NC Fall Foliage Vacations

North Carolina Fall Foliage Vacations

The area surrounding Boone, Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis and Banner Elk, North Carolina is well known to host some of the most awe-inspiring fall color for Autumn leaf color enthusiasts.

Take the road less traveled, your key to a magical fall drive lies here. We have made it easy to get around the High Country while taking the scenic route to your destination.

One thing to remember is that some directions or maps may seem complicated or longer than they really are. The reason being is that all of the towns in the High Country Area are fairly close together, but there are mountains in between and under them, so the roads curve and wind.

There are several ways to get everywhere but the routes are often across entire mountains from one another. If you get lost or disoriented, know that this area is famous for its friendly hospitality, anyone will be happy to help you on your way. Your destination is most likely just over then next ridge. So have fun, get a map and take an Autumn Trip in the High Country.

A Great Boone, NC Fall Color Drive

Scenic Highway 194- Rural Appalachia at it’s best

There are two sections of this road that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to take a cultural as well as scenic drive.

Starting at the intersection of Hwy 421 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, (at Deep Gap coming South from Boone or, coming North on Hwy 421, at the top of the last long wide incline) go North on the Parkway.

Travel about 10 miles and take a left onto Hwy 16.

Go West Through Glendale Springs a beautiful quiet town, you will then pass over the South Fork of the Ancient New River.

After rolling along through fertile forests and farms you will intersect Hwy 221/194 Take a left Towards Jefferson. You will have driven a little less than 20 miles since leaving the Parkway.

You will now travel on Route 194 going South to Boone

This is a timeless section of road and surely you will be transported to a place of tranquility, beauty, and hospitality. As you pass the tractor crossings and roadside stands, be sure to stop for some boiled peanuts, a southern delicacy.
As you travel south, the road parallels the windy New River, one of the oldest, if not the oldest river in the world.
You will pass into a deep forest of tall hardwoods and giant rhododendron on either side and emerge in West Jefferson, a magnet for cultural heritage in the area. As you pass patches of woods spotted on green pastures woven onto rolling hills and buttoned with old barns and farmhouses it is hard to recall a place so timeless.

South of West Jefferson, 194 intersects 221 for a short bit, when 194 retreats again you will be in Christmas Tree country with its pumpkins, hayrides, cider, and of course, NC Fraser Firs.

The town of Todd is next if you're there on a Friday evening, stop by the Todd General Store to hear the area's best Bluegrass pickers.

On through the Meat Camp Community, named for the Buffalo hunting trade of old, and into Boone, the Heart of the High Country. In Boone Route 194 turns right, Intersecting with Highway 421. This is Boone’s historic King Street. The section of 194 that runs through Boone was part of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road that opened the frontier. Follow this road through downtown or stop for a break at the historic shops downtown

Please feel free to contact Boone Vacation Cabins to find out more about our cabins, check availability or request reservations. We are certain no matter the occasion we will have the perfect rental for you to enjoy your getaway.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us 828-265-2632, 828-964-0430, email us, or use our online request form.