Fall-Seasoned Smoky Mountain Getaways: Nantahala Lake
During autumn’s peak, Western North Carolina bursts into a colorful meld of vibrant hues, including marigold, amber, kelly, and crimson. Self-proclaimed “leaf peepers” cannot resist the urge to frolic into the Nantahala National Forest in search of sheer tranquility. Amateur photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and seasoned “autumnophiles” alike embark on Smoky Mountain getaways as summer subtly fades from summer to fall. Jaw-dropping waterfalls, steep singletrack, and rushing rapids lie hidden deep within North Carolina’s Smokies, home to Forge Lake Lodge, a dazzling, 10,000-square-foot palace along the edge of Nantahala Lake. Adventurous Smoky Mountain Getaways Nantahala Lake rests in the heart of the Appalachians, along the southern rim of the Smoky Mountains. Much like New England, Upstate New York, and parts of the Pacific Northwest, most autumnal Smoky Mountain getaways revolve around those vivid, flamboyant leaves that transform from deep green to a colorful palette that would make Bob Ross blush. There are dozens of ways to commemorate a mid-fall expedition through Western North Carolina’s sprawling, densely-thicketed mountains. Remember to arrive with a leaf peeper’s toolbelt, including a pair of binoculars, a professional camera, a trusty GPS, years of outdoor intuition, and a healthy thirst for adventure. Below, we’ve compiled a fall [...]