Top 5 Places to Enjoy Trees in the Carolinas this Fall – from the Tree Experts

Top 5 Places to Enjoy Trees in the Carolinas this Fall – from the Tree Experts

Nature produces breathtaking things. From the Northern Lights to the Blood Falls in Antarctica, people find hidden treasures all across the globe. Many people will never get to experience these beauties in person, but anyone on the Eastern coast of the United States can see the wonder of fall foliage with a trip to Western North Carolina. 

When planning this trip, people wonder if they should set an itinerary or just drive. While either option is feasible, they should put certain destinations on their list of places to visit. The following five locations are ones a person shouldn’t miss during this amazing journey to see the wonders of nature. 

Graveyard Fields

Individuals who love to hike should plan a trip to this mile-high valley during the fall months. When doing so, they will get to see the changing colors of the trees, along with breathtaking waterfalls nestled in the ridges of the mountains. There are two waterfalls accessible from the trailhead. Steps take visitors to an asphalt path, but don’t assume the entire hike will be that easy. Beyond the asphalt portion, the trail has deep ruts. When they become muddy, they can be hard to navigate. 

The trip is worth it, however. Visitors love the beauty of the fall foliage and find themselves in awe when they see the waterfalls. This hike is fairly easy for families, and people also get to see a range of plants, shrubs, birds, and more. 

Some people believe Graveyard Fields gets its name from a windstorm that happened in the area many years ago. This windstorm uprooted trees, leaving behind nothing but stumps that many visitors stated resembled gravestones.  This is only one of several theories about where the area’s name came from. Sadly, the stumps burned in a forest fire, so visitors can no longer see them and come up with their own theories regarding the origins of the name. 

Plan the trip accordingly and be prepared to hike to the trail. Follow the clearly marked signs, as those who didn’t park in designated areas have found their cars missing when they returned. The cars went over a steep embankment they weren’t aware was there. 

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Individuals who love to camp should plan a trip to Grandfather Mountain State Park during the fall months. They can engage in an activity they love while surrounded by the beauty of the changing leaves. This park is in Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga counties, and hikers love the park for its challenging terrain and severe weather, which makes it ideal for experienced individuals who want a new adventure. 

People love the ecological diversity of the park, which the United Nations International Biosphere Reserve has recognized. For those who wish to visit the Grandfather Mountain attraction, bring money. The park service charges an admission fee. 

Camping sites are for backpacking only and include both tent and group tent sites. Firewood is available for those who need it. However, before backpacking the 13 miles of trails, a person must get a free permit. 

Beech Mountain

People often head to Beech Mountain during the winter months so they can ski. They need to plan a trip earlier in the year to see the fall foliage, as it is awe-inspiring. Known as Eastern America’s Highest Town, the beauty of the area and its recreational amenities ensure there is something for every person. They can see the gorgeous colors of the trees for miles around when visiting this area. 

Visitors often come to explore the Emerald Outback trail park and find they have plenty of other trails to explore. When doing so, they may come across deer searching for food, a waterfall nestled in the mountains, or other people who share their love of this activity. Take advantage of a guided tour to see the fall colors or take part in a hayride to a local winery. During the fall months, they offer activities such as a pumpkin carving event and a haunted trail hike. Once a person visits this area, they will want to return because they had so much fun on their initial visit. 

Craggy Gardens

Craggy Gardens is unlike other areas in Western North Carolina, as it brings together fog, wind, and twisted trees. Visitors are surprised to see the abundance of rhododendrons in the area and love that they can see all around them, thanks to the 360-degree views from the gardens at Craggy Pinnacle. While the rhododendron may not be in full bloom during the fall months, the fall foliage more than makes up for this. 

When visiting, a person can see all the way into central North Carolina and Tennessee. The beautiful views extend as far as the eye can see. The park offers a visitor center and picnic area for people to use before heading off on the hiking trails. There is a park ranger available to assist visitors as well. 

Consider visiting one of the local restaurants to pick up some food, as there are no concessions on site. The abundance of food choices in the area ensures guests are well-fed. However, people cannot stay overnight. Guests are welcome to stay on clear nights to do some stargazing before the park closes. 

Clingmans Dome

Individuals who want to check out the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park should plan a visit to Clingmans Dome. At 6,643 feet, it serves as the highest point in the state of Tennessee. In addition, it is the third-highest mountain found east of the Mississippi River. The Dome actually sits half in Tennessee and half in North Carolina.

Head up to the observation tower on the summit to get a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains and beyond. At times, viewing distances are under 20 miles, thanks to air pollution. However, on clear days, a person can see 100 miles or more and seven states. Consider making this journey at sunrise or sunset and stay for a while. This allows pictures to be captured at different times of the day, making for gorgeous photos. 

Dress warmly, when taking this journey, as temperatures can be 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at the top. Visitors need to be prepared, even during the summer months. June, July, and August are the only months where snow is not a possibility. Thanks to the cool, wet conditions found on the summit, authorities have designated this a coniferous rainforest. However, the trees are slowly dying off, so anyone who wants to see them should plan a trip quickly. 

For those who find the trip to the summit is more than they want to tackle, there are several other trails to choose from. Consider exploring the Appalachian Trail which crosses Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome serves as the highest point of this trail, which extends from Georgia to Maine. 

These are only a few of the many places in Western North Carolina where a person can see the wonders of nature. Other options include Looking Glass Rock, Mount Mitchell, and Thunderstruck Ridge. There are many other areas to explore as well. 

Of course, the best place to experience the beauty of the area is in your own backyard. With the help of Niwaki Tree and Shrub Care, located in Rock Hill, SC, doing so is easy. Call 803-366-3296 today for help with tree trimming, pruning, and removal. The team helps clients with crepe myrtle care, brush removal, stump grinding, and more. All a customer needs to do is ask, and we will come to the rescue!