Fall Adventures
Explore Bryson City in the Fall
Experience the beauty of fall colors in the Bryson City Smoky Mountains. A trip to Bryson City in the fall would not be complete without a fall foliage train excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad where you can take in ALL the colors of autumn canvas masterpiece. Daily excursions on both the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River allow you to experience fall colors in places you can't get to by car.
Experience authentic Appalachia with a stop at Darnell Farms. Pumpkins, gourds, hayrides to a pumpkin patch, and plenty of fall-themed events await you this fall.
Fall is one of our favorite seasons in the mountains - where the days are warm enough for outdoor activities, yet the nights are cool enough for sitting around the fire or gazing at the nighttime sky. The beauty of autumn's color change is a compliment to all the activities in Bryson City, including hiking, events and festivals, scenic drives, waterfalls, fishing, and a whole lot more.
Fall Events
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina…
Fall on the Farm
Darnell Farms Fall Hayride Experience 2024 (Hayrides will not operate on Monday and…
Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market
From fresh produce to honey, eggs, and artisan pastries, from hand-painted works of…
Spirits on the Rail
Hop aboard our new Bourbon Train Spirits on the Rail. This is a journey like no other…
Sunflower Hippie Festival
Hey there, Hippies! Join us on for our **Sunflower Hippie Festival**! It will be a…
Nanty Fest 2024
Join the boater and local community for our annual festivities celebrating the Upper…
Mountain Heritage Day
Mountain Heritage Day SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, September 28, 2024 – Western…
The 112th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair
Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the Cherokee people at the 112th…
Bluegrass River Jam
Bluegrass bands performing throughout the day, craft vendors, food trucks, hands on…
Sunset Tuckasegee River Train Excursion
Experience the breathtaking magic of a North Carolina sunset and revel in the…
Bryson City Chili Cook Off
Prizes for top 3 chilis Guest Judges Craft Beer & Drinks Live Music & Games…
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Prizes for best carved pumpkin. Bring you own pumpkin to carve!
Guest Appreciation Festival (GAF)
Come and join us at GAF 2024 for an exciting weekend full of fun and adventure! The…
Qualla - Ween 2024
Spend Halloween weekend in the Cultural District of Cherokee, NC! Qualla-Ween Events…
Plow Days Festival
Come out to Darnell Farms for this spectacular 2 day event with plow demonstrations…
Mountainside SHREDnanigans
7 Moons FUNdraiser, a grassroots effort to help build a skills park in Cherokee! Kid…
Discover the Autumnal Wonder of Bryson City: A Leaf Peeper’s Guide
Once the crisp air of autumn hits the Great Smoky Mountains, our natural wonderland comes to life in rippling, vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow and gold. Bryson City, our quintessential, charming mountain town looks its best when awash in the bright hues so lovingly associated with the…
When do the leaves change color in Bryson City?
In Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leaf color changes happen from early October through early November. The highest mountain elevations will start to see leaf color change in early October. Mid- to low- elevations will see gradual color change from mid-October through early November. There are some variable factors such as rain and wind that could cause leaves to fall early, or a delayed cold snap which could cause leaves to change later in the season.
Explore Bryson City in the Fall with These Adventure Ideas:
Fishing
Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountain National Forests are some of…
Hiking & Trails
With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bryson City is home to the North Carolina four entrances to the Great…
Train Excursions
Bryson City, NC, is home to the historic Great Smoky Mountain…
Fontana Dam
Fontana Dam is a towering structure that was impounded and created…
Breweries, Brew Pubs & Wineries
Turn your getaway into a “beer”-cation and tap into the…
Farms & Markets
In Bryson City, NC, our abundance of rolling greenspace and rich…
Waterfalls
Discover what it means to be ‘fall’-struck, we are…
Clingmans Dome
Known as the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains with an…
Shopping
We’re known as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky…
Museums and History
Explore the deep history and culture of Bryson City, Western North…
Elk Viewing
Observe the elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on grasses…
Places To Stay
Your home away from home awaits in Bryson City, NC, nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Adventures For Every Season
No matter the season, there is always something to do in Bryson City. Anything from rafting to hiking to train rides, we've got your outdoor adventures covered!