The sun is setting earlier, the days are getting colder and the leaves are turning orange and yellow. Fall is on its way, and it is coming fast. The Smokies is one of the most beautiful places to experience fall. But what other ways can you fill the day besides just looking at the leaves? Lucky for you, we’re here to tell you exactly what you can do this fall, right here in the Great NC Smokies!
Pumpkins, Apples & Mums, Oh My!
Fall would not be the same without pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and farm-grown products. Haywood County is home to many farmers markets and local farmers, where all of your favorite fall produce can be found.
Barber’s Orchard Fruit Stand
Barber’s Orchard is a favorite for apple baked goods, spices, jams, apple cider, and fresh produce. For many families, it is a tradition to pick apples in the fall. For many locals, it is a tradition to pick up some of their amazing Apple Cider Donuts anytime you are nearby. If you enjoy a locally made sweet treat, this is the place for you!
Duckett’s Produce
Duckett’s produce is another local favorite. They sell everything from fresh produce to mums, to pumpkin bread. Don’t forget to pick up a locally grown pumpkin while you visit! Duckett’s is only open from the spring to early November, and with two locations in Canton and Clyde, you do not want to miss out!
First United Methodist Church
If the classic pumpkin patch is more your style, First United Methodist church located right off of main street Waynesville hosts an annual pumpkin festival. Seven days a week, October 3rd through the 31st. All the proceeds from this festival go to their Youth Ministries.
Pumpkin Spice, Sounds Nice
One of the greatest things about fall are the seasonal treats. You can never go wrong with a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin flavored anything, for that matter!
Coffee Cup Cafe
Looking for some seasonal treats? Apple cider, pumpkin pie milkshakes, caramel glaze pumpkin lattes, and pumpkin bread are just a few of the amazing treats you can find at the Coffee Cup Cafe. This coffee shop is the perfect cozy space to sit down and recharge, or start off your morning right.
Papertown Coffee
On main street in Canton, Papertown Coffee is a local favorite. In the fall they feature special flavors such as autumn spice and s’mores, as well as their year-round flavors. Come in, grab a coffee, and take a stroll down main street to see what all Canton has to offer. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
Panacea Coffeehouse
Panacea Coffeehouse is another one of our local favorites. Located on frog level, they have all the fall basics. Pumpkin spice, chi, and their flavor of the month called London Fog. It is a lavender and earl grey tea with vanilla and milk. They also have their specialty Pumpkin Gorgonzola soup for the cold weather.
Ways to Spend your Days
Haywood County is one of the most beautiful places you can spend fall. One of the best ways to take in its beauty is by cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Make sure to stop at some of our favorite spots below to view the best peak colors while you’re there.
The Devil’s Courthouse
Although the name “The Devil’s Courthouse” sounds daunting, it is one of the prettiest hikes you can take to overlook nature. Being 0.5 miles long, that makes this hike perfect for those looking for some adventure. From the summit, you can see South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is another one of our favorite hikes for the fall weather. At 2.3 miles, this moderate level hike is great for anyone who loves the fall colors. Visiting two waterfalls and a number of streams, this is definitely a scenic hike to really experience the Smokies in the fall.
Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob is a great hike if you are looking for somewhere to take your kids, have a picnic, or just get an overlook of the beautiful leaves changing for fall. The trail is 0.5 miles, and is treeless and bald, making this the perfect easy, but beautiful hike.
We hope that you have the best fall adventures the next time you visit Haywood County. And while you’re wandering around with your hot PSL and hiking boots, be sure to take pictures and tag us along the way with #HayNow or @VisitNCSmokies. 🍂🥾
