Quick Planning Guide

Location: Natural Bridge State Park, just off US-11 in Rockbridge County, VA

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to dusk (last entry to the trail is 30 minutes before park closes)

Admission: $9 for adults, $6 for children (ages 6–12), free for kids under 5 (as of 2024)

Parking: Large lot next to the visitor center—parking is free with admission

Main Trail: Cedar Creek Trail (flat and scenic, about 1 mile one-way to the bridge)

Restrooms & Picnic Area: Available near the visitor center and along the trail

Accessibility: Shuttle available to the bridge overlook if needed (ask at Visitor Center)

Dog-Friendly? Yes—pets are welcome on leash throughout the park

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds—fall is especially stunning

Nearby Attractions: Lace Falls, Skyline Trail overlook, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Natural Bridge Zoo

What is Natural Bridge?

Natural Bridge is more than a breathtaking geological wonder; it's also a Virginia State Park. Located in Rockbridge County, Virginia, the park and surrounding community has long welcomed visitors heading through the Shenandoah Valley and along what’s now the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor.

Cedar Creek carved natural Bridge over 500,000+ years stands 215 feet high and spans 90 feet, creating a massive stone arch that is beyond majestic. You just can't appreciate how big this historic natural structure really is without seeing it in person.  

Just beyond the state park, the community of Natural Bridge keeps its historic feel, with stone buildings, old inns, and a quiet, rural pace that reflects its 19th-century roots. While very small, the area is rich in history and surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful farmland.

The nearby hotel, once called the Natural Bridge Hotel, dates back to the early 1900s and still welcomes visitors today with mountain views and classic Southern charm.

Where is Natural Bridge?

Natural Bridge is located in Rockbridge County, in the western part of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It sits just off US Route 11, about 15 miles south of Lexington, VA, and only a short drive from I-81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We usually take I-81 and exit onto Route 130 (Natural Bridge exit), which weaves it's way through the Virginia mountains and delivers beautiful mountain scenery right before you arrive. The entrance to Natural Bridge State Park is clearly marked, with a large visitor center and plenty of parking available.

If you're travelling the Virginia section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Natural Bridge makes a great stop—it's only about 15 minutes from the Parkway exit at US-130 (MP 61.4), near the James River crossing.

What to Do at Natural Bridge

There’s more to Natural Bridge than just the bridge itself—though that alone is worth the trip.

The area offers a mix of scenic hikes, underground caverns, unique roadside attractions, and a solid gift shop that’s great for picking up a few keepsakes. 

Here are just some of the things to do when visiting Natural Bridge.

Walk to the Natural Bridge

After parking and checking in at the visitor's center, you’ll head down a short trail that begins at the entry way above.  The trail is short,but has 137 steps. You'll need to descend (there’s a shuttle available if needed) to reach Cedar Creek and the bridge area itself.

At the bottom of the stairs, you'll find a really beautiful water feature that is a small moss covered waterfall.

At the bottom of the stairs, you'll find the ticket area and main entrance. To visit Natural Bridge State Park, there's a per-person admission fee, which as of 2025 is:

• Adults (ages 13 and up): $9
• Children (ages 3–12): $6
• Children under 3: Free

After purchasing your admission ticket, you'll pass through a small plaza area with a gift shop, some picnic tables, and public restrooms. From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Natural Bridge off in the distance—and the trail that takes you right to it.

Rounding the bend and seeing that massive stone arch rise through the trees early in the morning is one of those moments that sticks with you. 

We paused there for a good while, just soaking it all in—the soft rush of Cedar Creek, the crisp fall air, and the sunlight filtering through that towering rock span.

We also took a ton of photos, both from this vantage point, and after walking through Natural Bridge and looking back.

Hike the Trail to Lace Falls

After spending time at the bridge and enjoying the beauty of it, surrounded by morning light, we continued past the bridge and on up the trail that follows Cedar Creek. The visitors center told us that there was a nice waterfall at the end, called Lace Falls.

The trail to the falls is mostly flat and shaded, making for a relaxing stroll. The first area of interest is a creek crossing. We explored around the creek and taking some photos. A concrete bridge crosses the creek.

On up the trail, you'll come to a small side trail to the left that takes you to an old cave that was a Civil War saltpeter mine. Saltpeter is used to create gunpowder. You can't really go far into the cave, but it is interesting.

The trail really gives you a chance to enjoy the peaceful side of the park beyond the main attraction.

After about a mile, you'll reach the end of the trail, and the viewing area for the 30-foot Lace Falls. The waterfall is a good distance from the viewing area, and if you want to take photos, we suggest a zoom lens.

Lace Falls is located at the back of a small gorge like area. While the waterfall isn't super gorgeous, it makes for a nice walk.

You return the way you came.

Explore More of the Park’s Hiking Trails

While the walk along Cedar Creek to the Natural Bridge and Lace Falls is the most popular route, there’s far more hiking to enjoy in the surrounding park. Natural Bridge State Park offers about 10 miles of trails total, and if you’re up for a bit more adventure, it’s worth checking out the higher-elevation trails just a short drive from the Visitor Center.

Blue Ridge Trail

If you're in the mood for a moderate challenge, the Blue Ridge Trail is a solid pick. This 4-mile loop climbs through the woods and rewards you with sweeping views from Red Knob Overlook—a quiet, scenic spot that feels far removed from the crowds below. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and take in some mountain scenery.

The Skyline Trail

Another standout is the Skyline Trail, a 1.3-mile out-and-back route with a steady incline and a big payoff at Jefferson Point. The view here is wide open and panoramic, especially striking in the fall when the Blue Ridge Mountains are glowing with reds, oranges, and golds. 

Fall Colors and Visiting in October

We visited in mid-October, and the fall color was incredible. The hillsides around Natural Bridge were glowing with shades of gold, orange, and deep red. Temperatures were crisp, the skies were clear, and the park wasn’t overly crowded.

October is hands-down one of the best times to visit—not only for the colors, but for the peaceful vibe that comes with the season. Not to mention the cooler temperatures.

Where to Stay?

Our visit to Natural Bridge was part of a larger trip along the Virginia sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. For more options on places to stay and eat, we stayed in Roanoke, Virginia, which is about 40 minutes from Natural Bridge.

Roanoke has several great options, including hotels, vacation rentals, inns, and airbnbs. We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites right off I-81. It was an affordable and nice hotel in a safe area.

As mentioned earlier, there is also a historic hotel at Natural Bridge that is a great option as well. The only downside is you will be further away from more dining options, shopping, and other city conveniences.

Our Tips for Visiting

To help you make the most of your visit to Natural Bridge, here are a few helpful tips we picked up during our visit:  

• Wear good shoes if you plan to walk to Lace Falls—the trail is easy but a bit rocky in places.
• Bring a water bottle and your camera—the views are photo-worthy throughout.
• If you visit in the fall, dress in layers. Mornings were chilly, but it warmed up quickly.
• Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Midday is the busiest, especially on weekends. We went in the morning and had much of the trail to ourselves.
• Check seasonal hours and closures. The park is open year-round, but hours for the Visitor Center, caverns, and shuttle vary by season. It's a good idea to check the official website before you go.

Best times to see the Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Colors

Determining the best time to see fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a bit more complex than it seems. Fall Colors progresses downward in elevation through the month of October.

Peak colors begin at the highest elevations in early October, and progress downwards through the end of October on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because the elevation of the Blue Ridge Parkway varies so much, the best times to see fall colors will depend on where you are visiting and the elevation of that location.

The timing of peak fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway varies by elevation and location. For 2025, based on current data and historical trends that we have, here are the expected peak weeks:

Understand that these dates are just estimates. There is no easy formula for forecasting fall color in the Blue Ridge Mountains, even if you are at the right elevation for the projected peak times.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has slopes facing east and west, with elevation ranging from under 650 feet at James River in Virginia to over 6,000 feet near Mt. Pisgah in North Carolina.

To add to the complexity even more, "peak color" is often subjective. Peak color for one person may differ from others.

If visitors expect to visit one specific location on a specific day in October, they may leave the parkway frustrated when the colors aren't what they expected.

Now, with all of that said, the Parkway is still one of the very best places to see peak fall color. Why?

Well, the parkway having changing elevations allows visitors to drive a longer distance, and experience different elevations and see some sections that are at or near peak. If you visit the planned destination and don't find peak color, drive a few miles down the parkway to a higher elevation, and you'll likely see them. There are several top spots for seeing fall color on the Parkway.

Our best advice, from years of experience driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the peak fall colors, is to target a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway instead of a specific location, and drive the entire section. You'll see more beautiful scenery and views, and increase your likelihood of seeing vivid, peak fall colors.

How will the color be this year?

Draught and temperature conditions in September of each year primarily drive the fall color schedule.

However, with that being said, the forecast by elevation seldom varies for than a few days each year. What varies greatly is the color. Some years deliver very vivid colors, with reds, yellows, oranges and greens. Other years deliver many shades of oranges and yellows only.

We even had one year where a tropical storm blew through and blew nearly all the leaves down. Mother Nature is hard to predict!

To keep you updated on the color progression each year, we publish weekly updates in our Fall Forecast & Guide. You can check there for updates, or sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive weekly updates in your inbox!

When should I visit Blue Ridge Parkway for fall colors?

Again, the best time is in October. Color progression usually begins at Graveyard Fields at MP418.5 and areas above 6,000 feet, then progresses downwards to the lowest elevations in Virginia towards the end of October and into early November.

There is no single best time to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is, however, an optimal time period, where most of the Blue Ridge Parkway will have color and you can easily drive to see that color.

That is from mid-October to the end of October.  

During those 2 weeks in the second half of October, there are always beautiful fall colors to see on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in North Carolina and Virginia.

Where is the best part of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall?

Talk about subjective! We've seen some pretty heated disagreements in our Blue Ridge Mountain Life Facebook Group about this. The bottom line is that there really isn't one particular part of the parkway that is the best.

We would say that most people would agree that the areas around Linn Cove Viaduct and Grandfather Mountain are stunning and very popular, as well as areas between Asheville, NC and Cherokee.

But don't limit yourself. There are many other stunning sections of the parkway that are beautiful in the fall.

See our 22 Best Stops for Fall Color on the Blue Ridge Parkway for more great places to visit!

Why does fall color vary year to year?

The science behind the intensity of fall color and time of peak color vary and are complex. The colors observed each year result from environmental factors and the genetic composition of plants.

Graveyard Fields at MP418.5 is a great example of genetic composition. While Graveyard Fields isn't the highest section of the parkway, it's the first to turn color because of the unique plants that grow there. Mainly blueberry bushes which turn a vivid red color each year.

The most desirable fall color for an area develops during autumn's shorter, bright and cool days, with cool nights that don't drop below freezing, and with ideal rainfall. Sufficient rainfall also results in longer leaf retention and enhanced coloration. 

On the flip side, cloudy, wet, and warm weather or extremely low temperatures during early fall can mute the normally vivid color display.

Planning your trip

Some sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are currently closed due to significant damage from Hurricane Helene.  Be sure to check the Parkway closures page before heading out and planning your trip.

To fully enjoy your fall adventure along the Blue Ridge Parkway, careful planning is a must.

From finding the perfect place to stay and enjoying locally owned restaurants to ensuring your safety on the winding mountain roads and parkway, this section will guide you through everything you need to know for an exciting and memorable trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak fall colors!

Finding the right place to stay is key to a successful fall trip when traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here are some recommendations for towns near the Blue Ridge Parkway:

• Asheville, NC - Asheville is a central hub for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC. It offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Consider staying near downtown for easy access to local dining and attractions, or opt for a cabin rental in the surrounding mountains for a more secluded and rustic experience.
• Boone, NC - Boone is an excellent base for exploring the northern sections of the Parkway. The town offers a range of lodging options, fantastic restaurants and lots to see and do, all within easy reach of popular spots like Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct. Our favorite place to stay when we visit is at the Blue Ridge Tourist Court.
• Blowing Rock, NC: This charming mountain town is a great base for exploring the northern sections of the Parkway. With a range of lodging options, including historic inns and rustic cabins, Blowing Rock provides both convenience and scenic beauty and it's one of our favorite mountain small towns! We love staying at Chetola Resort and Meadowbrook Inn.
• Maggie Valley, NC: Known for its beautiful setting and close proximity to the southern sections of the Parkway. Maggie Valley offers a range of accommodations, from quaint motels to mountain lodges, making it a great spot for both relaxation and exploration.
• Roanoke, VA: Roanoke, known as the "Star City of the South," offers a vibrant mix of arts, culture, and outdoor activities. It's an excellent place to stay for visitors looking to explore the central parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, with many hotels, restaurants, and things to see and do.
• Sparta, NC: Sparta provides a quieter, more rural experience, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds. With options ranging from country inns to vacation rentals, Sparta offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to the Parkway.
• Waynesboro, VA: Ideal for those exploring the northern end of the Parkway, Waynesboro offers easy access to the Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive. Look for comfortable hotels or vacation rentals with views of the surrounding valleys.
• Waynesville, NC: Located near the southern end of the Parkway, Waynesville offers a mix of small-town charm and proximity to outdoor activities. Choose from rustic cabins, cozy inns, or well-appointed hotels that provide easy access to nearby attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains.

Tips for seeing fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular destination during the fall, attracting thousands of visitors seeking to witness the breathtaking foliage. We've been travelling the parkway during all seasons, and especially in the fall.  Along the way, we've learned a few tips to make your visit far more enjoyable:

• Visit on Weekdays: Crowds are significantly smaller on weekdays compared to weekends. Planning your visit for a Monday through Thursday can help you avoid the busiest times.
• Early Morning or Late Afternoon Visits: Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon not only helps avoid crowds but also offers the best lighting conditions for photography. The soft, golden light (called golden hour) during these times enhances the vibrancy of the fall colors.
• Explore Lesser-Known Areas: While iconic spots like Grandfather Mountain and Mabry Mill are must-sees, consider visiting lesser-known sections of the Parkway. Areas like Waterrock Knob, Apple Orchard Mountain, and Thunder Ridge offer equally stunning views with fewer visitors.
• Plan for Multiple Days: Instead of a single-day visit, consider spreading your trip over several days. This allows you to explore different sections of the Parkway at various times, giving you a better chance to see peak colors without the rush.
• Check Weather and Road Conditions: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and fog. Before setting out, check the forecast and road conditions. The National Park Service provides regular updates on closures and detours along the Parkway.
• Layered Clothing: Temperatures can vary widely, especially at different elevations. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to the changing conditions throughout the day.
• Drive Safely: The Parkway’s winding roads and steep grades require careful driving, especially during peak season when traffic can be heavy. Stick to the speed limit, be cautious on curves, and watch for wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk. To keep traffic moving and as a courtesy to others, please pull over to allow faster moving traffic to safely pass.

Orchard at Altapass History

The Orchard at Altapass, despite being located at Mile Post 328 on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of North Carolina, actually has a history that started well before the parkway (which began on September 11, 1935) came along. 

The orchard, as it is now, is only a small fraction of its original size and scope of operations. Originally, it was started in 1908 by the Clinchfield Railroad due to its location.

The orchard is located along the lowest point of the Eastern Continental Divide, which is the dividing line of where rain water eventually ends up; in the Atlantic Ocean on the Eastern side, or the Mississippi River on the Western side.

Due to this, the orchard is nestled in the valley and protected on all sides by mountains which act as a buffer and insulators to hold in warmer air and protect against freezing during the cooler springtime nights.

Originally, the orchard held over 30,000 apple trees planted across a massive 600 acres. However, it now only has about 3,000 apple trees across 70 acres. 

One cause of the decrease came just eight short years after its beginning. In July 1916, two hurricanes (a category 2 and a category 3) came together over Western North Carolina and led to over 10 straight days of rain that would devastate several mountain areas and leave marks behind that can still be seen to this day.

The converging of storms and their seemingly never-ending rainfall would later become known as the Great Flood of 1916 which broke records all over the Southeast US. One such record was for the highest amount of rainfall in an area within the continental US in a 24-hour period; which the area of Altapass claimed with a staggering 22.22 inches.

Because of this massive down pouring of rainwater, every part of Western North Carolina became inundated and triggered several deadly landslides and dam failures in the region [1].

However, despite the damage caused by this historic event, the orchard persisted and the act of replanting began. To this day, there are still several trees that are believed to be from that original replanting. That would make some of them 108 years old this year! 

What is an orchard, and why is this one special?

Orchards are often large areas of land that are used to grow and raise one particular type of fruit bearing tree. In this case, it’s all apples!

The production of apples is one of North Carolinas top crops and is consistently in the top 10 list of apple producers in the US. Because of the climate, soil, and pollinators (more on a few of them below) that call NC home, there are around 200 apple orchards or commercial apple growers located here [2]!

Despite all these orchards though, there are several things that make the one in Altapass unique. The main one being the variety of apples that are grown here; heritage heirloom apples.

Some of which can be traced back to the beginning of our nations history when Europeans first began colonizing the area. 

On average, it takes around five years before apple trees begin to produce quality apples. Once they produce, most apple trees have a lifespan of about 70 years until they slow down. However, as mentioned above, there are some here that are well past that 70-year mark and still producing! 

All apples begin their life as just a small bloom in the springtime before spending the next few weeks to several months (depending on variety) growing larger and juicier until it’s time for them to be picked. During this harvesting season, another example of how this orchard sets itself apart is that it is a “Minimum Spray” orchard.

Minimum spray means that during the harvest season, they only spray their orchard 4-5 times and only using organic compounds. This is in contrast to some commercial growing operations, which conduct over 20 sprayings.

This means you get a healthier and a more environmentally friendly product and operation.

Finally, at the end of the season and toward the end of the year, when the cold weather returns to the region, the caretakers begin pruning the trees. During pruning, they take the time to shape and trim as many trees as possible so that they grow outward and downward, almost in the shape of an opened-up umbrella. 

An umbrella shape is important, as it helps ensure that water and sunlight access each apple. It also makes the apples more accessible for picking.

Orchards also play many roles or exist for several different reasons. For example, some are for commercial growing, some are for fun events like apple picking, and some, such as the one here, play a very important role: preserving and protecting these historical heirloom varieties so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

While there are thousands of different apple varieties, the Orchard at Altapass focuses on growing the ones listed below.

The vast majority of these are original heirloom varieties that the orchard has preserved. One example of which is the Limbertwig, a very hard to find variety that is native only to the Southern Appalachian region.

Pollinators abound!

Another distinguishing difference of this orchard is their approach towards local pollinators, such as honey bees and several types of butterflies. They recognize that without them, there would be no orchard; or for that matter, no humanity either.

They have started several programs and placed additions around the orchard to ensure these pollinators have plenty of options for habitats. One example is the transparent observation beehive inside the visitor’s center. Don’t worry, it’s entirely enclosed with only a small tube that goes through the wall for the bees to come and go safely.

There are also several other beehives located around the property. However, there is just something fascinating about being able to watch the inner workings of a beehive and all the activity that goes on inside of one. Also, it’s right next to the fresh honey that’s for sale, and what’s better than watching bees make honey? Eating some while watching them make more! 

Bees alone are not the only pollinators that the orchard has worked hard to ensure the safety of; butterflies are the other main attraction and big stars at the orchard.

They have planted butterfly friendly plants such as milkweed all around the orchard and even have an established butterfly garden which is full of pollinator friendly plants, flowers, and bushes.

On top of these efforts, every year they lead a program to help protect the Monarch Butterfly, which is on the brink of being declared an endangered species again. The staff constantly search the property and when they discover monarch eggs, they remove the entire plant and place it inside for protection. Once they are then placed in the enclosure, visitors can observe and learn more about them, and if lucky, see multiple stages at the same time! I did this last year and got to observe several of them shortly after they emerged from their chrysalis’ (the butterfly equivalent of a cocoon).

I then got to see and learn something new; did you know that monarchs have furry edges along their wings? I had no idea until then! 

Ensuring their protection until they emerge as a gorgeous, golden-orange butterfly is not the end of their program though. Once a butterfly is ready to go free, the orchard tags their wing (it does not hurt or bother them) so that it can be traced on its long journey south. 

Some of their monarchs have successfully made the trip from the orchard in Altapass all the way down to Mexico, a staggering distance of over 1,000 miles!

Things to do at Orchard of Altapass

There are so many fun activities here and something for everyone (and even the pets) to enjoy no matter the age!

Walking Trails

Come and just enjoy the outdoors and walk one of the many trails that are located throughout the orchard. See some of the heritage heirloom apple varieties and many other sights along the way. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a hike down to the original form of transportation (before the Parkway), the train tracks! Trail maps and detailed information about each trail are available at the Red Barn and online. Also, it’s free!

Map of trails, buildings, and sights around the orchard. (Taken from website)

Photo opportunities

No matter where you look there are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities! There are several peek-through standing props placed around the orchard for fun and creative pictures. On top of these, there is the natural beauty that can only be found in the mountains of North Carolina and particularly along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Which leads me to one of my personal favorites; taking in the view of the setting sun while relaxing on the back-porch area! Be sure to bring your camera! 

Dining

The on-property restaurant, The Apple Core Grill, serves several types of sandwiches such as BBQ, Chicken Salad, Pimento Cheese, and even hotdogs. Also, in the general store, there are more options available including: fresh baked apple pies (my recommendation), Hershey’s ice cream, homemade fudge, fresh honey, and so much more!

Apple Picking

Come take a guided tour among the orchard with some of the many knowledgeable staff who will guide you to some of the freshest and tastiest apples in the orchard. Get your chance to see and pick the apples you want (and maybe enjoy one or two along the way). Be sure to bring your close-toed shoes and questions for this fun experience! (Prices range from $10, $15, to $24 depending on size of bag or basket you choose)

Prebagged Apples

Don’t have time for picking your own? Weather isn’t cooperating? Or if you just want some apples to take home with you- There are several varieties that are already picked, bagged up, and ready to go available for purchase. (Prices range from $8 for a half peck, $14 for a full peck, to $45 for a full bushel)

Live Music

Throughout the season, there are constantly unique artists and bands playing at the music and events pavilion.

Be sure to check the website and Facebook page to get the most up-to-date information. 

“Heyrides”

Similar to a normal hayride, however, this one is missing the “hay” on the wagon. During these, you are treated to a 45-minute ride that is packed with stories of local lure and history, including those about the first settler of the orchard: Charlie McKinney.

This is a great educational experience and way to learn more about the orchard, its history and mission, the apples, and the wildlife found there.

Be sure to visit the orchard website for days, times and cost.

General Store

Make this both your first and last stop of your trip, get your trail maps here, see the enclosed beehive, explore the model train set up, and get a overview of the orchard before going exploring or apple picking.

Then come back for some great food, delicious deserts, fresh honey, and find some unique gifts to take home for friends and family.

Finally, finish your visit off by spending some time on the back deck taking in the awe-inspiring views of the mountains and valleys that surround you. 

Know before you visit

Here are a few tips that will make your visit to the Orchard at Altapass more enjoyable!

• The orchard is mostly outside, so be prepared for the weather and plan ahead if necessary. 
• Pet/animal policy: All pets are welcome as long as they are leashed and well behaved. Also, please remember to clean up after them. 
• The orchard has some steep areas, roots, and uneven ground, so watch your step. However, there are still several areas that are easily accessible and allow for the use of wheelchairs, strollers, etc. 
• While the orchard has a set season and hours of operation, the walking trails located around there remain open year-round! 
• Don’t be surprised if you see or learn something new. 
• Most importantly, HAVE FUN and enjoy making memories!

Orchard Information

Address:

Orchard at Altapass, Altapass Foundation, Inc

1025 Orchard Road

Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Milepost 328 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Website: http://www.altapassorchard.org

Phone: (828)-765-9531

Opens: May 4th, 2024

Closes: End of October. However, the walking trails stay open year-round! 

Hours:

Weekends only in May (10a-5p)

Starting in June, Wed-Sun (10a-5p) 

(The Apple Core Grill opens June 1st and operates on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 11a-4p with more dates to be announced)

How to get to the Orchard at Altapass

From Spruce Pine/Marion: Follow NC Route 226 North, toward to the Blue Ridge Parkway, turn right across from the NC Museum of Minerals, then make a left onto the Parkway. Go 3 miles to Orchard Rd. Turn Right (VERY TIGHT TURN), then right again at the intersection. Follow the signs to the Orchard.

Note: If you are driving an oversized vehicle such as a motor home or attached trailer, please continue past Orchard Rd. to the next overlook (North Cove Valley Overlook, about a half mile away), turn around there, then come back making a left onto Orchard Rd. 

Special thanks

I need to do a special thanks to Sam McKinney, the Mission and Sustainability Manager, who has graciously assisted me with compiling extensive amounts of information and helping make this article happen. 

Also, listed below are just a few of the individuals who need special mention for their work, assistance, and dedication in making sure that the Orchard at Altapass stays one of the top attractions to visit along the parkway: 

Beth Hilton: Executive Director

Alicia Sillman: Retail Operations Manager

Germaine Galjour: Bees, Blooms, Butterflies

Michael Fortner: Field Lead

Ramiro Chavez: Field Specialist

Kit Trubey and Bill and Judy Carson: Founders 

Sources

1. Neufeld, R. (n.d.). Visiting Our Past: A harrowing tale of the great flood of 1916. The Asheville Citizen Times. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2020/07/12/visiting-our-past-harrowing-tale-great-flood-1916/5414920002/
2. Apple Facts | NC Apple Growers Association. (n.d.). Ncapplegrowers.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://ncapplegrowers.com/apple-facts/#:~:text=How%20many%20apple%20producers%20are

About Devil's Courthouse

Long before the parkway, roads, or even cars existed, the Cherokee lived, hunted, and traded in the surrounding mountains of Devil's Courthouse. The mountain itself was believed by the Cherokee to be where the devil (Judaculla in English and Tsul'Kalu in Cherokee) held court in the caves below the mountain.

Today, the mountain is a popular stopping point and overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The overlook has a large parking area that provides exceptional views of the towering mountain and bare cliffs near the top. There is also a picnic table here.  

Hiking to the top of Devil's Courthouse

For those looking for a more adventurous challenge, you'll want to hike up tp the very top where there is an observation deck that provides incredible high elevation, and early 360 degree scenic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.  Devil’s Courthouse is 5,720 feet at the summit.

We say "challenge", because the trail is short, but very steep.  Going to the top is definitely a workout, but beautiful.

From the parking area, the trail begins in the corner of the parking area closest to the Parkway and the mountain. The trail is paved most of the way up, then turns to gravel with some stairs on the final stretch.  

The scenery along the trail, as you can see if our video, is just beautiful. Devil's Courthouse is home to many rare high-altitude plants, so please stay on the trail to avoid damaging them. Some of these plants are what remains of plants from the glacial period. So yeah, they're old.

The views from the top are nearly 360 degrees and panoramic. From the summit, you can see North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

While tough, the hike up is definitely worth it. Please be sure to stay within the overlook walls, as the drops at the summit are significant and would be fatal.

Waterrock Knob Trail

Devil's Courthouse Trail

Graveyard Fields to Lower and Upper Falls

Art Leob Trail to Black Balsam Knob

If you enjoy hiking along high elevation and scenic ridges, with 360 degree views all around, than the hike to Black Balsam is for you!

This hike offers incredible views, due to being a bald, with only grass and low growing vegetation.

The trail also offers amazing sunrise and sunset views as well, along with high elevation camping as well.

Sam's Knob

Craggy Gardens - Craggy Pinnacle Trail

Crabtree Falls Trail

Tanawha Trail, alongside Linn Cove Viaduct

Rough Ridge

Linville Falls Trail

Mount Mitchell and Balsam Nature Trail

Mount Pisgah Trail

Frying Pan Mountain Tower Trail

Price Lake Loop Trail

Sharp Top Trail

The most popular and most epic trail in the Peaks of Otter area of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail originates at the Nature Center and goes 1.5 miles to the summit of Sharp Top mountain. The hike is steep and strenuous, but offers incredible 360-degree views from the summit.  

We recommend taking the spur trail to Buzzard's Roost, a series or large rock formations. The Nature Center is located at milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Peaks of Otter area.

Cascades Trail

The Pinnacle - Flat Top Mountain

Bass Lake Loop Trail

When is the best time to see Fall Colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The best times to see peak colors along the Blue Ridge Parkway vary by elevation.  Color at the highest elevations peaks around the first week in October, and peak at lower elevations is towards the end of October.

Our 2019 Fall Forecast and Color guide provides all the dates for you, including maps, tips, photos, and even weekly updates!  

Top 22 Best Stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway for Fall Color

​​​​​Nearby: Be sure to spend some time in Asheville NC, maybe even a few days if you can.  The artsy city in the mountains is full of amazing one of kind restaurants, historic hotels and Bed & Breakfasts Breweries, and exciting and fun events.  

Biltmore Estate is a must see while in the area, and you'll want to allocate a whole day for it.

Nearby: Also located at this overlook is the trailhead for Skinny Dip Falls.   The waterfall is definitely worth the moderate and short hike down to see it.   During the summer, it's also a very popular swimming hole.

Just after Cowee Mountain Overlook, is Richland Balsam Overlook at MP431.4, also known as "Highest Point on the Parkway".  While the view isn't stunning, it is pretty.  But you'll want stop and get your picture taken here next to the sign to remember your adventure!

Nearby: At Milepost 443.1, is the exit to Waynesville, NC - A wonderful small mountain town with a historic downtown area full or unique local art, restaurants, and shops.   Be sure to stop, fill up your tank, and get some food.   For a real treat, grab lunch or dinner at The Sweet Onion Restaurant.

Nearby: Take a quick excursions to Soco Falls at the Maggie Valley NC exit, MP455.7.  A very beautiful waterfall, just a mile or so off the Parkway.

Also nearby is the wonderful, Cherokee NC full of things to do, access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and home to Harrah's Casino.

You'll also want to visit Maggie Valley NC, a wonderful small mountain town with lots to do and see, and also our home base!

Directions to Heintooga Round Bottom Road

Heintooga Round Bottom Road is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Maggie Valley NC. Coming down the Parkway, towards Cherokee, turn right on Heintooga/Balsam Mountain Road at Milepost 458.2. The entrance will be obvious. Just look for the 3 separate entry ways going into the entrance.

Follow this 9 mile long paved road all the way to the end, where you will reach a large cul-du-sac and a picnic area.  You'll see the narrow gravel, and clearly marked Heintooga Round Bottom Road straight ahead of you (shown in the photo above).

Heintooga/Balsam Mountain Road are usually open from late May through October. They can close during at anytime though due to fallen trees or severe weather.

You can check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway pages for closure information.

Heintooga Round Bottom Road - What you'll see

As you begin your drive, you'll notice almost immediately how the forest closes in around you. Through the entire drive, you see nothing but untouched, pristine and raw forest. The forest and wildflowers extend right up next to your vehicle as you slowly weave your way down from 5,535 feet to below 2,000 feet in Cherokee.

The road is narrow, but one way, so you don't have to worry about oncoming traffic until far later in the drive. There are plenty of pull overs as well, so you can stop and take photos. When the road turns to two-way traffic, there are signs clearly showing this.

There are no major scenic attractions as you wind down Heintooga Round Bottom Road. Instead, pay attention to the small things, like the little waterfalls along the trails, created as water cascades down the small rock faces. Pay attention to the variety of wildflowers, and look out for wildlife, including Black Bears, elk, and deer that are in this area.

The last third of the drive is our favorite, and you'll travel alongside a small creek that grows as you descend the mountain, eventually crossing a large bridge. You'll run across several trailheads as well, to trails into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a trial into Cataloochee Valley.

If you stop and park before crossing the bridge, on your left and up in the woods, are two small waterfalls. You can hear them from the road. They aren't very photogenic, but worth the short walk to see them.

You can access the creek and the area under the bridge from this side as well. You can also drive across the bridge and access the creek from there as well.

Before they built the bridge, people used to drive through the water to cross the creek. It's too bad you can't do that anymore!

From this bridge out to Big Cove Road is the most photographic area of the drive. You'll travel alongside the creek, which is full of small waterfalls and cascades. The photographic spots are endless, and the creek and surrounding woods are just gorgeous.

You'll also pass by a small horse camp, and often see horses in this area, along with other families and people camping on the in the surrounding primitive campsites in the area.

You'll exit the area onto Big Cove Road, in Cherokee and pass the Cherokee Trout Farm. Turn left to head to downtown Cherokee. Be sure and stop by Mingo Falls on your way by.

Wrapping Up

The drive down Heintooga Round Bottom Road is wonderful and provides a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle often found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If you aren't worried about being away from people, and have the right vehicle, this is the perfect scenic and remote drive.

Crabtree Falls and Crabtree Falls Trail

Crabtree Falls is accessed from the extension trailhead located next to the parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP339.5.  The trailhead will be across from the old store.  The old parking area is in the campground itself, and the actual real trailhead is located .5 miles from this parking lot, at the old parking area.

There will be signs pointing you to the extension trailhead just after you enter the Crabtree Falls Recreation area, and pass the picnic area (which has bathrooms) at Milepost 339.5.

The extension trail is flat and easy.  You'll pass through some woods, and then pass the old Amphitheater for the Crabtree Falls campground.  Just after passing the Amphitheater, you'll see the sign to the right, just go left towards Loop - A, where you will continue into the campground on the trail.

The trail will take you to the Loop A road in the campground.   Almost directly across from you as you reach the loop road will be the actual real trailhead for the trail itself.  The old parking lot will be to your right - It is no longer used due to being too small to handle the volume of visitors.

Crabtree Falls Video

Check out our video on the hike to Crabtree Falls during the summer!

Crabtree Falls Trailhead

At the trailhead by the old parking lot is a large sign and trail map.   We took a picture not only to share with you, but to have for reference as we hiked.

From the trailhead, the trail for the most part descends towards the falls at a slow incline.  During the first part of the trail, it's wide and easy to walk on.  You'll be surrounded by Rosebay Rhododendron, that are beautiful in July.

Shortly after, you'll reach the intersection of the loop trail where it returns from the falls.  Just go right and down to reach the falls.  The trail begins wide and easy, but gets progressively steeper, more narrower and rougher.  

The walk down is fairly easy, and the more steep parts of the trail have natural stairs, that the National Park Service has done an excellent job with.  The trail will switchback a few times.  

Once the trail narrows and begins to become rougher, you'll hear the falls in the distance, and during the winter and spring, you'll see the Crabtree Falls shortly after in the distance to your left a little.  Before reaching the falls, the trail will flatten out, and become very easy again.

The trail emerges at the falls, below it, with a very nice wooden bridge spanning the creek below the falls.  Here is the view you'll see as you reach the waterfall.   

As you can see, this is a gorgeous waterfall.  We've visited a few times in both the Spring and Summer.  The best view of Crabtree Falls is from the the other side of the bridge.   This is a very photogenic falls though, and good photo locations are located on both sides, and from the bridge.

At the base of the falls is a shallow wading pool, that seems to be perfect to cool off in during the summer. 

We elected to head back on the loop trail which is up the stone steps on the far side of the bridge, and take the loop trail home.   This is a strenuous trail for the first .5 mile or so.  Very steep, and short sections of the trail have some very serious drops.  Once you reach the top of the ridge, the trail is easy to moderate, but that first .5 mile was tough, and we took lots of breaks on the way up.  They aren't kidding about this part being "strenuous".

The loop trail takes you alongside the creek above the Falls, and is really gorgeous.   Follow the signs back to the Amphitheater to return to the short trail back to the parking lot.    Towards the end of the trail, it will go left or straight.  Going left will take you back to the original trail you started on, going straight will take you out into the campground and you can find the extension trail to the left.   This is the route we decided to take as it seemed more direct.

Crabtree Falls is an absolutely gorgeous waterfall, with a tall and wide cascade.   The area around the falls is dense wood, with lots to see, including creeks, wildflowers, and numerous types of trees.    Not only are the falls beautiful, but the trail itself makes for a great hike, that isn't too terribly difficult, but challenging enough to be fun, and provide some good exercise.

>> Find and see more waterfalls using our Waterfalls Guide and Map!