Autumn in Western North Carolina is a magical time when the mountains come alive with vibrant foliage, cool crisp air, and the aroma of apples and spice. Maggie Valley sits right in the heart of this fall color paradise. Using Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley (home of the cozy Homecraft Kitchen & Cocktails) as your base, you can venture out on a different scenic drive each day and return to warm Appalachian hospitality each night. Below are five of the best fall drives near Maggie Valley – along with the must-see stops for sweeping views, hot cider, unique shopping, and local eats along the way. Grab your camera and a light jacket, and get ready to explore these inviting routes for an unforgettable autumn getaway!
romanticasheville.com
1. Blue Ridge Parkway to Waterrock Knob
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in fall offers endless mountain vistas and colorful hardwood forests.
No list of scenic drives would be complete without the Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive.” Luckily, one of the most stunning sections of the Parkway is easily accessible just minutes from Maggie Valley. Head up to Soco Gap (milepost 455.7) and hop on the Parkway heading west toward Cherokee. This stretch takes you from about 2,000 feet elevation up to over 6,000 feet and back down again, so you’ll pass through multiple climate zones of fall color. Along the way you can pull off at overlooks framing layer upon layer of blue hills fading into the distance.
Waterrock Knob (MP 451) is the crown jewel stop on this route. As the Parkway’s highest elevation visitor center, Waterrock Knob offers a spectacular nearly-360° panoramic view from its parking area at almost 6,000 feet. On clear days you can see peaks in multiple states. There are picnic tables and a short, steep half-mile trail to the summit for even loftier views. It’s the perfect spot to catch an unforgettable sunrise or sunset illuminating the autumn ridges. Facilities include an information center, restrooms, and a small park store – handy for picking up a souvenir or trail map. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring along a picnic lunch (perhaps some local apples and cheddar from a farm stand) to enjoy with the breathtaking backdrop.
As you continue, pause at Big Witch Overlook for a view of the Cherokee Indian Reservation far below, or at any unmarked pullouts that call to you – sometimes the best scenes are the surprise ones around the bend. This portion of the Parkway ends near Balsam Gap (MP 443) west of Waynesville. You can loop back to Maggie Valley via Highway 19 or detour into Waynesville for a stroll down Main Street. The charming downtown has boutique shops and cafes – a great place to stretch your legs with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. By evening, you’ll be back at Meadowlark Motel. Treat yourself to a craft cocktail or a hearty dinner at Homecraft Kitchen & Cocktails, the motel’s onsite restaurant known for its Smoky Mountain heritage food with a twist – the perfect reward after a day of leaf-peeping on the Parkway.
romanticasheville.com
2. Soco Road to Cherokee (US 19) – Soco Falls and Cherokee Culture
Soco Falls is a rare twin waterfall hidden in the woods between Maggie Valley and Cherokee – a quick stop for a big wow.
For a shorter but delightfully winding drive, take Soco Road (US 19) from Maggie Valley up and over Soco Gap and down to Cherokee. This curvy mountain road is only about 17 miles one-way, but it packs in plenty of scenery. You’ll be treated to ever-changing vantage points of autumn leaves as the road twists along ridges and valleys.
Just after you pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway at Soco Gap, be ready to pull over for Soco Falls – one of the area’s best hidden gems. Tucked unassumingly off a curve 1.5 miles beyond the Parkway bridge (if coming from Maggie), Soco Falls is a beautiful double waterfall where two cascades plunge side by side into a rocky gorge. A small blue sign marks the pull-off, but it’s easy to miss, so go slow and listen for the sound of rushing water. Park carefully at the roadside turnout. From there, it’s only a five-minute walk down a short trail (starting at a break in the guardrail) to reach an observation deck overlooking the taller of the twin falls. The sight of two waterfalls converging – especially framed by fall colors – is well worth the brief trek. Feeling adventurous? A rope-assisted footpath leads to the base of the falls for a closer view, but use caution if you attempt it, as it can be muddy and slippery. Even from the platform, the 120-foot cascade and its “little sister” fall are a spectacular surprise in the woods!
Continuing downhill, you’ll soon arrive in Cherokee, the ancestral homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Cherokee offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural stops. Just north of town on US 441 is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can often spot elk grazing in the open fields in early morning or late afternoon. (Here is an article about Elk watching in Maggie Valley) There’s also the Mountain Farm Museum – a collection of historic log farm buildings – and a small museum detailing Appalachian and Cherokee history. Strolling the farmstead on an autumn day, with elk bugling in the distance and golden leaves falling around you, feels like a step back in time.
In downtown Cherokee, you’ll find galleries and shops showcasing Native American crafts (the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual co-op is a great place for authentic Cherokee pottery, baskets, and beadwork). Pick up a souvenir or two, or treat yourself to some frybread or an ice cream. If you’re craving something warm, grab a cup of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte from a local café to sip as you wander. History buffs can pop into the Museum of the Cherokee Indian to learn about the rich heritage and stories of the Cherokee people. Before heading back, consider a quick detour to Mingo Falls on Big Cove Road – a towering 120-foot waterfall accessible by a staircase trail, just 5 miles from downtown Cherokee.
As you drive back to Maggie Valley in the late afternoon light, the sun often casts a golden glow on the mountainsides – a perfect capstone to this shorter drive. That leaves you time in the evening to relax. Perhaps sit by the outdoor fire pit at Meadowlark Motel or venture out for live music and a comforting supper. (If it’s the weekend, Homecraft Kitchen & Cocktails might be hosting one of its special late-night dinners or cocktail events – it’s known as the only late-night spot for fine food in Maggie Valley, so you won’t go hungry no matter how late you return!)
lakeloganstatepark.com
3. Lake Logan Road (NC 215) – Pastoral Scenes, Lake Views & Apple Cider Stops
Sunburst Falls is a roadside cascade along Lake Logan Road (NC 215), where autumn’s yellow leaves frame the flowing water.
If you’re looking for a peaceful country drive with water views and an “off the beaten path” feel, head east toward Lake Logan Road. This route follows NC Highway 215 South through the quiet Bethel community, past Lake Logan, and up into the Blue Ridge. From Maggie Valley, you can reach it by driving into Waynesville then taking US 276 south to Bethel, where NC 215 splits off. Almost immediately you’ll notice the landscape change – Bethel is a lovely pastoral farming valley with gentle hills, old barns, and pastures edged by poplars and oaks in brilliant gold. Take your time and enjoy this pastoral scenery as you begin the drive.
Soon the road begins to trace the West Fork of the Pigeon River upstream toward Lake Logan. This pristine mountain lake appears like a sapphire gem amid the autumn woods. There are a few spots to pull off and admire the view of water reflecting red and orange hillsides. In early morning, mist often rises off the lake’s surface – a truly enchanting sight. If you’re a photographer, you’ll want to capture the mirror-like reflections. The lake is part of an Episcopal retreat center, so while you can’t tour the private facilities, you can certainly enjoy the scenic pullouts along the shoreline. It’s a tranquil place to pause, breathe in the crisp air, and maybe snack on some apple slices or cheese from your car’s picnic basket.
Continuing on NC 215, you’ll enter Pisgah National Forest and start a curvy climb into a narrowing river gorge. Here you’ll find Sunburst Falls, an idyllic roadside waterfall. The cascade tumbles beneath a stone arch bridge that dates back to the 1930s, creating a picture-perfect scene. There’s a small pull-off; park safely and you can literally stand on the bridge with the waterfall below you. In autumn, the surrounding beech trees glow bright yellow, giving Sunburst Falls its name and making it extra photogenic. This is a great spot to stretch your legs and take a few photos of silky water flowing over mossy rocks. (If you enjoy fishing, the West Fork Pigeon River here is known for trout – you might spy an angler or two in waders upstream.)
As NC 215 continues upward, it winds through a tunnel of fall color. Eventually, it reaches the Blue Ridge Parkway at Beech Gap (MP 423). If you wish, you can hop on the Parkway here to extend your drive – the Devil’s Courthouse overlook is just a few miles south on the Parkway, offering a short hike to a panoramic view. Otherwise, this junction makes a good turnaround point to head back down NC 215 the way you came, enjoying new views on the descent.
On your return, be sure to make a delicious detour in Waynesville. Just outside town on Old Balsam Road is Barber Orchards Fruitstand, a beloved local farm market. This time of year they are stocked with mountain apples, homemade jams, and fresh-pressed cider. Most importantly – do not leave without trying their famous apple cider doughnuts (they’re legendary for a reason!). In fact, many visitors say “there’s nothing better than a cider donut and a cup of hot cider on a chilly fall mountain morning”. Grab a dozen doughnuts (trust us) and perhaps a jug of cider or an apple fritter for the road. It’s the quintessential fall treat to cap off your Lake Logan excursion.
Back at Meadowlark Motel, you can spend the late afternoon relaxing by the creek that runs through the property or even taking a nap in your cozy room – the sugar rush from those doughnuts might demand a rest! If you’ve still got daylight and energy, the motel isn’t far from Lake Junaluska, a scenic lake with a 2.6-mile walking trail around it, which is another nice pre-dinner stroll option. Otherwise, kick back until suppertime. For dinner, consider the Homecraft Kitchen & Cocktails supper club on-site or one of Maggie Valley’s homey eateries. Either way, you’ll be ending the day satisfied and refreshed.
4. Newfound Gap Road – Through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
View from Newfound Gap in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the road climbs from valleys to 5,000+ feet, offering expansive vistas of fall color.
For a grand mountain drive that crosses the state line and reaches high into the Smokies, plan a day along Newfound Gap Road (US 441). This iconic route runs from Cherokee, NC up and over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Gatlinburg, TN. You don’t have to go the whole 30+ miles to enjoy it – some of the best sights are in the first half starting from the North Carolina side. From Meadowlark Motel, drive 20 minutes to Cherokee and pick up US 441 North at the south entrance of the national park.
Make your first stop almost immediately at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center (just 2 miles north of Cherokee). In the morning, the fields here are often dotted with wild elk enjoying the cool air. It’s a prime spot for elk watching – park and quietly observe these majestic animals from a distance, especially in early fall during the rut when huge bull elk can be seen bugling to their herds. The adjacent Mountain Farm Museum is worth a quick walk too, with its historic log cabins, barn, and garden demonstrating pioneer life in these mountains. Inside the visitor center, you can peruse exhibits on park wildlife and history, ask rangers about current leaf conditions, and pick up a park map or souvenir. (Note: If you plan to park for more than 15 minutes anywhere in the park, be sure to purchase a parking tag as required by new park regulations.)
Continuing north, Newfound Gap Road begins to twist and climb following the Oconaluftee River. You’ll drive through tunnels of colorful hardwoods as views gradually open up the higher you go. There are several scenic pullouts along the way – don’t be shy about using them. Two favorites are Mingus Mill (about 4 miles from the visitor center), an 1886 grist mill with a long wooden water flume – framed by orange maple leaves, it’s a great photo op – and Morton Overlook (around 12 miles up), which gives a classic view of the winding road snaking below against a backdrop of mountains. As you approach the top, the forest changes to fragrant spruce-fir – you’ve reached the high country.
Newfound Gap (elev. 5,046 feet) is the summit and a must-stop destination. There’s a large parking area and an overlook where President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally dedicated the national park in 1940. Step out and breathe in that cool alpine air – it’s often 10-15 degrees colder up here than in Cherokee, so grab your sweater. The view is nothing short of awe-inspiring: layers of ridges roll out in all directions, often with wisps of fog weaving through the valleys. A sign on the overlook marks the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, so you can snap a fun photo standing with one foot in each state. Especially in mid-October, the fall colors from this vantage point can stretch from the scarlet sourwoods at lower elevations to bronze oaks and evergreen spruces near you – a patchwork tapestry of autumn.
If you’re up for another adventure, Clingmans Dome Road turns off just past Newfound Gap and leads 7 miles to the highest point in the Smokies (6,643 feet). At the end of that spur, a steep half-mile walk brings you to an observation tower with 360° views across several states. It’s one of the first places to see leaves change (due to the elevation) and often has a frosty chill – but on a clear day, the panoramic sights are unbeatable. Note that Clingmans Dome Road is seasonal and typically closes by November, so check if it’s open during your visit.
Heading back down from Newfound Gap, you’ll see the mountains from a new perspective. Afternoon light often sets the hills aglow. Take your time and use the overlooks – maybe you missed a pullout earlier or the lighting is better now for that perfect shot. By the time you roll back into Cherokee, you might be ready for a warm slice of pumpkin pie or a mug of hot cocoa. Stop by a local bakery or even the Cherokee Indian Fair (if your visit coincides with this early October event) for some festival food and fun. As dusk approaches, make your way back over Soco Gap to Maggie Valley.
Back at Meadowlark Motel, a cozy evening awaits. You might relax in the Meadowlark’s BackPorch Pavilion, sharing stories with other guests around a crackling fire. If you worked up an appetite hiking around Newfound Gap, head to town for dinner – Maggie Valley has everything from classic barbecue joints to Italian eateries. Of course, you can also return to Homecraft Kitchen & Cocktails to sample more of Chef’s Smoky Mountain-inspired comfort dishes (like their hot honey fried chicken if it’s on special!). With live music or mountain lore often being shared over drinks, it’s a wonderful way to wind down after exploring the Smokies’ fall splendor.
visithaywood.com/listings/cataloochee-valley-tours
5. Cataloochee Valley – Elk Viewing and Historic Homesteads
An elk bull in Cataloochee Valley during the fall rut – listen for the eerie bugling calls echoing across the fields at dusk.
For a truly special autumn experience, take a drive to Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This secluded valley, often compared to a hidden North Carolina version of Cades Cove, requires a bit of effort to reach but rewards you with incredible wildlife sightings and a step back in time. Cataloochee is famous for its herd of wild elk, which were reintroduced here in 2001 after being absent from these mountains for over 200 years. Fall is the height of the elk’s mating season (the rut), making it one of the best times to visit – not only for the colorful leaves but to witness the natural spectacle of bull elk bugling and battling for their harems.
From Meadowlark Motel, the drive is about 30 miles each way. You’ll head north on US 276 (Jonathan Creek Road) toward Interstate 40, then turn onto Cove Creek Road (Exit 20 on I-40). Cove Creek Road leads into the park; note that a portion of this road is a well-maintained gravel mountain road for about 8 miles. Go slow and enjoy the scenery – you’ll pass under arching maples and beside tumbling creeks. (The journey itself feels like an adventure as you wind up and over a mountain gap.) When you descend into Cataloochee Valley, the road becomes paved again and opens up to a stunning scene: broad meadows surrounded by steep, forested mountains. In the late afternoon light, the valley grasses turn golden and the encircling slopes are painted with autumn hues of gold, russet, and copper.
Plan to arrive in Cataloochee in the late afternoon for the best chance to see elk. You’ll likely spot park volunteers or visitors quietly gathered at the edges of the fields with binoculars. As the sun gets low, elk emerge from the treeline into the fields – cows and calves grazing, and massive bull elk standing watch. The bulls may let out their haunting bugle, a high-pitched whistle that echoes across the valley – a sound you will never forget. It’s important to observe from a distance (stay near the roadside or designated areas, as approaching wildlife is both illegal and dangerous). Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for a closer look at these 700-pound creatures. If you’re lucky, you might see two bulls sparring with their antlers or a dominant bull herding his group of cows. It’s nature’s drama live in front of you.
Beyond the wildlife, Cataloochee Valley also shelters a collection of historic homesteads from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Take a driving tour down the gravel loop road to see the old Cataloochee church, a schoolhouse, barns, and several farmhouses (like the Palmer House and Caldwell House) preserved on their original sites. You can park and take short walks to explore some of these buildings – peek inside the one-room school or step onto the wooden porches where generations of mountain families once sat. One favorite spot is the Caldwell House, a white frame house set beside a creek; sitting on its front porch amid the fall foliage is incredibly peaceful (pack a few snacks and you’ve got yourself a perfect picnic perch). Interpretive signs and often self-guided tour booklets are available to share the history, so you can imagine what life was like in this remote community over a century ago. The combination of cultural history and natural beauty here makes Cataloochee extra special.
As dusk falls in the valley, you’ll need to head out before dark (the park rangers enforce closure around sunset). The drive back up the mountain under twilight can be an adventure – keep an eye out for deer (and elk) on the road. Once you crest the gap and make your way back down Cove Creek Road, you’ll see the lights of Jonathan Creek and Maggie Valley twinkling in the distance, welcoming you home. After the chilly evening, nothing sounds better than a warm meal. This is a perfect night to cozy up at Homecraft Kitchen & Cocktails for a late dinner (they’re open until 10pm on weekends). Swap stories of the elk you saw while enjoying a locally sourced meal – perhaps trout caught from nearby streams or a moonshine-infused cocktail to toast your Cataloochee adventure. If you still have energy, the Meadowlark Motel often hosts live mountain music or storytelling sessions that celebrate local culture; joining in will make you truly feel part of the Smoky Mountain community.
Fall in the Smokies
Fall in the Smokies is an experience that feeds the soul, and these five drives showcase the very best of Maggie Valley’s surrounding beauty. From the sweeping mountaintop vistas of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the intimate waterfall glens and valley farms, each route offers its own slice of autumn magic. The best part is that all are easily done as day trips, with Meadowlark Motel as your convenient and comfortable home base each night. The Meadowlark’s central location in Maggie Valley means you’re never far from adventure – and its warm, rustic charm means you’ll look forward to returning after each day on the road.
So pack your bags for a Western North Carolina autumn getaway. By day, hit the road to chase fall colors, sample mountain apples, and create wonderful memories at the overlooks and attractions you discover. By night, relax under the starry skies of Maggie Valley, perhaps in a rocking chair or by the fire, recounting the day’s highlights. Whether you’re sipping cider on Waterrock Knob, shopping for Cherokee crafts, or listening to elk bugle in a misty meadow, the Smoky Mountain magic surrounds you in the fall. We hope these top 5 drives inspire you to explore all the seasonal splendor our area has to offer. Happy leaf-peeping, and enjoy your stay at Meadowlark Motel! 🍁🚗🌄
