12 Best Southern Hotels For Spotting Fall Foliage

It doesn’t get more colorful, or luxurious, than this.

The Northeast may get a lot of attention during the autumn, but the South blatantly refuses to be outdone. It’s this time of year when the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park don their finest colors. Deep reds, vibrant oranges, and brilliant yellows paint the landscape, and mountain towns like Cashiers, Boone, Dahlonega, and Gatlinburg tempt travelers with their charming shops, quaint activities, and proximity to some of the best foliage in the country.

While you can experience the fall in various ways, nothing is quite as cozy (or luxurious) as checking into a hotel immersed in the ever-changing colors. Imagine waking up on a crisp morning, wrapping up in a fluffy bathrobe, and looking out upon the maple and oak trees, a cup of coffee in hand. Spend the rest of the day discovering nearby hikes, breathing in the mountain air, and taking advantage of the short yet magical season.

Not all Southern hotels are privy to iconic fall scenes, though. Here are the best hotels to book to experience spectacular foliage, from a resort in the Virginia countryside to Western North Carolina’s finest accommodations and an inn set in Tennessee’s prime leaf-peeping region.

The Swag

Waynesville, North Carolina

Take one look at a picture of The Swag in the autumn, and you’ll want to be transported there immediately. “The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more species of trees than all of Europe combined, so guests can expect to see a wide variety of fall foliage when they visit,” says Steven Reinhold, expert-in-residence at The Swag. “Our maple trees turn first and range from fiery red to bright yellow to neon orange. Sourwood trees, famous for their tasty honey, turn a velvety red with hints of purple, and the contrasting remnants of their late-summer flowersappear like golden tassels covering the tree. Poplar, ash, and buckeye trees turn golden yellow and pop against the deep red and burnt orange leaves of our mighty oak trees,” he explains. These bright colors might be the star of the show in the autumn, but Reinhold also shares that the spruce, fir, and hemlock trees play the perfect foil, “[standing] out against the bright fall foliage.”

theswag.com, 2300 Swag Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785

Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards

Bristol, Virginia

“Southern Appalachia is a unique and easily accessible destination for leaf peepers, naturalists, and explorers of all skill levels,” says Mohsin Kazmi, the in-house naturalist at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, which was voted the South’s best hotel of 2023 by our readers. The property opened in 2022, and its location is certainly a large part of its appeal, especially in October and November. Kazmi notes that it’s “surrounded by mature hardwood forest rich in biodiversity—from sugar maple and beech trees turning bright orange and yellows, to sassafras trees painting the hilltops in a variety of reds, oranges, and purples.” Several of the inn’s rooms boast amazing views, but he says guests “who are interested in experiencing foliage from under the mature hickory forest canopy” should book one of the well-appointed yurts.

nicewonderfarm.com, 22010 Nicewonder Dr, Bristol, VA 24202

Crescent Hotel and Spa

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

If you look at a fall foliage map, you’ll see that Eureka Springs, Arkansas—home to the historic Crescent Hotel & Spa—witnesses its peak colors in late October. “Visitors to the hotel will see a colorful display of fall leaves from a variety of oak and maple trees with a range of reds, oranges, and yellows across the hillside,” says resort host Nikki Emerson. She also adds that the hotel grounds’ hiking trails are “connected to the in-town trail system that runs throughout Eureka Springs,” so guests will easily be able to get their steps in while embarking on an afternoon of leaf-peeping.

crescent-hotel.com, 75 Prospect Ave, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection

Meadows of Dan, Virginia

Primland Resort, the definition of a mountain getaway, has views of fall foliage in every direction. Located on 12,00 acres, the property witnesses a near-total color change come October and November. “Primland's wooded areas are adorned with various tree species, including maple, oak, hickory, and dogwood. The deciduous hardwoods contribute to the kaleidoscope of colors, creating a picturesque scene that's perfect for those seeking the quintessential fall experience,” says Brian Alley, the property’s director of golf and recreation. For the best views, he recommends guests “choose from several hikes across 18 miles of trails” or book one of resort’s new treehouses, which “provide a cozy setting with unparalleled views.”

aubergeresorts.com/primland, 2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120

The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is known for many things, one of which is its incredible autumn scenes, especially those found near The Inn on Biltmore Estate. “Starting in mid-October, you will see the ground-level color of mums and asters. Then, moving up a few feet, you’ll see the fiery orange foliage of shrub viburnums, and then to the burgundy mid-story color of sourwoods and dogwood with bright red berries,” says Senior Director of Horticulture Parker Andes. “Colors from the tallest trees include orange-red leaves on maples and shiny dark red on large black gum trees. Oaks of all sorts finish off the color with dark reds and tan through early November.” He also shares that the inn is “a great place to start [or] end a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” where you’ll be sure to “encounter peak color somewhere along the drive.”

biltmore.com, 1 Antler Hill Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

High Hampton

Cashiers, North Carolina

There’s hardly a bad time to visit Western North Carolina, although October and November might take the cake. For an incredibly colorful trip, consider booking a room (or cottage) at High Hampton. “We have a tremendous view of the box canyon that is Cashiers, especially sitting outside on the Tavern Terrace looking at Rock Mountain. Typically, the black locust trees, as well as the maples, start to change first, followed by the beech and oak trees,” explains Scott Franqueza, High Hampton’s executive chef. For an extra large dose of crisp mountain air, he suggests hiking White Side Mountain, “which provides another awesome view of the canyon and all of the foliage.” When exploring the resort, keep a lookout for several Champion Trees; Chef Franqueza notes these “provide beautiful colors that can be seen around the property or while playing 18 holes on the golf course.”

highhampton.com, 1525 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC 28717

Barnsley Resort

Adairsville, Georgia

If your travels take you to Northwest Georgia in the fall, be sure to set aside a night or two for a stay at Barnsley Resort. According to the property’s director of land management, Lance McDonald, it’s “home to numerous types of trees—including oak, dogwoods, hickory, ginkgo, beech, cypress, sycamore, and varieties of poplar—all of which create a diverse collection of colors, shades, and shapes of leaves.” It may be tempting to lounge by the fireplace in your room or take a long soak in one of the clawfoot bathtubs, but save those activities until after you’ve spent the day outside. McDonald recommends strolling through the Manor House Ruins and gardens “to see the bright yellows of tulip poplars, reds of maple trees, and the unique rusty colors of a trio of towering bald cypresses reflected in the lower ponds.”

barnsleyresort.com, 597 Barnsley Gardens Rd NW, Adairsville, GA 30103

The Omni Homestead Resort

Hot Springs, Virginia

Upon arriving at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, travelers will be greeted by both an impressive property as well as a delightful assortment of autumn shades. “Typically, the colors appear as a blend of gold and green hues, with occasional bursts of red and orange,” says Chuck Wagmiller, director of golf grounds and resort landscape. The resort’s spa and culinary experiences may tempt guests, but the outdoor adventures reign supreme this time of year. “For those eager to delve deeper into the world of fall foliage and the stunning landscapes that envelop the resort, our professional naturalist guides await on the Cascades Gorge Hike,” shares Wagmilller. “Alternatively, guests can explore miles of winding trails on a scenic bike ride through the vibrant terrain or opt for a leisurely horseback ride across the expansive grounds of the property.”

omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia, 7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA 24445

Southall Farm & Inn

Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin, Tennessee (where you’ll find Southall Farm & Inn) is one of the best spots to be when the leaves change in the fall—and it’s just 20 miles from Nashville. “Travelers come to this area of Tennessee specifically to see the vibrancy of the foliage,” says Executive Property Manager David Mishkin, who also shares that Southall’s location is “the perfect setting for feeling immersed in those warm autumnal colors—reds, oranges, and yellows.” After waking up in one of the 62 guestrooms or one of the 16 cottages, guests can stretch their legs by climbing the property’s hills. “I also seek out the Hilltop Pavilion this time of year,” says Mishkin. “The hilltop has an open-sided cantilevered deck with unobstructed views of Leiper’s Fork on one side and the perfect view of Southall from the other.”

southalltn.com, 2200 Osage Lp, Franklin, TN 37064

Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant

Lakemont, Georgia

Some of the South’s best lakes also come alive in the fall. Case in point: Georgia’s Lake Rabun. Guests of the historic Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant will enjoy the “vibrant colors from maple, oak, tulip poplar, and dogwood trees,” says Hotel Manager McKayla Buchanan. Plus, she adds the “magenta azalea hedges are also reblooming at this time of year, making it very colorful here at the Lake Rabun Hotel.” You can certainly explore the surrounding area in search of amazing fall foliage (including stops at Tallulah Falls or Minnehaha Falls), but Gwen North, the owner of the hotel, shares there’s plenty of color-forward scenery on the property: “To enjoy views from the hotel, secure a comfortable chair on the Treetop Deck or one of the Locust Log Decks surrounded by the beautiful colors of these trees.”

lakerabunhotel.com, 35 Andrea Ln, Lakemont, GA 30552

The Greystone Inn

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

The Greystone Inn is another Southern hotel pairing excellent fall foliage with waterfront views. “We're tucked back on Lake Toxaway, the largest private lake in North Carolina, and it's truly inspiring to see the brilliance of the yellows, red, and orange leaves reflecting off the shoreline across the property,” says Paulette Todd, the inn’s general manager. Guests can soak up the scenes from the lakeside Adirondack chairs, or spend the precious daylight hours traversing through the Western North Carolina woods. As far as hikes, Todd recommends Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park: “It's only 7 miles from our hotel and offers breathtaking views of the Horsepasture River that cascades down a huge 125-foot drop, creating a mist that catches the light and forms beautiful rainbows among the fall foliage.”

greystoneinn.com, 220 Greystone Ln, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747

Snowbird Mountain Lodge

Robbinsville, North Carolina

Travelers have been experiencing the autumn magic of Snowbird Mountain Lodge since the 1940s—and it continues to impress. “The fall foliage is typically full peak by mid-October. You can expect to see every color of fall, from orange, yellow, red, purple, green, and, of course, the brown that follows,” says Zach Girgenti, the property’s director of outdoor experiences. One of the best places to get a view that “looks like a perfectly painted picture,” according to Girgenti, is the sunrise observation deck. And if you’re staying at the all-inclusive hotel later in the season, he recommends checking out nearby Yellow Creek Falls, which “will be amazing up to the end of November.”

snowbirdlodge.com, 4633 Santeetlah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771

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