highest point on the East Coast. Anchoring the north end of the Black Mountain Crest Trail, you can start from the state park’s snackateria and hit several peaks above 6,000 feet and see a good color show consisting of fire cherry, yellow birch, mountain ash and mountain maple. Note: the Crest rail is technically challenging, with mild scrambling in spots. Fortunately, the best view is from the nearest peak: Mount Craig.

More info here.

2. Tanawha Trail / Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Blue Ridge Parkway

North Carolina

The 13-mile Tanawha at the base of Grandfather Mountain is best known for its rocky southern half. But put in at Boone Fork and head north and you’ll spend time initially in a mature hardwood forest, later in small rolling meadows that offer intimate exposure to the Blue Ridge’s less aggressive side. You’ll also find more potential for early color on the northern end. Additional advantage: paralleling the Blue Ridge Parkway as it does, you’ll find it super easy to set shuttles — along the 13.5-mile length of the trail there are 11 access points. 

More info here.

3. Linville Gorge

Pisgah National Forest

North Carolina

One of our favorite hikes in the state, the 2.2-mile trail up to Shortoff Mountain from the end of Wolf Pit Road is a good climb, but pays off in three miles of trail with repeated outcrop views up the gorge, down into the gorge and beyond, to Lake James. On a clear, crisp fall day you may not experience better color. In spots, the gorge rises 1,300 feet above the Linville River (which drops 2,000 vertical feet from the north end to the south), offering one of the most awe-inspiring views in the state. If you’re comfortable hiking in the dark (back to your car) and driving a windy forest service road in the dark, plan to be on Shortoff around sundown for one of the best sunsets around.

More info here.

4. Mountain Trail

Pilot Mountain State Park

North Carolina

Pilot Mountain, with its distinctive knob towering 1,400 feet above the surrounding countryside, is a hot spot when autumn’s colors heat up. Avoid the resulting crowds by picking up the 4.5-mile Mountain Trail from the little-used Corridor Access. The connecting Grindstone Trail takes you to the top, for great views. Another option for avoiding fall crowds: take the new 3.3-mile Pilot Creek Trail, which starts low on the north side of the park and connects with the Mountain and Grindstone trails for a trip to the summit.

More info here.

4. Uwharrie Trail: Sections 3 & 4

Uwharrie National Forest

North Carolina

So maybe you live in the Piedmont and don’t have time to visit the mountains but still want a mountain-like experience: you need to pay a visit to North Carolina’s under-appreciated mountain range, the Uwharries. Located within an hour and a half of Charlotte, the Triad and the Triangle, the Uwharries offer peaks reaching 1,000 feet (hey, it’s the Piedmont!) and one awesome view, which you can reach from the Jumpin’ Off Rock trailhead. Take the Uwharrie Trail north following a creek for a ways, then climbing Little Long Mountain for the best view in the Uwharries. Continuing north, it tops out on 1,020-foot King Mountain, the highest point on the Uwharrie Trail. Lots of good fall hardwoods along the way.

More info here.

5. Summit Trail

Elk Knob State Park

Todd

Elk Knob is the perfect early season fall destination. At 5,520 feet, it offers unsurpassed views (nearly 360 degrees), but it’s the view to the north that’s especially captivating in fall. We’ll let the park website explain why: “Elk Knob contains an excellent example of a northern hardwood forest … typically found above 4,000 feet in elevation [are] sugar maple, yellow birch, American beech, and yellow buckeye.” That is, the trees that give forests in New England their vaunted glow. In addition, from atop Elk Knob you can see Three Top and Bluff mountains, Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Mt. Rogers in Virginia and the Iron Mountains in Virginia and Tennessee. And it’s not just the summit: the 1.9-mile hike to the top is one one of the most well-crafted trails around.

More info here.

6. Moore’s Wall Loop Trail

Hanging Rock State Park

Danbury

Mountain-top 360-degree views are few in the Piedmont. At Hanging Rock, you have two. Hanging Rock proper is just 1.3 miles from the Visitor Center, making it a popular choice for the masses who descend on fall weekends. Less popular is the 4.7-mile Moore’s Wall Loop, which, regardless of whether you hike it clockwise (our choice) or counter, requires payment in leg labor for the resulting views. Ah, but what views they are: to the west (Blue Ridge) and north (Virginia’s George Washington National Forest) you can watch the color cascading your way. Or, hiked in late October into November, look south and east to see the Piedmont light up in the distance.

More info here.

Virginia

1. Hawksbill Mountain

Shenandoah National Park

Virginia

At 4,050 feet, Hawksbill is the highest point in the Shenandoah National Park, and thus, presumably, the first place to spot fall color. Take the steep 1.7-mile out-and-back or the 2.9-mile loop trail, from MP 45.6 on Skyline Drive. Connect to the Appalachian Trail to extend your hiking time. The hike is a favorite of our GetHiking! Charlottesville group. 

More info here.

2. Rock Castle Gorge

Blue Ridge Parkway

Virginia

A hidden favorite that’s surprisingly close to the Triad area. Start from the base, at the VA 605 access and get your climbing out of the way early, with a 3-mile hike up the Blue Ridge Escarpment to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, follow the trail south for 3.5 miles through mountain meadows (the cows are friendly), until a rocky 1.5-mile descent back into the gorge. Your last 2.8 miles is a steady descent on old roadbed along Rock Castle Creek. A 10.8-mile with enough distractions to keep your mind off the fact the elevation on this hike ranges from 1,700 to nearly 3,600 feet. Along the way you’ll pass through rhododendron hells, along a frisky mountain stream, past long-abandoned buildings.

More info here.

3. Peaks of Otter

Blue Ridge Parkway

Virginia

It gets a little crowded, though the challenging terrain thins the crowds on certain trails. In fact, that’s one of the advantages here. Got a mix of hikers in your group? The die-hards head one way, the strollers another. The latter will also appreciate the civilities here: the visitor center, the lodge, the restrooms.

More info here.

4. Mount Rogers

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Virginia

Mount Rogers and the adjoining Grayson Highlands State Park offer a trip out West in southwest Virginia. Rock outcrops and vast open spaces offer the type of wide-open experience folks head to the Rockies for. The only place you won’t find a view? Atop Mount Rogers, at 5,729 feet the highest point in Virginia.

More info here.

The post Fall evicts Summer this weekend; here’s where to hike appeared first on GetGoing NC!.