20 Best Fall Things To Do In Asheville In October
Explore the most fun fall things to do in Asheville in October. Pick apples, chase ghosts, get lost in a corn maze, and enjoy seasonal cocktails.
Nothing beats Asheville in October with its mild weather and beautiful fall foliage.
Plus, the fall activities in Asheville are endless. Imagine picking all of the pumpkins and apples you could ever desire. Nearby Hendersonville is known as “Apple Alley,” after all.
Bring on the sugary cider donuts and apple cider slushies. We cannot even begin to tell you how many apple crisps we have made since moving here.
Plus, Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains come to life with all that angsty mist swirling in a cinnamon and pumpkin-spiced rainbow of breathtaking color.
So, what are the best things to do in Asheville in the fall?
Below, find Asheville fall activities that both visitors and locals crave, including foliage and waterfall hikes, rooftop bars, and top orchards.
Enjoy family-friendly things to do as well as more adult adventures including boozy ghost tours and vineyard hopping. Be sure to let us know your favorites in the comments. Let’s get started.
![Best Fall Things To Do In Asheville In October with image of Grace Episcopal Church with gray stone facade and red door with orange pumpkins in front on grassy hill](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Best-Fall-Things-To-Do-In-Asheville-In-October-1024x625.jpg)
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What You'll Find In This Guide
20 Best Fall Things To Do In Asheville In October
Watch A Grove Park Inn Sunset
Are you looking for romantic and memorable things to do in Asheville in October? The Omni Grove Park Inn is most famous for its stunning sunsets and seasonal cocktails. Enjoy a drink in front of floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces or sit outside on Sunset Terrace. Dine at Edison.
![Omni Grove Park Inn Sunset in Asheville NC with white brunette female in black dress next to white brunette male in shorts and plaid shirt with Blue Ridge Mountains in the background](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Omni-Grove-Park-Inn-Sunset-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Omni-Grove-Park-Inn-Edison-Restaurant-Asheville.jpg)
The historic Omni Grove Park Inn sits on Sunset Mountain in North Asheville, which is a more local and residential area.
For the best Asheville fall activities at Grove, watch a sunset, grab drinks at one of the “rooftop” bars, and make dining reservations.
We love heading to the Great Hall Bar, home to floor-to-ceiling fireplaces. Literary quotes flank those massive stone hearths, which is fitting since F. Scott Fitzgerald once stayed here.
Grab a seasonal craft cocktail, munch on some of the best charcuterie in town, and gently glide back and forth in one of the cozy rocking chairs.
The dark lobby opens up to windows overlooking Downtown Asheville and Mount Pisgah. Of course, the stone patio – Sunset Terrace – lives up to its namesake.
Catch a vibrant and famous Grove Park Inn sunset. Bright purples and pinks light up the mountains, especially in October in Asheville.
![Omni Grove Park Inn North Asheville with beige resort with brown roof and stone staircases surrounded by fall foliage](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Omni-Grove-Park-Inn-North-Asheville.jpg)
![Best Things To Do In Asheville NC Grove Park Inn sunset over terrace](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Best-Things-To-Do-In-Asheville-NC-Grove-Park-Inn-sunset.jpg)
If you want to treat yourself, make dinner reservations at one of the best fine dining restaurants, Sunset Terrace. Devour delicious and rich seafood and meat dishes.
Or, check out our personal favorite Grove Park Inn restaurant, Edison. Edison is perfect for lighter fare on a covered patio filled with blazing fireplaces. The atmosphere is both romantic and casual.
Like Edison, Asheville is full of a plethora of unforgettable restaurants for all budgets and cuisines.
Lastly, heading into November and December, The Omni Grove Park Inn hosts its Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Spy innovative gingerbread creations while sipping on hot cocoa.
The Omni Grove Park Inn | 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Apple Pick In Apple Alley
One of the most fun family-friendly things to do in Asheville in the fall includes apple picking. Did you know that North Carolina is one of the top 10 producers of America’s apples? Hendersonville has the best apple orchards.
![Coston Apple Farm Hendersonville NC with apple orchard tree with red Rome apples](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coston-Apple-Farm-Hendersonville-NC.jpg)
![Hendersonville apple picking Coston Farm with white brunette woman in sweater and boots picking red Rome apples from apple tree](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Hendersonville-Apple-Picking-Coston-Farm.jpg)
![Coston Farm Hendersonville NC with red sign for Rome Beauty apples in apple orchards](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coston-Farm-Hendersonville-NC.jpg)
![Apple Picking In Hendersonville NC with man in jeans holding bag of red U-Pick apples at Coston Farm](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Apple-Picking-In-Hendersonville-NC.jpg)
Along Highway 64 (near I-26) in Henderson County, find “Apple Alley.” We think it’s wine alley too, but let’s talk about kid-friendly fall things to do in Asheville first.
Around Hendersonville and Flat Rock, find Grandad’s Apples (no U-pick here), Jeter Mountain Farm, Coston Farm, Justus, Stepp’s Hillcrest, and Sky Top.
The Hendersonville apple orchards are famous for their baked goods, hard and non-alcoholic ciders, U-Pick farms, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.
![Coston Farm U Pick Apple Orchard in Hendersonville NC with white hand with red nails holding red apple in front of apple tree](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coston-Farm-U-Pick-Apple-Orchard-Hendersonville-NC.jpg)
![Coston Farm Apple Picking Hendersonville NC with white male in black fleece holding bag full of U-Pick apples and apple picker in apple orchards](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coston-Farm-Apple-Picking-Hendersonville-NC.jpg)
Personally, Fujis sing to us for apple crisps. Find Pink Ladies, Galas, Honeycrisps, Romes, and Golden Delicious – just to name a few.
Some of the apple orchards also have sunflower mazes, hayrides, apple cannons, and bamboo forests. You may even catch farm animals.
While in this area, explore all that you can do around Hendersonville. Grab lunch or dinner at one of their fantastic restaurants like Umi Sushi, Pita Express, and Haus Heidelberg. Or, visit a free museum.
Pick Pumpkins At A Pop-Up Stand
As AVL locals, Grace Episcopal Church in North Asheville is one of our yearly traditions for pumpkin picking. High on a hill, you cannot miss this Thomas Kinkade fall-like scene. Honestly, it’s not fall in Asheville until these pumpkins make an appearance.
![Pumpkin Patch in North Asheville NC with orange-red pumpkin](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Pumpkin-Patch-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![Grace Episcopal Church Asheville Pumpkin Patch with white brunette woman in pink top and jeans holding white-orange pumpkin](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Grace-Episcopal-Church-Asheville-Pumpkin-Patch.jpg)
![Jeter Mountain Farm Warted Orange Pumpkin in Hendersonville NC with pumpkin sitting on hay and brown building in background](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Jeter-Mountain-Farm-Warted-Pumpkin-Hendersonville-NC.jpg)
![Grace Episcopal Church Asheville Pumpkin Picking with orange pumpkins on a hill outside a gothic looking church with red door](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Grace-Episcopal-Church-Asheville-Pumpkin-Picking.jpg)
One of our personal favorite fall activities in Asheville, we never miss an opportunity to decorate our home with pumpkins (this year, we are also growing them in our garden).
You can pumpkin pick or shop at almost all of the orchards. And yes, Ingles and Trader Joe’s sell some pretty perfectly shaped pumpkins for carving.
However, we cannot resist those side-of-the-road pumpkin stands, or even better, the ones that are the epitome of Asheville in October: the pumpkin patch at Grace Episcopal Church.
Whether or not religion is your jam, this Gothic Revival church is stunning with those bright red doors and gray stone facade contrasting those vibrant orange pumpkins.
Located right before Beaverdam Road on Merrimon Ave. in North Asheville (if you are coming from Downtown), find an array of colored pumpkins.
![Asheville NC Fall Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Asheville-NC-Fall-Grace-Episcopal-Church-Pumpkin-Patch.jpg)
![Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard Country Store yellow and orange teeny tiny pumpkins](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Stepps-Hillcrest-Orchard-Country-Store-Pumpkins.jpg)
Grace Episcopal Church sells orange, white, blue, and light orange-hued pumpkins plus funky gourds by size. Personally, we prefer the Dr. Seuss-like pumpkins.
Please be aware that this pumpkin patch tends to come down early, usually a week before Halloween.
While in this neighborhood, consider dining at stellar North Asheville restaurants like Luella’s Bar-B-Que, Asheville Pizza & Brewing, Rye Knot, Cecilia’s Kitchen, Plant, and Taco Temple.
P.S. A blogger we adore, Tara from Hammer and a Headband, has some cute pumpkin carving ideas and free templates here.
Grace Episcopal Church | 871 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the most popular fall things to do in Asheville in October includes driving the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). This is one of the best places to see peak-season fall foliage. The BRP is 469 miles long and follows the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, running from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Take a 2.5-hour guided Jeep tour.
![Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville North Carolina overlook with mountains in the fall](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Blue-Ridge-Parkway-Asheville-North-Carolina.jpg)
Considered “America’s favorite scenic drive,” the BRP is a 2-lane road that’s typically about 45mph.
Visitors navigate the BRP via mile markers; cellular service is spotty.
Bears and wildlife may cross the road at any time – please drive carefully. If it is foggy, you might end up driving into a cloud with limited to no views.
A clear or sunny day is best unless you have an amazing sense of humor.
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, visitors will encounter endless hiking trails, swimming holes, and cascading waterfalls.
Just be sure to check with the NPS for any BRP gate and road closures. Parts of the Parkway will start to close around November for ice and weather – but sometimes sooner.
Asheville in October is quite unpredictable weather-wise, which also messes with the foliage.
And, if you don’t feel comfortable driving the BRP yourself, enjoy a 4-hour chauffeured tour with stops for beautiful photos.
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (AVL) | 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Hike (Or Bike) A Fall Foliage Trail
One of the best things to do in Asheville in the fall is to chase those leaves on the gorgeous hiking and biking trails. Head to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Bent Creek Experimental Forest. This guided scenic e-bike tour tends to sell out.
![Black Balsam Via Sam Knob Trail BRP with white brunette female hiker with plum backpack standing on rock ledge overlooking mountains](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Black-Balsam-Via-Sam-Knob-Trail-BRP.jpg)
![Black Balsam via Art Loeb Trail Fall with blue mountains and fall foliage](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Black-Balsam-via-Art-Loeb-Trail-Fall.jpg)
![Black Balsam via Art Loeb Trail with green tree in colorful blue mountains with foliage](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Black-Balsam-via-Art-Loeb-Trail.jpg)
![Living In Asheville North Carolina Fall Things To Do Graveyard Loop with brunette white male hiking on a path through foliage](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Living-In-Asheville-North-Carolina-Fall-Things-To-Do-Graveyard-Loop.png)
Top fall foliage hiking trails around AVL include:
- Mount Pisgah
- Fryingpan Mountain Tower
- Graveyard Fields
- Black Balsam via the Art Loeb Trail – add in Sam Knob
As AVL locals, we head to these almost every year. Many boast 360-degree views or waterfalls.
Of course, there are endless BRP trails in NC to trek, including:
- Skinny Dip Falls
- Pink Beds Loop
- Craggy Pinnacle
- Craggy Gardens
- Mount Mitchell
- Little Butt/Big Butt
Before hopping on the BRP in South Asheville, stop at The NC Arboretum for nature walks, gardens, and biking trails.
![Black Balsam Via Art Loeb Trail Blue Ridge Parkway with Blue Ridge Mountains during fall foliage with reds, greens, and oranges](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Black-Balsam-Via-Art-Loeb-Trail-Blue-Ridge-Parkway.jpg)
![Asheville Fall Colors Blue Ridge Parkway with red, yellow, and orange leaves with blue mountain ridges](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Asheville-Fall-Colors-Blue-Ridge-Parkway.jpg)
Other popular hiking trails around Asheville include:
- Max Patch
- Bearwallow Mountain
- Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures
- Lover’s Leap
- Oconaluftee River Trail
- Grandfather Mountain
- Laurel River Trail
If you are more of a mountain biker, head to:
- Daniel Ridge Loop
- Bent Creek Experimental Forest
- Old Fort
- Thermal Belt Rail Trail
Please remember to never hike on a trail that looks flooded, unsafe, or washed away. Know that trail markers sometimes get obscured by falling leaves.
Hike with food, water, appropriate gear, clothing layers, and navigation. Even as locals, we’ve gotten off track in the Pisgah National Forest. We always hike with our Garmin.
Visit One Of NC’s Abandoned Places
For dark tourist things to do in Asheville in October – or any time of year – why not visit (or at least read about) some of North Carolina’s spookiest abandoned places?
![Road To Nowhere Bryson City with large tunnel with two people walking out of it into the yellow-green fall foliage](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Road-To-Nowhere-Bryson-City.jpg)
![Cessna Plane Crash Site Maggie Valley NC with crashed white Cessna plane with no windows and broken wings next to smashed engine in woods](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Cessna-Plane-Crash-Site-Maggie-Valley-NC.jpg)
Two sites of interest that make for unique Asheville fall activities include Bryson City’s Road To Nowhere and Henry River Mill Village.
The Road To Nowhere was a broken promise from the government to the people and is located in the Smoky Mountains.
Today, visitors can drive down unfinished Lakeshore Drive for a gorgeous aerial view of Fontana Lake. The road abruptly ends at a tunnel, which is home to gorgeous fall foliage and hiking trails.
![Henry River Mill Village NC Hunger Games District 12 abandoned building with red and white brick for Peeta's bakery](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Henry-River-Mill-Village-NC-Hunger-Games-District-12.jpg)
![Henry River Mill Village NC Hunger Games Everdeen home with sparse interior of wooden home with couch, table, and hutch](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Henry-River-Mill-Village-NC-Hunger-Games-Everdeen-home.jpg)
For The Hunger Games fans, you might recognize Henry River Mill Village as District 12. This once-abandoned mill village offers short tours of the crumbling grounds. We greatly enjoyed our tour.
See the Everdeen’s house while learning more about North Carolina’s industrial history. They are working on renovations for this area, including more events. You can even stay overnight now.
Discover even more top filming locations across the state.
Tour Biltmore Estate
Biltmore Estate is one of Asheville’s most-visited tourist destinations that locals also visit. For fall activities in Asheville, enjoy anything from wine tasting and a home tour to dining in the former horse stables and walking one of the numerous trails. Visitors can easily spend a day or two here.
![Biltmore Estate Home in Asheville North Carolina large tan mansion with sprawling green grass](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Biltmore-Estate-Asheville-North-Carolina.jpg)
![Orange, pink, and purple Biltmore flowers in October in the Walled Garden with Biltmore Conservatory in the background](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Biltmore-Flowers-October.jpg)
![Horseback Riding Biltmore Estate Asheville NC with light brown horse giving side eye over fence with feeding bucket in shelter](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Horseback-Riding-Biltmore-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina with white brunette female in pink coat, blue jeans, and gray boots standing outside at entrance](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Village-Hotel-Biltmore-Estate-Asheville-North-Carolina.jpg)
One of our favorite fall things to do in Asheville almost always includes a visit to Biltmore Estate. We are annual passholders and have been for years.
America’s largest home, Biltmore is 8,000 acres of sheer beauty.
George Vanderbilt and his wife, Edith, put their heart and soul into this estate. Community-driven, the Vanderbilts gave back to Asheville in areas of forestry, agriculture, and education.
Enjoy a morning on a self-guided or audio tour of Biltmore House. With spanning views of the forest and Deer Park, you’ll love Biltmore and its loggia to spy all of the Asheville fall foliage.
Then, head to the gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, famous for their spring through fall Biltmore Blooms.
If you are getting hungry, grab lunch in the former horse stables at the Stable Cafe. There is certainly no shortage of dining at Biltmore Estate.
![Village Hotel coffee and red wine from their Kitchen Cafe at Biltmore in Asheville with white brunette male and female on couch taking a selfie in front of lit gas fireplace](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Village-Hotel-Kitchen-Cafe-Biltmore-Asheville.jpg)
![Cedric's Tavern Asheville at Biltmore Estate with fish and chips and fries with sauces on white plate](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Cedrics-Tavern-Restaurant-Biltmore-Estate.jpg)
![Biltmore House at night for Christmas with Blue Ridge Mountain sunset sky with purple clouds and yellow lighted trees out front in Asheville NC](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Biltmore-House-Christmas-Sunset-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![Antler Hill Village Biltmore Estate with white brunette male and woman taking a selfie in front of winery on a sunny day; he's wearing a maroon sweater and she's in a mustard yellow sweater](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Antler-Hill-Village-Biltmore-Estate.jpg)
In the afternoon, don’t miss wine tasting at Biltmore’s winery. We also enjoy cocktails and pickles at Cedric’s Tavern, an ode to the beloved Biltmore pooch.
Even more terrific Biltmore Estate activities include:
- Relax at Biltmore’s wine bar with charcuterie
- Shop in Antler Hill Village; grab ice cream and coffee
- Rent bikes at the Bike Barn
- Walk or bike the 22 miles of nature and hiking trails; we frequent the Lagoon and Deer Park Trails
If you are traveling with children, be sure to check out these family-friendly Biltmore activities, including:
- Seeing the baby chicks and horses at Biltmore Farmyard
- Playing on the large wooden playground
- Watching a historical live demonstration
Lastly, know that Christmas events at Biltmore start in early November. Enjoy Candlelight Christmas evenings, holiday decor, and even more special events. Just be sure to reserve your tickets in advance to beat the crowds.
Explore all of our Biltmore Estate guides – we are pros as locals – and share more about restaurants and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Biltmore Estate | 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
Attend A Fall Festival
Asheville in October is one of the best times for seasonal fall festivals. Both Hendersonville and Asheville host a wide variety of events as well as the neighboring mountain towns.
![Asheville VeganFest Mac and Cheese with two takeaway containers of vegan mac and cheese with red seasoning](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Asheville-VeganFest-Mac-and-Cheese.jpg)
![Asheville fall festivals VeganFest with picture of gluten-free and vegan skull cakes](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Asheville-fall-festivals-VeganFest.jpg)
Across Western North Carolina, you’ll find endless Oktoberfests, craft fairs, art fests, vintage flea markets, block parties, and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
We particularly covet Asheville’s VeganFest (Asheville is a fantastic city for vegans), and Hendersonville is famous for hosting The North Carolina Apple Festival (September).
A few more Western North Carolina Fall Festivals In October include:
- Asheville Oktoberfest
- Tryon International Film Festival
- LEAF Festival
- Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Festival
- Lake Lure Arts & Crafts Festival
To see all of Asheville’s fall events and more, head over to our events calendar.
Take A Haunted LaZoom or Gray Line Ghost Tour
How many times have you spied a purple bus with eyelashes tearing down the streets of Asheville full of giggling people? That’s LaZoom. LaZoom offers a variety of comedy tours, family-friendly as well as 21+-only. We’ve also taken a Grayline Ghost Tour, which is full of great spooky history.
![Gray Line Trolley Tours Asheville NC with white brunette male and female warmly dressed on trolley](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Gray-Line-Trolley-Tours-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours Bar Asheville NC with white brunette female holding rubber chicken and cat pillow while seating in yellow chair](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/LaZoom-Comedy-Bus-Tours-Bar-Asheville-NC.jpg)
The LaZoom Ghosted Comedy Tour is one of the best Asheville fall activities where you get to sit back and relax. Walk into a kitschy bar full of cat pillows and rubber chickens.
Our one-hour tour took us through Downtown Asheville as the city’s ghosts hopped on and off the bus. Each character shares the darker history of the city. Think murderers, thieves, and famous dead people.
For the 21+ group, you are allowed to bring unopened beverages on the bus – to open once seated – purchased from LaZoom’s bar.
![Gray Line Trolley Tours Asheville North Carolina with red hop on and off trolley car parked in Pack Square](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Gray-Line-Trolley-Tours-Asheville-North-Carolina.jpg)
![LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours Purple Bus with yellow accents and open windows](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/LaZoom-Comedy-Bus-Tours-Asheville-NC.jpg)
They have local craft beers and bottles of wine. They even hand you a personal cooler.
We suggest purchasing tickets in advance. Get there early, too, as you board the bus based on your arrival order.
If LaZoom looks too wild or cheesy for you, we’ve also enjoyed Gray Line’s Ghost Tour, which integrated history with ghosts.
LaZoom is also one of the best fall activities in Asheville if you are traveling with a group.
LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours | 76 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 & Gray Line Trolley Tours | 36 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
More Ghost Tours To Book
- Asheville Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour – Grab your ghost-hunting equipment. See the city’s beautiful historic buildings while learning about its ghosts. Stops might include Pack Square, Grove Arcade, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence.
- Asheville Terrors Ghosts of the Blue Ridge By US Ghost Adventures – Learn about Asheville during the Great Depression, Prohibition, and Gilded Age while ghost hunting.
- Asheville Ghost Tour: A Walk Through Riverside Cemetery & Montford Neighborhood – Riverside Cemetery is full of ghosts and beauty. Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry are laid to rest here.
Picnic By The Lake
For free things to do in Asheville in October, why not head to the lake and enjoy a stroll or picnic?
![Lake Powhatan Hard Times Trail Bent Creek Experimental Forest with lake surrounded by trees](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lake-Powhatan-Hard-Times-Trail.jpg)
![Fontana Lake Near Asheville NC with blue water from above with fall foliages and mountains surrounding it](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Fontana-Lake-Near-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![Lake Junaluska NC Fall Foliage with red tree, water, and lake surrounded by houses, hotel, and fall trees](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Lake-Junaluska-NC-Fall-Foliage.jpg)
![Beaver Lake Asheville NC red tree in front of the blue lake](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Beaver-Lake-Asheville-NC.jpg)
There are plenty of lakes near Asheville to choose from, including those within the city and a few that are under one hour away.
In North Asheville, Beaver Lake is home to a 2.1-mile perimeter trail and bird sanctuary. Find a hidden picnic table as well as benches around the lake.
Weaverville’s Lake Louise, with fitness equipment and ducks, is only about 15 minutes away too.
Or, head to Lake Powhatan, a recreational center next to The NC Arboretum that promises local trails and a waterfall dam. This is another great mountain biking area.
There’s also Fontana Lake in Bryson City, Lake James, Lake Lure near Chimney Rock, and Lake Junaluska near Maggie Valley and Waynesville.
Drink Fall Beer
Like its award-winning foodie scene, Asheville is famous for its craft breweries. We live for ambers, stouts, Pilsners, Kolschs, reds, and anything infused with spice. Plus, Asheville in October can only mean one thing: Oktoberfest beer! You can even take a guided walking brewery tour.
![Wicked Weed Brewing Brewpub Asheville NC with glass of foamy stout in front of outside area taproom](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Wicked-Weed-Brewing-Brewpub-Asheville-NC.jpg)
We cannot even begin to keep up with the Asheville breweries and their wild Count Chocula and pumpkin concoctions. However, we are all here for it.
Everyone has their personal favorites, and this beer passion gets a bit contentious.
If you want to see a massive beer factory, head to Sierra Nevada for their Oktoberfest – order the duck fries – or even New Belgium for a pumpkin brew. Those are both more touristy (but delicious) breweries.
For local Asheville craft breweries try:
- Asheville Brewing Company – With multiple locations across the city, these guys make the best pizza in AVL. The Merrimon location also plays movies at their theater (bar inside), including scary shows around Halloween.
- Wicked Weed Brewing – This is a fantastic beer and lunch option in Downtown AVL – and one of the city’s most well-known breweries.
- Ginger’s Revenge – On the edge of North Asheville, Montford, and RAD, enjoy gluten-free ginger beer.
- Green Man – Do you know the legend of the Green Man? Another Downtown Asheville brewery in South Slope, Green Man makes the best ESB in Western North Carolina. Catawba and Twin Leaf are nearby.
- Wedge Brewing Co. – We love Wedge at Foundation in the River Arts District – an area that is filled with local murals, parks, and delicious restaurants like Baby Bull.
You may also enjoy Hendersonville’s breweries like Oklawaha, D9, and Southern Appalachian Brewery- perfect after apple picking.
Or, after a day of waterfall chasing and hiking in the Pisgah National Forest, tour the Brevard breweries, like Ecusta or Oskar Blue, and the Mills River breweries including Bold Rock.
If you are gluten-free, check out Asheville’s delicious cideries like Noble, Botanist and Barrel, and Urban Orchard.
Get Lost In A Corn Maze
One of the best fall things to do in Asheville with the entire family is to get lost in a corn maze. We usually commit to two corn mazes: Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard and Grandad’s Apples. Both are fabulous for outdoor fun.
![Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard Corn Maze with white male in blue shirt and sunglasses surrounded by tall corn stalks](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Stepps-Hillcrest-Orchard-Corn-Maze.jpg)
We live for corn mazes. Growing up in Connecticut, Lyman Orchards still has one of the best corn mazes that we’ve ever been to.
In WNC, Henderson County is home to some of our favorite corn mazes near Asheville.
Throughout September and October in Asheville, we love heading to Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard and Farm to pick apples, grab some fresh salsa and jam, and get incredibly lost in their corn maze.
The 5-acre corn maze is wickedly large and confusing. You have to try it. Stepp’s corn maze will take you at least 30 to 45 minutes.
We also highly recommend using the restroom before you enter but also making sure that you are well-hydrated. Buncombe and Henderson counties may still be quite warm weather-wise.
Snap a picture of the map on the wall for when you get desperate. There are no clues along the way, and if you go during a quiet weekday, you might be one of the only ones out there.
Grandad’s Apples also has a fun corn maze with maps spread throughout the corn stalks.
Eat Cider Donuts
Another one of our personal “must” things to do in Asheville in October, we seek out all of the cider donuts.
![Sky Top Orchard Apple Cider Donuts being coated in cinnamon and sugar](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sky-Top-Orchard-Apple-Cider-Donuts.jpg)
![Sky Top Orchard Donuts with 6 brown donuts in a plastic container on a picnic table](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sky-Top-Orchard-Donuts.jpg)
We have certainly been around the donut block so we can safely say that Sky Top Orchard makes the best fall donuts.
Our first time here, we had no idea why everyone was sitting around gorging on donuts instead of playing and apple picking. Now we get it.
Walk up to their window to watch as the staff makes fresh-out-of-the-frier donuts. They shake those steamy bad boys in cinnamon and sugar, and they land straight in your mou…container.
Fair warning: the donuts are beyond popular, and they may run out on weekends. Sky Top serves hard cider as well as cider slushies to wash down that clump of delicious gooey goodness.
![Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock Bamboo Forest white male wearing a hat, sunglasses, and green shirt standing in a bamboo forest](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Sky-Top-Orchard-in-Flat-Rock-Bamboo-Forest.jpg)
![Sky Top Apple Blaster with cannon for apples facing apple targets across pond](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Sky-Top-Apple-Blaster.jpg)
After a donut, for more Asheville fall activities, head to the bamboo forest and say hello to the goats. Try your luck at the apple cannon.
Even on weekdays, Sky Top stays pretty busy. The weekends fill up with crazed orchard-goers, especially in October and November.
Go early and on the weekdays, when possible. Read our complete guide to visiting Sky Top Orchard.
Also, enjoy even more Flat Rock attractions like touring the Carl Sandburg Home, strolling the Park at Flat Rock, and watching a play at the Flat Rock Playhouse.
Sky Top Orchard | 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Chase Waterfalls At DuPont
Visiting DuPont State Forest is one of the best fall things to do in Asheville in October for that fall foliage. There are multiple waterfall hikes, and we suggest seeing Hooker, Triple, and High Falls – around a 3-mile trek. Bridal Veil Falls is a great add-on.
![Bridal Veil Falls DuPont State Recreational Forest waterfalls with brunette white woman wearing a hiking backpack and looking at the waterfalls](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Asheville-Waterfalls-Bridal-Veil-Falls-DuPont.jpg)
![Triple Falls Picnic Area DuPont State Forest NC](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Triple-Falls-Picnic-Area-DuPont-State-Forest-NC.jpg)
Triple Falls is both gorgeous and famous as a The Hunger Games filming location.
Remember the scene where Katniss almost steps on Peeta’s face in the falls? That’s Triple Falls.
Further in the forest, find Bridal Veil Falls where Katniss cools her burning leg from the fireballs. Bridal Veil Falls (DuPont) is also home to scenes from The Last of the Mohicans.
DuPont will grow incredibly busy, though, and their multiple parking lots may fill up, especially by mid-day. There are on-site restrooms and a visitor center.
Of course, you can always visit more Asheville waterfalls, including:
- Douglas Falls
- Mingo Falls
- Crabtree Falls
- Daniel Ridge Falls
- Rainbow Falls
- Moore Cove Falls
- Linville Falls
If you prefer guided tours, chase waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway with this hiking tour.
Please exert caution around all waterfalls and learn more about waterfall safety as there have been tragic fatalities.
Wine Taste At A Vineyard
Henderson County isn’t only known for its apple orchards. In fact, its wine region, Crest of the Blue Ridge, was named an AVA in 2019. If you are looking for more adult things to do in Asheville in the fall, the Hendersonville wineries are delicious and gorgeous.
![Marked Tree Vineyard Flat Rock NC outdoor area with white male and female sitting in chairs with red and white wine glass overlooking the vineyard](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Marked-Tree-Vineyard-Flat-Rock-NC-Outdoors.jpg)
![Stone Ashe Vineyards Tasting Room with mountain views out huge windows](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Stone-Ashe-Vineyards-Tasting-Room.jpg)
A few top Hendersonville wineries we recommend:
- Stone Ashe Vineyards – Stone Ashe Vineyards is one of our favorites. We love sitting on the hill overlooking the grapes. Their tasting room has floor-to-ceiling windows too.
- Point Lookout Vineyards – A winery with breathtaking views, don’t miss sitting high over the mountains while sipping delicious wines. Choose between a wine or mead tasting, and they have food on-site.
- St. Paul Mountain Vineyards – St. Paul grows 14 varieties of grapes. Grab a glass of wine and sit on the patio overlooking the vineyards or chill inside by the fireplace.
- Sawyer Springs Vineyard – A lesser-known winery in Hendersonville, grab a picnic outside this family-run business. Sawyer Springs is perfect if you are craving a quieter Asheville fall experience.
- Marked Tree Vineyards – Located on the edge of Hendersonville in Flat Rock, catch stellar views. On a foggy day, you’ll get major Asheville Halloween vibes. The free-standing chimneys add to the spooky atmosphere.
If you don’t have time for a winery, though, Asheville also has dazzling wine bars, including Bottle Riot and Leo’s House of Thirst.
We wouldn’t be Uncorked Asheville if drinking wasn’t one of our favorite Asheville fall activities.
Discover even more great wineries around the Asheville area.
Read A Fall Book
After a day full of the best fall activities in Asheville, why not cozy up with a book? We absolutely love reading all year long; we own the book and movie review site, The Uncorked Librarian, after all. We even host a fall reading challenge. Plus, reading is a great indoor Asheville activity if the weather is gross.
![Biltmore Estate's Village Hotel in Asheville with white brunette female reading a book in window seat with Antler Hill Village in the background](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Reading-Biltmore-Estate-Village-Hotel-Asheville.jpg)
![Christine, a brunette white female in a pink dress sitting with wine and book](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Christine-The-Uncorked-Librarian.jpg)
Whether you are a local, visitor, or snowbird, we highly recommend getting cozy and warm with a blanket and fall book in front of a fireplace during your AVL mountain evenings.
Grab that donut, warm up that cider while dumping in butterscotch schnapps, and pick up a book.
For area-specific book lists, try:
- Books That Take Place In North Carolina
- Books Based In Asheville
- Books For Southern Gothic Genre Lovers
Also, check out these local Asheville authors like Denise Kiernan.
However, if you are looking for fall reading lists, be sure to head over to our sister site, The Uncorked Librarian, for book lists like:
- Wickedly witchy books
- Steamy vampire series and romances
- Salem Witch Trial books
- Gripping dark academia books
- Seriously spooky books for adults
- Scariest (and most fun) haunted house novels
Day Trip Around Asheville
While enjoying Asheville in October and November, take a few day trips to some of AVL’s neighboring towns. Each has its own attractions and character.
![Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge with steel bridge over mountains](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Grandfather-Mountain-Mile-High-Swinging-Bridge.jpg)
We love Black Mountain for breweries, a meadery, and Oak and Grist Distillery. Not to mention Black Mountain has delicious restaurants and gorgeous Bed & Breakfasts.
Immediately to the north of Asheville, you can also head into Weaverville to escape the crowds.
Enjoy Weaverville restaurants like Stoney Knob Cafe, Soba, and Glass Onion. There’s even a boozy dog park bar, WagBar, and a Bob Ross-themed bar, Hoppy Trees.
Or, head to Grandfather Mountain for that mile-high swinging bridge. Wine taste in the Tryon Foothills.
Lastly, don’t forget that Knoxville, Greenville, and Dollywood are only hours away.
Read more about the best mountain towns around Asheville, including Marshall, Old Fort, Waynesville, and more.
Stroll Riverside Cemetery
If you are looking for spookier things to do in Asheville in October, take a walk through Riverside Cemetery. Located in Asheville’s quaint Historic Montford District, Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry are buried here.
![Thomas Wolfe Grave at Riverside Cemetery in historic Montford Asheville NC](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Thomas-Wolfe-Grave-Riverside-Cemetery-Historic-Montford-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![Buchanan Angel Riverside Cemetery Asheville](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Buchanan-Angel-Riverside-Cemetery-Asheville.jpg)
Pick up a self-guided walking pamphlet at the gates that will point out historical sites and famous people interned here. Or, book a Riverside Cemetery and Montford guided walking tour.
W.O. Wolfe’s angels greet visitors throughout the grounds.
The 3.5 miles of paved walking trails found throughout this beautiful Victorian-inspired cemetery won’t leave you disappointed. And yes, Riverside Cemetery is allegedly haunted.
Nearby, peek from afar at Homewood – an equally spooky mansion that looks like a castle.
Read more about Asheville’s rich literary history.
Riverside Cemetery | 53 Birch St, Asheville, NC 28801
Visit Haunted Houses & Places
For more dark tourist fall things to do in Asheville, you can always find ghosts. Asheville has some great haunted places and ghost stories.
![Zelda Fitzgerald Memorial Highland Hospital Asheville NC with quote on it from Zelda saying "I don't need anything except hope, which I can't find by looking backwards or forwards, so I suppose the thing is to shut my eyes](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Zelda-Fitzgerald-Memorial-Highland-Hospital-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![Pink Lady legend at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville with old fashioned pink flower dress in display case with signage](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Pink-Lady-Omni-Grove-Park-Inn-Asheville.jpg)
First, pay your respects to Zelda Fitzgerald who died in the Highland Hospital fire. There is a bleak plaque commemorating the former site.
Or, head to Helen’s Bridge where a young, brokenhearted woman is said to haunt the area. Just don’t turn off your car or it may not start again.
![Helens Bridge Asheville NC with image of older but well-kept up stone bridge over two lane road with green trees](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Helens-Bridge-Asheville-NC.jpg)
![Molly Must Chicken Alley Mural Asheville NC with 10 foot rooster, chicken sitting down, and woman holding and selling jars of honey](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Molly-Must-Chicken-Alley-Mural-Asheville-NC.jpg)
Of course, The Omni Grove Park Inn is known for its resident ghost, The Pink Lady. Maybe you’ll catch her wandering the halls.
While taking selfies with the chicken mural in Asheville’s Chicken Alley, listen for the tapping of a cane from a murdered doctor…
These are some of the spookiest fall activities in Asheville – if you are a believer.
Watch Shakespeare In The Park
Another one of the best free things to do in Asheville in October, Shakespeare in the Park promises theater under the stars. Just keep in mind that the Montford Park Players’ season usually ends around the third week of October.
![Montford Park Players Shakespeare in the Park with colorful open air theater lit up at night](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Montford-Park-Players-Shakespeare-in-the-Park.jpg)
This isn’t your average Shakespeare performance – and you are sure to crack a smile.
Bring your own lawn chairs or use theirs. There are on-site restrooms as well as vendors selling snacks and drinks – beer and wine included!
Pack a picnic and some bug spray. Performances and parking are free, but leave a generous donation as players come around mid-show.
Be on the lookout for the Montford Moppets too. They perform earlier shows. Both are great outdoor activities perfect for the entire family.
Montford Park Players | Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre | 92 Gay St, Asheville, NC 28801
Visiting Asheville In October FAQs
![Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes Black Balsam Art Loeb with white brunette woman with backpack looking out at mountains](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Blue-Ridge-Parkway-Hikes-Black-Balsam-Art-Loeb.jpg)
Is October A Good Time To Visit Asheville?
Asheville in October is by far one of the best times to visit, especially if you are chasing that breathtaking fall foliage. The weather is pleasant. There is an abundance of fall things to do that are free or budget-friendly, including visiting apple orchards.
Is Asheville Crowded In October?
The downfall of visiting Asheville in October, though, includes the crowds and prices. This is peak tourist season with expensive accommodations. Top restaurants and hotels will be fully booked. Make advanced reservations. The Blue Ridge Parkway will grow congested; you’ll want to get an early start. Weekdays are best.
![Asheville NC Fall Foliage Colors with red, yellow and orange leaves on ground with dusting of snow](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Asheville-NC-Fall-Foliage-Colors-Leaves.jpg)
What Is The Weather Like In Asheville In October?
The weather during an Asheville fall is unpredictable. One day, the sun blazes down on you and it’s 90 degrees outside. The next, a cold front pushes through and you wake up to temperatures in the 40s. Asheville in October usually starts to mildly cool down. Asheville days waiver in the 70s and 80s with nights in the 50s and 40s in September and mid-October – although the 60s is not uncommon too.
When Do The Leaves Start To Change?
The end of September into mid-October is also when the leaves start to change. You’ll see leaves burst into colors in the higher elevations at the end of September. The Downtown Asheville fall foliage may go as late as the end of October into early November.
![](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Asheville-in-October-Burntshirt-Vineyard.jpg)
![Grandad's Apples Corn Maze with white male wearing a hat and red shirt walking through a corn maze](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Grandads-Apples-Corn-Maze.jpg)
![Asheville in October Marked Tree Vineyard with white brunette and female in front of vineyard; she is wearing a green dress and he is in a red sweater and jeans](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Asheville-in-October-Marked-Tree-Vineyard.jpg)
![Apple Picking Near Asheville Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard with brunette white woman in a yellow skirt and black top picking apples](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Apple-Picking-Near-Asheville-Stepps-Hillcrest-Orchard.jpg)
What Should You Wear In Asheville In October?
We recommend wearing layers, carrying sunscreen and bug spray, and having a light jacket or fleece, especially at the beginning of Asheville’s fall season. The beginning of fall may still be warm, and shorts and skirts will work during the day. Umbrellas are needed for the occasional pop-up shower. Some of the hiking trails grow extremely muddy.
Where To Stay In Asheville
Explore the best places to stay in Asheville. A few of our top suggestions:
- Aloft – Downtown Asheville – Centrally located and recently renovated, enjoy a rooftop pool, a gorgeous bar, and trendy rooms.
- The Omni Grove Park Inn – Treat yourself to a luxury resort in North Asheville, complete with breathtaking sunsets, terrace bars and dining, and loads of Asheville history.
- Hampton Inn And Suites Asheville Biltmore Area – A budget-friendly but renovated hotel on busier Brevard Road that’s perfect if you wish to stay between Biltmore Estate, Downtown Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Asheville Cottages – Gorgeous 1 to 3-bedroom cottages with a private deck, housing a grill and hot tub. Find luxurious heated-floor bathrooms with rain showers, a well-stocked kitchen, and the cleanest rooms in town.
- Foundry Hotel – An oasis in Downtown Asheville, Foundry Hotel is a nod to AVL’s industrial history. Find famous restaurant Benne on Eagle while sleeping ensconced in charm and elegance.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asheville Westgate, NC – Located off of the highway as you enter AVL, find a sleek and clean hotel at a great price.
- Black Walnut B&B Inn – Designed by Biltmore’s supervising architect, Richard Sharp-Smith, this 1899 inn is close to Downtown AVL and serves afternoon tea. Two rooms are pet-friendly.
Don’t miss out on these Asheville properties on Booking.com, too.
What are your favorite fall things to do in Asheville, NC?
So, are you ready to visit Asheville in October? What fall activities do you most love? What is your favorite apple orchard or waterfall hike? Who has the best donuts, and where do you catch the prettiest sunset? Please share your Asheville fall traditions in the comments.
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![Christine and Tom selfie](https://www.uncorkedasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Christine-and-Tom-Uncorked-Asheville-300x300.jpg)
Christine Frascarelli
Christine (pronouns: she/her) is the owner and lead writer of Uncorked Asheville. After falling in love with those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, Christine and her husband Tom decided to call Asheville, North Carolina home. When her pointy Italian nose isn’t stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. She has a BA in English and History from Smith College, her MLIS from USF-Tampa, and is a former U.S. Fulbright Scholar - Indonesia. Christine also owns The Uncorked Librarian LLC with books and movies to inspire travel.