22 Picturesque Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall With Fewer Crowds And Fabulous Foliage

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Updated on September 3, 2024

Harpers Ferry Rivers — Photo:
Brown W. Cannon III

While there are many things to miss about summer once it has left us, we can't help but get excited about the start of a new season full of stunning scenery, cozy fires, and warm seasonal dishes. Ah, fall—we love you so. Whether you're looking for outdoor excursions, great scenery, or quaint villages, these charming Southern mountain towns should be next on your list of places to visit this fall.

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Alpine, Texas

Alpine, Texas — Visit Alpine, Texas / Facebook

We consider Alpine a West Texas showstopping stunner. Big Bend National Park is a must-see when visiting this part of Texas, and you'll have a front-row seat to stunning mountain vistas and views. Explore the bustling little town in between ventures into the rugged terrain.

02 of 22

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina — Courtesy of exploreasheville.com

Asheville is a mountain town with undeniable character and quirk. There are endless activities, hiking trails, and great food and drinks to experience during a trip to this artsy town. Make sure to visit the Biltmore while you're there, too.

03 of 22

Banner Elk, North Carolina

Banner Elk, NC — Tom Doane / Getty Images

This North Carolina town has long been a favorite of Southern travelers due to its restaurants, wineries, and breweries that welcome visitors with plenty of Southern hospitality and menus filled with delicious dishes to try. It has all the small-town charm you want near the season's changing leaves.

04 of 22

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Blowing Rock, North Carolina — Courtesy of blowingrock.com

If you choose to visit Blowing Rock, you can look forward to beautiful, far-reaching views along the Blue Ridge Parkway and a charming mountain village. Popular attractions such as Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock await, along with the outdoor adventures of hiking, biking, and bouldering.

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Blue Ridge, Georgia

Blue Ridge, Georgia — Blue Ridge Georgia / Facebook

Blue Ridge is one of the special places where you can do just about anything and you'll always have a great view. Hike to local waterfalls, go horseback riding in the Chattahoochee National Forest, go on a whitewater rafting excursion, ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, or enjoy water activities on Lake Blue Ridge. As we said, anything is possible here.

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Boone, North Carolina

Boone, NC — Sean Pavone / Getty Images

Enjoy a luxury stay in small-town Boone, North Carolina. Start by booking a room in The Horton Hotel's beautiful property, which has a rooftop lounge for taking in the charming downtown and picturesque Blue Ridge views. You can also stay in the area's cozy mountain cabins to enjoy fresh mountain air out among the stars.

07 of 22

Bristol, Virginia

Bristol, Virginia — Courtesy of bristolva.org

With all due respect to Nashville lovers, Bristol—located in the Blue Ridge Highlands region of Virginia—was the location of the first country music recordings made for national distribution. You'll find "The Birthplace of Country Music" on The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Fun fact: It lies directly on the Virginia/Tennessee state line, so you can stand in two Southern states at once in the bustling downtown area.

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Cashiers, North Carolina

Cashiers, North Carolina — North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva / Facebook

Located on a plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers is a traditional mountain town full of quiet lakes, scenic peaks, and calming waterfalls. This town is an amazing destination if you're looking for a relaxing nature escape.

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Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee — Chattanooga Fun / Facebook

Chattanooga is no stranger to lists of top destinations in the country. As far mountain getaways go, it offers the best of both worlds: urban dining, entertainment, and nightlife, as well as beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor adventure. One of the best places in town: the riverfront near the Tennessee Aquarium.

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Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega, GA — Keith Smith / Getty Images

Dahlonega, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, gives you a rustic mountain getaway only an hour or so north of Atlanta. Hike breathtaking mountain vistas, climb stairs alongside the steep Amicalola Falls, visit local wineries, and shop around in the thriving historic downtown.

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Ellijay, Georgia

Ellijay, GA — rodclementphotography / Getty Images

Flannel-clad visitors love Georgia's apple capital in the fall. They travel to this area of the Blue Ridge Mountains to pick apples, enjoy cups of cider, and take in the beautiful views. Check out B.J. Reece Orchards and nearby Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge for a seasonal apple crop to savor.

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Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, Arkansas — Eureka Springs, Arkansas / Facebook

There's no shortage of things to do in Eureka Springs. It's a town that prides itself on being a gateway to many outdoor activities. In addition, you'll also find it to be an oasis of great culinary delights, a thriving village for shopping, and a destination for entertainment and relaxation.

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Helen, Georgia

Helen, Georgia — Alpine Helen & White County Convention & Visitors Bureau / Facebook

Get a Bavarian Village experience in this charming small town that encompasses only 2.1 square miles. Little hotels and inns, cobblestone walkways, and outdoor activities will make your visit the most memorable. You will love the quaint architecture of the German-inspired village, and if you play your cards right, you can catch plenty of fall fun when the town hosts its annual Oktoberfest celebration beginning in September.

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Highlands, North Carolina

Highlands, North Carolina — Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center / Facebook

Highlands can only be described as a refined mountain town. Apart from its breathtaking scenic views during the fall, it's a quiet, secluded retreat with amenities like fine art galleries, elegant dining, and a charming Main Street.

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Lewisburg, West Virginia

Lewisburg, West Virginia — The City of Lewisburg / Facebook

Nestled among the Allegheny Mountains, Lewisburg offers travelers more than just outdoor fun. The 241-year-old town offers original architecture and a thriving Historic District where you can enjoy a Lewisberg's history and tradition. You don't want to miss the surrounding mountains drenched with rich hues during autumn.

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Mentone, Alabama

Mentone, Alabama — Alabama State Parks

Check into rustic, charming lodging, such as the Mountain View Inn, perched on Lookout Mountain's edge, for stunning views when visiting Mentone. Visit DeSoto Falls, a 100-foot waterfall on the outskirts of town, via an easy, paved path for those not looking for an arduous hike.

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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — My Pigeon Forge / Facebook

Not only are you on the cusp of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but you have access to Dollywood, an outdoor gravity park, and plenty of shows when you visit Pigeon Forge. This mountain town is great for families because it's full of things to do, many of which are kid-friendly.

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Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke, VA — Getty Images

For unforgettable country sights, travel to Roanoke, Virginia. This Blue Ridge destination has markets, boutiques, restaurants, and hiking along the Appalachian Trail. Nearby Smith Mountain Lake also offers boating or kayaking on the Upper James River Water Trail. Visit once, and you'll leave plotting your return trip.

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Staunton, Virginia

Staunton, VA — Warren Faught

You're at a great vantage point in Staunton because you can explore both the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend time in the fun downtown and along historic Main Street. The town is also home to the iconic Hotel 24 South, which has been in operation for 100 years, and 13 breweries in the area.

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Vanderpool, Texas

Vanderpool, Texas — Texas Parks & Wildlife

Located in the Texas Hill Country, the town of Vanderpool lets you escape city life and immerse yourself in nature. (OK, so maybe there aren't actual mountains here, but Vanderpool has such gorgeous fall vistas that we couldn't keep it off the list.) Gaze at some beautiful scenery at Lost Maples State Natural Area, and visit the historic Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, with its 50 classic motorcycles, to get an authentic taste of Texas.

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Bryson City, North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad — Chris Murray / Getty Images

An hour west of Asheville sits a tranquil mountain town that borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can enjoy various water activities, from fishing to kayaking on the Nantahala River. The scenic trails offer even more family-friendly activities. The railroad excursions, trout fishing, and horseback riding will keep you occupied for days.

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Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

harpers ferry, west virginia — Molly Wolff Photography

There is something special about the historic community of Harpers Ferry. This gem tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains immerses visitors in the area's history while uncovering the beauty found in the natural surroundings. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers converge around this town, which is also a landmark for the first successful American railroad.

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