Discover Asheville, North Carolina, a beautiful mountain city known for its beautiful fall foliage, historic landmarks, and unique restaurants. As the temperatures start to cool and the leaves change color, Asheville comes alive with a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages.

From adventurous outdoor experiences to leisurely drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall.

Fall Weather in Asheville

Fall is the perfect time to visit Asheville, as the weather is not too hot and not too cold. With temperatures ranging from the 40s to the mid-60s, it’s ideal for outdoor adventures and exploring the scenic beauty of the region. 

Zipline Through the Fall Foliage

Treetop Tour Express

Experience a 90-minute family-friendly adventure that immerses you in nature. This 100% tree-based design layout includes ziplines, a rappel, and leaps at heights of up to 75 feet in the air, allowing you to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Not only will you create lasting memories, but the experience also fosters life skills for kids, such as confidence, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.

Mountain Top Tour

For an unforgettable high-flying zipline tour, opt for the Mountain Top Tour, featuring three huge side-by-side “racing style” zip lines. The longest zipline stretches over 3600 feet and towers 350 feet above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of the fall foliage.

drive along the blue ridge parkway

Take a Scenic Drive Along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Explore the beauty of Asheville and its surroundings with a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway offers a 469-mile route connecting two national parks and has captivating views of the fall foliage.

Accessible at various intersections to major roads and highways, the Parkway provides a convenient way to experience the region’s beautiful mountains without ever leaving your car. With 382 overlooks scattered throughout, you can easily pull over or capture incredible views, making it an ideal autumn adventure.

Pick Your Own Apples at Coston Farm and Apple House

For an outstanding fall experience, head to Coston Farm and Apple House for a memorable pick-your-own apple adventure against the backdrop of the North Carolina mountains. Choose from a variety of apple types, including Granny Smith, Arkansas Black, Cortland, Mutsu, and many more.

After working up an appetite, indulge in delicious treats from the farm’s bakery, including fried apple pies, homemade apple pie, apple bread, giant apple caramel cookies, and freshly made apple cider and cider slushies. 

WNC Farmers Market 

If you’re looking for fresh and locally grown produce, you should visit the Western North Carolina Farmers Market, which is in very close proximity to Asheville River Cabins. The market is open year-round and features vendors selling everything from produce to plants, shops, restaurants, arts & crafts, and more. Some of the vendors include The Moose Cafe, Jesse Israel & Sons Garden Center, and DJ’s Pickles.

You can also shop from local artists who make hand-sewn products, handcrafted wood items, homemade crafts, and home decor. Walk through the Market Shops to fill your pantry and shelves with local staples like jams, jellies, local baked goods, honey, syrups, spices, teas, meats, cheeses, and more.

Biltmore House Asheville NC

To participate in this activity, guests must purchase a daytime ticket or have a Biltmore Annual Pass.

Rooftop Tours

If you’re fascinated by architecture, don’t miss the rare opportunity to explore the design and construction of Biltmore House on one of the estate’s exclusive rooftop tours. These guided tours feature stunning views from the house’s rooftop and balconies and take you through areas of the house that are not typically open to the public. 

Farmyard

This complimentary introduction to farm life and farm animals that were an integral part of life on the estate, featuring laying hens, lambs, calves, goats, and draft horses. Visit the farmyard to pet and feed Biltmore’s friendly farm friends, perfect for visitors of all ages!

Guided Bike Rides

The estate’s guided bike rides are a perfect way to get outside and enjoy the fall weather. Your three-to-five-mile spin over a combination of flat paved trails, gravel-packed roads, and dirt trails includes occasional stops where your guide will share intriguing tidbits about the Vanderbilts, their guests, and the estate’s natural history. 

Grab a Seasonal Drink at Asheville Coffee Shops

Rowan Coffee

If you’re looking for a coffee experience that goes beyond the standard latte, Rowan Coffee is a great option. This coffee shop believes that a balanced and coordinated approach is crucial for success, just like how the best coffee relies on balanced attributes. Their Sweetie Pie latte is a seasonal treat that’s not to be missed. It’s made with brown sugar, sweet potato, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove, and topped with a toasted vegan marshmallow. Find Rowan Coffee on Biltmore Avenue in Downtown Asheville.

Farewell Coffee

Farewell Coffee is a quaint coffee shop located on the South Slope of Downtown Asheville. The friendly staff and nice seating atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy a cozy drink on a chilly fall day. Farewell Coffee offers a variety of drinks, including a delicious Cortado, Matcha Zinger, or Topo Chico. Make sure to try one of their locally sourced baked goods to go along with your drink.

High Five Coffee

High Five Coffee is a family-owned small business with three locations in Asheville. This coffee shop serves a range of local baked goods, breakfast, lunch, and snack options to accompany their traditional and house specialty coffee drinks. Their staff of baristas are trained with the standards of Counter Culture Coffee, and they’re constantly chasing their goal to serve you delicious coffee with intentional and kind service.

coffee at asheville river cabins

Go on an Awe-Inspiring Waterfall Tour

Experience a one-of-a-kind waterfall excursion with Tumblestone Tours that will take you on a 3-mile journey to visit three impressive waterfalls and explore two protected forests. Dive into the beauty of the natural world as you drive through beautiful mountain scenery along the historic Blue Ridge Parkway. The tour promises an informative and fun experience for about 2 hours, with the hiking portion being easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. The local guide will be sharing stories about the area’s rich history that has captivated generations

Discover Asheville’s Haunts on the LaZoom Ghost Tour

Dive into the dark and intriguing side of Asheville’s history with the LaZoom Ghost Tour. Let ghoulish guides lead you through the mysterious and sometimes scandalous past of this town. Prepare to be entertained, scared, and enlightened for one hour as you uncover chilling tales of scandal, murder, and folklore on the blood-stained streets.

Plan Your Next Visit!

Are you ready to explore free things to do in Asheville, NC? Browse our selection of Asheville accommodations today and find the perfect match for your stay!

Asheville NC Accommodations with Asheville River Cabins

If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Asheville, NC, consider staying in one of our charming cabin rentals. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a family getaway, our Asheville cabin rentals offer a cozy and secluded escape, making your fall visit even more memorable. Explore these inviting accommodations to find the perfect place to stay in Asheville. With an array of things to do in Asheville with kids, this mountain town is the ultimate fall destination. Embrace the beauty of the season and create lasting memories with a visit to this charming mountain town. Book your Asheville accommodation today with Asheville Cabin Rentals today for the stay of a lifetime!