Travel Fall Travel Ideas 22 Picturesque Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall With Fewer Crowds And Fabulous Foliage By Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on September 3, 2024 Close 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. 18 Best Fall Resorts In The South For Foliage And Relaxation 01 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 02 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 03 of 22 Banner Elk, North Carolina 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. Plan Your Trip 04 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 05 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 06 of 22 Boone, North Carolina 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. Plan Your Trip 07 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 08 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 09 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 10 of 22 Dahlonega, Georgia 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. Plan Your Trip 11 of 22 Ellijay, Georgia 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. Plan Your Trip 12 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 13 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 14 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 15 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 16 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 17 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip 18 of 22 Roanoke, Virginia 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. Plan Your Trip 19 of 22 Staunton, Virginia 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. Plan Your Trip 20 of 22 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. 21 of 22 Bryson City, North Carolina 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. 22 of 22 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. Plan Your Trip Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit