Autumn’s kaleidoscope of colors makes Asheville a worthy choice for a fall getaway, but just down the road, Waynesville, North Carolina awaits—an up-and-coming foliage destination. More secluded and undiscovered than Asheville, Waynesville offers cozy mountain cabins, vibrant bluegrass music heritage and farm-to-table dining experiences.
Its dramatic mountaintop views are best experienced at its famed luxury mountain lodge, The Swag. The all-inclusive lodge grants direct access to the Great Smoky Mountains and resident experts specializing in everything from fall photography to seasonal cooking. At 5,000 feet elevation, the sweeping autumn views from The Swag’s idyllic porch are a leaf-peeper’s dream.
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Where Is Waynesville, NC?
Just southwest of Asheville, North Carolina, Waynesville offers travelers an under-the-radar mountain getaway that swaps the urban buzz of Asheville for quiet, cozy mountain scenery. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Waynesville overlooks the region’s spectacular vistas from an elevation of 2,700 feet and is known for its outdoorsy offerings like fishing, hiking and top-notch road trip routes.
Drive another 2,300 mountainous feet to find the ultimate Asheville alternative, The Swag—a luxury mountain lodge that prioritizes nostalgic ambiance and feels as casual as a beloved family home. The 18-room Relais & Châteaux property stands majestic at 5,000 feet along the Cataloochee Divide, just a few feet from trailheads and endless hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Swag’s 250 acres of dense forest, hiking trails and overlooks are beautiful year-round, but the crimson razzle dazzle of its autumn foliage is the perfect starting point for a memorable fall weekend getaway in one of the quintessential North Carolina mountain towns.
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How to Get to Waynesville From Asheville
Those looking to extend their Asheville getaway to escape to the quietude of the North Carolina mountains can reach Waynesville in about 30-40 minutes via I-40 West. Most people take the scenic route to experience the area’s scenic Blue Ridge Parkway route—nearly 500 meandering miles through the Appalachian Highlands. Without stops, the scenic drive is an hour, but the Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its many overlooks, which allow travelers to stop to enjoy the views, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season.
The mountain road leading up to the lodge is steep and winding, but it is generally smooth and easy to navigate. Very much a part of The Swag’s legacy, the 2.5-mile, 1,000-foot elevation gain road was built in 1970—a Herculean task at the time, given the logistics. The drive takes about 10-15 minutes. It’s a good idea to open the car windows to smell the crisp autumn leaves and dried pine needles and hear the babbling brook that runs near the road leading to the mountain lodge.
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Top Things to Do in Waynesville, NC
Waynesville, North Carolina, is known for its Main Street shopping, guided elk safaris and the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts. Bluegrass music is popular, and Waynesville’s traditional street dances and bluegrass music events are part of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina. The small mountain town is also a highlight along the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, and visitors can shop at Crux and Kiln Polish Pottery, Wall Street Books and several mercantile-style shops, like Nine 22 Mercantile.
Atop the mountains, the experiences at The Swag are rooted in the luxury lodge’s mountain heritage. Along with direct access to the hiking trails of the Smoky Mountains, the property includes 14 miles of private hiking trails, birdwatching and wildlife viewing (think elk, deer, birds and the occasional black bear) and panoramic mountain views of North Carolina’s fall foliage.
In addition to mountain-top stargazing, cozy cabins and multi-course farm-to-table meals, The Swag offers five of the best fall experiences in the Smoky Mountains through the lodge’s experts-in-residence program.
1. Fall Foliage and Foraging Walks in the Great Smoky Mountains
Curious guests can walk the woods with biologists like Lee Trebotich to explore the diversity of fall plants of the Smoky Mountains and discuss how traditional tribes, pioneers, and modern-day herbalists use each plant. Expect Mountain Maple trees with a dazzling foliage display of autumn color, and fragrant blossoms of yellow witch hazel and purple Virginia sweetspire plants.
2. Fireside Appalachian Music and Storytelling
Expert in Residence Doug Peters has 40 years of experience at The Swag, and he and his wife, Kathy, host one of the lodge’s most popular fall experiences. Cozy up next to the fireplace in the main lodge for an evening of music, storytelling, Appalachian lore and laughs. The lodge’s bartenders are always ready with homemade cocktail shrubs and syrups for cozy, mountaintop hot toddies.
3. Autumn-Landscape-Inspired Art Experiences
One of The Swag’s strengths is seamlessly combining an appreciation for the outdoors with hands-on experiences. Go for a light morning hike guided by naturalist-artists Gay Bryant and Rita Rothmeier. Learn about the fall wildflowers and Smoky Mountain lore. Later, use that as inspiration during watercolor and relief printmaking workshops.
4. Fall-Harvest-Inspired Cooking Classes
Not only does The Swag prioritize locally sourced ingredients, but they also have extensive gardens, maintain bee hives and continuously change the menus to showcase what’s in season. Tripadvisor reviewer, T Kevin Q says, “The food was exceptional,” claiming it was one of the best travel or resort experiences he’s had in his life. But the experience isn’t limited to multi-course farm-to-table dining. The mountain lodge offers two-day seasonal cooking experiences with Sous Chef Josh Vilain and Pastry Chef Brooke Cannon.
5. Foliage Photography With an Adventure Photographer
Steve Yocom, one of the lodge’s experts in residence, hosts Hiking and Outdoor Photography. His work has been featured in a variety of publications, including the cover of Backpacker Magazine. Yocom takes Swag guests on guided foliage photography hikes, offering guidance on how to photograph the autumn color in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Where to Eat and Drink in Waynesville, NC
Waynesville certainly doesn’t lack for dining options, but travelers flock to Church Street Depot, which earned “best burger” recognition from Best of Haywood County. Savor hand-patted burgers in three varieties of ground meat, including a brisket and chuck blend—the secret to the juiciest, most flavorful burgers. Highlights include house-made smoked pimento cheese, boozy milkshakes and over 25 tasty burger toppings.
Those looking for a fine dining experience in Waynesville can explore Singletree Heritage Kitchen, where cornmeal-crusted North Carolina shrimp, local Appalachian cheese boards and almond-topped trout regularly wow guests.
The Swag’s Award-Winning Restaurant
Of course, The Swag ranks among the best dining experiences in Waynesville, especially given that it overlooks the area from nearly a mile above sea level. The property, recently honored with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, offers locally sourced fine dining in its rustically elegant dining room as well as traditional BBQs with live bluegrass music and gourmet picnic fare.
Where to Stay: The Swag, a Nostalgic Mountain Lodge With Epic Fall Views
The Swag’s dramatic foliage views set the stage for a memorable fall mountain getaway in North Carolina, but it’s also the perfect cozy mountain lodge for couples. Guests come back year after year for the unique all-inclusive experiences and food. The lodge features rooms and cabins with decor that honors the natural beauty of North Carolina’s mountains—many with in-room fireplaces and saunas. All meals and expert-led experiences are included, with just a few amenities, like spa treatments, requiring an upcharge. The property’s elevation offers grand, sweeping views of fall scenery—a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Smoky Mountains ablaze with autumn foliage.
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Why I’d Choose The Swag and Waynesville Over Asheville for a Fall Weekend
The Swag’s 5,000-foot elevation gives it a distinct advantage over Asheville when planning an autumn adventure in North Carolina. Though the mountaintop luxury lodge is nestled in a clearing, it’s surrounded by woods and overlooks the canopy of the Great Smoky Mountains. Guests are fully immersed in an autumn wonderland, whether they’re hiking, reading a book on the idyllic porch or enjoying the seasonally curated menus. It’s easy to get out in nature at The Swag. There’s a trail for everyone—from easy nature strolls to rugged all-day adventures in the Smokies. Those wanting the hustle and bustle of Asheville may opt for a day trip, but the wooded seclusion of The Swag is hands-down the ultimate fall foliage getaway in North Carolina.
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