The Beautiful Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains
The fall foliage season in the North Carolina Mountains is a beautiful spectacle that is brought about by the gradual change in the color of the mountain foliage on the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. The autumn change in the color of the foliage is caused by the low autumn temperature, which slows down the production of chlorophyll and make the leaves to turn yellow.
The foliage at the top of the hills start to turn earlier than the foliage at the bottom of the mountains because of the cooler temperature at the top of the mountains.
Therefore, the change in the color of the foliage starts at the highest elevations of the mountains in the first week of October and works its way down the mountain by mid-November.
This varied elevation of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains create the best conditions for tourists to view the foliage coloration.
When Is The Peak Color Of The North Carolina Mountain Foliage?
The foliage at the elevations of 4000 feet and above turns within the first 2 weeks of October. The areas within this elevation are Alum Cave Bluffs, Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, Mount LeConte, Andrews Bald, Ramsey Cascades, Chimney Tops, and Balsam Mountain.
Elevations between 2000 and 3000 feet peak in the middle of October and early November.
Cades Cove, which is at the elevation of 1716, will be one of the last areas of the mountain to peak. The peak time for Cades Cove is late October or early November.
Popular Spots to View the Fall Foliage
The North Carolina Mountain cover a large area. Therefore, if you take a mountain tour along the Blue Ridge Parkway or along the other mountain roads at any time in October, you are going to find a spot to view the foliage in its peak.
Some popular places where you can go to view the foliage peak include:
Cades Cove
Foothills Parkway
Cataloochee Valley, which is at an elevation of 2680 ft
Tremont
Greenbrier
Alum Cave Bluffs
Chimney Tops
Andrews Bald (elevation of 5920 feet)
Newfound Gap Road (elevation of 5,048 feet)
Clingman Dome (elevation of 6,643)
Blue Ridge Parkway
You Can Own a Part of This Beautiful Paradise
We have over 30 parcels of properties for sale in the South Mountains. The properties range from 1 to 10 acres which we are selling as low as $29,900. The properties are strategically located to give you the best view of the mountain ranges. They are also near a community lake which is stocked with fish where you can go fishing during your days off.
For more information about the Western North Carolina mountain property, call us at 828-475-4844 to schedule a showing or to request a free brochure.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the best-known mountain ranges in the eastern part of North America. Their stunning beauty and unique color has made them the subject of art of all types, from paintings and drawings to music and movies. If you live in Western North Carolina, you are lucky enough to call this place home and enjoy the incredible views that are provided by this range. If you own property in a Grandview Peaks community, you’ll enjoy these views on a daily basis. We couldn’t be more proud of the location we are offering our clients and want you to understand just how special it really is.
This is a mountain range of legend. Here are some common questions and answers about the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Are the Blue Ridge Mountains blue?
Yes and no. The mountains themselves are not blue, but they show a blue haze that occurs due to the way your eye observes a dark, solid object. When viewed from a distance, the light scatters across the mountains and the isoprene released into the atmosphere by its thick vegetation to create a blue haze.
What states are the Blue Ridge Mountains in?
The Blue Ridge Mountains span Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. This particular segment of the Appalachian mountains is 615 miles long.
How high are the Blue Ridge Mountains?
The Blue Ridge Mountains have the highest mountains the eastern half of North America south of Baffin Island. The highest peak is 6,684 feet at Mount Mitchell, located in North Carolina. 39 of the peaks are over 6,000 feet. The average elevation for most of the mountain range is 2,000 to 4,000 feet.
How many national parks are in the Blue Ridge Mountains?
The mountain range includes Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic motor route that takes in some of the best vistas of the range.
How did the Blue Ridge Mountains get their name?
The Blue Ridge Mountains are named for their apparent blue color. The name likely came from early pioneers when the mountain range became an important dividing line between colonial territory and Native American territory.
What is the Blue Ridge Mountain song?
The Blue Ridge Mountain Song is a song written by Alan Jackson and published in The Bluegrass Album. The song tells of a tragic love affair between a young man and a young woman, who marry while singing a Blue Ridge Mountain song. Tragically the young woman dies, and the grieving husband sings the song in remembrance of his young wife.
If you are considering buying land in Western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains are by far the most beautiful and tranquil part of the state to consider. A home in the mountains gives you the chance to slow down the pace of life and enjoy the grandeur of nature. If you are going to make this move, you need to consider a home with a view. Here are some reasons why a home with a view is well worth the investment.
1. Stunning Views Year-Round
One of the beauties of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the fact that the area is beautiful year-round. From the colors of wildflowers in the spring to the brilliant reds and golds of fall, your view will constantly change, but never disappoint. The view will even change day-to-day, as the light moves across the mountain peaks and highlights different parts of the mountains.
2. Close Connection with Nature
Living with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains will give you a close connection to the natural world around you. You may find yourself noticing small things, like the migratory patterns of the wildlife in your area or the diverse species of birds that inhabit your trees, that you never were able to notice before. You will become enamored with the nature that is right outside your door.
3. Quiet and Peaceful Lifestyle
Homes with a mountain view lend themselves to natural areas that are quiet and peaceful. You will have a place that offers a true escape from the stresses of modern life, a cozy resort-inspired place that is all your own. If you are craving peace and quiet, a mountain view home in North Carolina will deliver it beautifully.
For those who are looking for unencumbered views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandview Peaks delivers. With 40-50 mile views that are not blocked by modern developments, our community properties boast the best views of one of the world’s most famous and aesthetically pleasing mountain ranges. Find your mountain property in our western North Carolina communities, and embrace nature at its finest.
When you are looking for a home in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you may be looking for peace and tranquility. Yet there’s something to be said for choosing a home within a larger community. At Grandview Peaks, we believe you can have both a beautiful view and quiet property and a home within a comfortable community. Here are some reasons why community living is highly beneficial.
1. Enjoy Neighbors with a Similar Lifestyle
Neighbors can be a blessing when you have an emergency or simply want to chat over coffee. When you join a mountain community like Grandview Peaks, you will be immersed in a community that has similarly-minded people. These are the people who love nature and a quieter pace of life, and they make great neighbors.
2. Take Advantage of Community Amenities
Communities like Grandview Peaks have community amenities available to their owners. Whether you spend your days fishing in the 10-acre stocked community lake, enjoy catching some sun on the beach, spend time with family at the stone pavilion or take a picnic to the waterfall picnic area, the community has something to meet your needs. You’ll even enjoy the groomed trails for your morning jog or family hike.
3. Stay Involved with Community Events
Living within a community means you can enjoy regularly scheduled events that help you get to know your neighbors a little better. Community picnics around regular holidays, for example, allow you the chance to interact with other Grandview Peaks residents so you can build friendships and spark new acquaintances. When you don’t live within a community, you are on your own to get to know your neighbors.
4. Homes from Trusted Builders
Another benefit of community living is the quality of the homes. Communities like Grandview Peaks are choosy in the builders they work with, and this means the home you purchase will have the best amenities and design features. These builders know how to capitalize on the views that our property is known for, so you can fully enjoy the benefits of living in a mountain view home.
As you can see, community living has many perks. From your neighbors to your community’s amenities and even your home itself, you will find that community living is the final piece in the puzzle to making your mountain lifestyle truly enjoyable. Talk to the team at Grandview Peaks to learn more about our community or to schedule a tour of our available homes.
You are ready to make your next big move and for some reason land in the North Carolina Mountains are calling your name. It is ok, we understand. Grandview Peaks, a community nestled in the heart of the South Mountains of NC, has stolen the hearts of many people looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city-living. In reality, there are thousands of reasons why people choose to call the NC Mountains their home, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to our top ten reasons:
1. Stunning Views
Let’s face it, the main reason people are drawn to land in the NC mountains are the out-of-this-world views. Sunrises and sunsets just always seem to look better over mountain ranges. Why enjoy the mountains from afar when you can see fantastic mountain views from any window in your new home?
2. Affordable Living
If you are sick of the skyrocketing cost of living, the South Mountains of North Carolina is your escape. The cost of living in western NC is lower than the national average. This means you save money on housing, transportation, healthcare, groceries, entertainment, and more. What will you do with all that money? How about making that dream home a reality?
3. The Climate
Say goodbye to crushing snowstorms and long stretches of subzero temperatures. Sick of the oppressing hot and humid summers? The mountains of North Carolina have you covered as well with a mild climate everyone can enjoy. Summers rarely get above 90 degrees and winters are never too cold.
4. Healthy Living
If you are concerned with maintaining your health, it is time to enjoy the benefits of mountain living. Higher altitudes have been shown to decrease the risk of certain heart diseases. People living at higher altitudes are also less likely to be obese. So let the North Carolina Mountains work its magic and inspire you to get moving and participate in some of the numerous outdoor activities available right outside your doorstep.
5. Unlimited Hiking Trails
When we say unlimited, we mean truly unlimited. Enjoy the 30+ acre Grandview Peaks community hiking trails, or hit the trails of the numerous National and State Parks surrounding the community. Whether you wish to stroll through dense forests, explore hidden waterfalls, or climb to the mountain summit, there are trails to suit all levels of hikers.
6. Great Fishing
The mountains of North Carolina is a fabulous location to cast your line and reel in a big catch. One of the community amenities is a stocked recreational 10 acre lake. Looking for more of a challenge? Enjoy fishing in nearby Lake Saint James or try your hand at fly fishing in one of the numerous rivers and streams in Western NC.
7. No traffic
Trade in traffic jams and stop lights every few hundred feet for an easy morning commute with jaw-dropping views. If you are expecting dirt roads, think again. Our paved two-lane mountain roads are well-maintained with wide shoulders perfect for cycling.
8. Clean air
Escape the pollution and smog of city living that can often exacerbate health issues like allergies and asthma. You will love the smell of the pine scented mountain woods. Fresh mountain air does wonders for the mind, body, and soul and has been proven to help reduce stress levels.
9. Dog friendly
Dogs give the mountains of western North Carolina two paws up. With plenty of space to run, play, and swim, your pooch will be in dog heaven. Many of the surrounding mountain towns are dog-friendly featuring local restaurants and shops that welcome dog patrons.
10. Community
There is nothing like southern hospitality, and the North Carolina mountain community is no different. You will find that your neighbors are close, but not too close. This allows for the best of both worlds! The Grandview Peaks Community members can also enjoy various community events at our covered pavilion, complete with a large stone fireplace.
If the mountain life is right for you, be sure to check out the lots available at Grandview Peaks. You will fall in love with the privacy of NC Mountain living combined with easy access to nearby amenities.
The great outdoors is at your disposal in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Filled with natural wonders like beautiful vistas, breathtaking waterfalls, and geological wonders, the mountains offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. In addition to the outdoor amenities the North Carolina Mountains offer, there are plenty of historic landmarks, wineries & breweries, shopping, Chapel Hill Hotels near UNC, and culinary delights to explore. If you are looking for fun things to do, here are our top picks:
Scenic Drives Through North Carolina Mountain Ranges
Grab your camera, pack a picnic, and hit the road! The North Carolina Mountains offer endless scenic drives through breathtaking national parks and forests in western NC. Highly recommended scenic drives are the Blue Ridge Parkway and Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile recreational motor road following the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains which connects the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. It offers some of the best mountain views in North Carolina. The Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway is a 79 mile route that includes spectacular views of waterfalls, picnic spots, and hiking trails. Explore the tranquil Pisgah National Forest during your drive. Be sure to stop at iconic places like Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, and Looking Glass Mountain along the way.
Trek the Endless Hiking Trails in Western North Carolina
If you love the outdoors, western North Carolina is the place for you. Near Ashville, NC alone there are 3,000+ miles of free public hiking trails to explore. So grab your hiking shoes and discover the hidden gems of Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hiking levels range from beginner to expert, so be sure to select a hike that is suitable for you. For example you can set out on a 3-Mile waterfall hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest, climb the 6000ft summit of Black Balsam Knob, or explore the interesting geological features on the Alum Cave Trial.
Step Back in Time at the Biltmore Estates
Nestled at the base of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned home in America. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt, the estate is a 178,926 square feet mansion on 8,000 beautifully landscaped acres. Completed in 1895, the Biltmore Estate features an impressive 250 rooms- all with awe-inspiring architectural designs. Step back in history as you get a close look at original art by renowned artists like John Singer Sargent, enjoy the intricacy of 16th century tapestries, and more. Prepare to spend a full day as you not only take in the French Renaissance architecture of the mansion, but stroll through beautiful gardens designed by famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, and enjoy a wine tour.
Take on the Trout at the Best Fly Fishing Streams
Western North Carolina is home to some of the best fly fishing on the east coast with over 3,000 miles of trout streams open to fishing. Jackson County’s “Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail” is the first fly fishing trail in the U.S. The trail takes you to 15 spots, featuring some of the best trout waters in the Great Smoky Mountains. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you might need to visit Cabela’s for all of the latest fishing equipment. Luckily, you can get Cabela’s coupons to save some cash, so you needn’t spend a fortune on the kit you need.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone with Adventure Activities in N.C.
The mountains of North Carolina host a variety of activities for the adventure seekers. Enjoy whitewater rafting on the Watauga or French Broad Rivers, explore mountain trails on horseback, zip line down the side of a mountain, or try your hand at paragliding!
Delight Your Senses with Brewery, Winery & Distillery Tours
See what goes on behind the scenes in Ashville, a town titled “Beer City USA” by booking an Asheville Brewery Tour. If wine is more your style, be sure to sample from 15 area wineries in the North Carolina mountains. Take a trip to Green Creek Wine Country or drive through the Catawba Valley Wine Trail for a fun filled afternoon. Be sure to taste some of North Carolina’s finest spirits before you go at Piedmont Distillers, Muddy River Distillery, or the Blue Ridge Distilling Company.
If this list looks like too much to tackle in one vacation that is because it is! Many people have fallen in love with the western North Carolina Mountains and made the decision to move or retire here to make this region their home. Fall in love your own North Carolina Mountain property today!
If you’re looking for a quiet mountain retreat with incredible views and surprising accessibility, North Carolina’s South Mountains are the perfect place to live.
Often overlooked for the more well-known Smoky Mountains and nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, the South Mountains are isolated peaks separated from the Blue Ridge by the Catawba River Valley. The South Mountains cover about 100,000 acres, with 40,000 of those preserved as part of the South Mountains State Park and Game Lands. The highest peak, Buzzard Roost, has an elevation of 3,000 feet and these densely wooded mountains remain largely undeveloped with pristine streams and even an 80 foot waterfall.
Feel Remote, but Live Close to Everything in the South Mountains
The South Mountains are a small mountain range, and as such they feel remote but are actually quite close to medical centers, shopping, cultural activities, and more.
Nearby cities include Asheville to the south and Morganton to the north. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate and a booming tourism industry that has attracted cultural events and world-class restaurants and shopping. Asheville is also known for a vibrant arts scene, a growing craft beer industry, and its spectacular climate. Only a short drive from the South Mountains, Asheville makes a wonderful place to while away an afternoon.
Easy access to state-of-the-art medical facilities is another part of the appeal of property in the South Mountains, and Asheville even has a VA Medical Center. Though properties in the South Mountains feel peaceful and removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life, they are actually the perfect blend of remote accessibility.
Discover your new North Carolina property >>
If you’re going to retire in the south, there’s no better state than North Carolina. From beaches to mountains and everything in between, North Carolina is one of the best places to retire in the United States. Retirement isn’t only about volunteering and going on melbourne cruises, it’s about enjoying every minute which means choosing somewhere wonderful to live.
Retire in North Carolina for the Climate
North Carolina has a humid, subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. But residents who choose to live in western North Carolina’s stunning mountainous regions get the best of both worlds with cooler, less-humid summers and still-mild winters. While retirees in Florida, Georgia, and the coastal Carolinas need to worry about hurricane season, the South Mountains of North Carolina very rarely see extreme weather. If they are planning on permanently moving to North Carolina, they can check out the raleigh homes for sale on Saussy Burbank to get a better idea of where they want to be.
Retire to NC for the Climate, Stay for the Culture
While plenty of east coasters retire to Florida thanks to its options such as the florida retirement communities with golf courses, North Carolina is home to its fair share of “halfbacks” who decide to move halfway back north after discovering that maybe every day doesn’t need to be a beach vacation day.
North Carolina is full of small towns with incredible charm and thriving performance and arts communities. Popular Asheville, NC is only about an hour from the South Mountains and filled with shops, incredible restaurants, and near-constant cultural activities. Thanks to its many public and private universities and colleges, retirees in North Carolina will also enjoy the benefits of living near academic communities with their attendant cultural, educational, and performance events and activities.
Retirees Will Like the Taxes in North Carolina
No one likes taxes, but you can certainly appreciate that taxes are more favorable to your bank account in certain states than in others. While North Carolina is currently, one of the more politically divided states in the US, retirees will be happy to hear that North Carolina has no estate/inheritance tax and the property tax burden is well below the national average. The property tax burden is further eased for residents over 65 thanks to a law that limits your property tax to 4-5% a year if you meet certain income requirements. If making sure your money goes a long way and works for you in your retirement, then using the roth ira calculator will help you choose the best retirement plan and account for you.
You’ll Find Your Perfect Retirement in North Carolina
Whether you want a peaceful mountain hideaway that still has easy access to medical facilities, cultural activities, and excellent restaurants or a bustling downtown experience, North Carolina has the retirement option for you. The South Mountains offer excellent views of the Blue Ridge with more privacy and better access while the city of Charlotte offers a bustling downtown atmosphere and a growing restaurant scene. And, of course, small cities like Asheville and Highlands, NC offer small town atmosphere with big city culture.
Learn more about retirement property in North Carolina’s South Mountains >>
Grandview Peaks, NC gated mountain community expands, opening our latest phase of long-range view mountain properties in NC. Our amazing road crew has completed construction on our newest road, allowing us to open several awesome new mountain view properties. These unique homesites offer the best of wooded seclusion and gently sloped land, making them easy and affordable to build on. Below are a couple examples of our mountain properties in NC, but visit our Properties page to see more lots starting at just $29,900. Also, revisit our Homepage and scroll down to see a short aerial tour of our gated entrance, community lake, beach, and pavilion, and some of the gorgeous mountain homes in Grandview Peaks. As always, for answers to all your questions or to request a full price list and info packet, call us anytime at 828-475-4844 or email [email protected]. Cheers!
Being a custom mountain home community in NC means allowing our residents’ creativity and personal style to influence the look and design of their mountain home. At Grandview Peaks we love the wide range of styles our owners have used to build their dream homes here in the North Carolina mountains. Our development approach is all about keeping things natural which is reflected in the look of our homes. Earth-tone colors, natural materials like log, wood, and stone and a desire to complement the pristine beauty of the NC mountains is what Grandview Peaks is all about. Currently we have approx. 200 unique custom homes ranging from traditional log cabins, the popular cabin with a loft and timberframe homes, to more contemporary craftsmen-style homes. Check out the examples below and visit our Builders page to see more mountain home styles and floorpans. But you’re not limited to just those existing plans. Our builders are skilled at design so they can adapt any plans you find, or work with you to create something fresh and uniquely yours. So for example, if you couldn’t have a cabin house for any reason, you could at least choose from the many styles of log cabin sheds in your garden for your own retreat at home. Anything can be possible! Carolina is such a beautiful place to live, whether it’s here in the North, or in the South where you can find some stunning homes in greenville sc, you’ll find the home you will love forever. Contact us with your home plans and style ideas to see if Grandview Peaks is the right setting for your future mountain home.
To learn more about our log cabin shell package and two completed log homes we’re currently offering CLICK HERE.
Thanks for checking out the latest news about our incredible NC mountain properties at Grandview Peaks, an active and friendly gated community in western North Carolina! Earlier this month, our talented crew completed several improvements to our community beach at our private recreational lake. We eliminated the slope of the beach area by lowering it approx. 5 feet in order to widen and level the beautiful white sandy area, allowing more of our residents to swim, fish, and relax in the sun. We also constructed a natural wood walkway along the top of the beach, connecting to our hiking trail system that wraps through many acres of green space within our community.
We want to say thanks to our 200+ neighbors for their phenomenal feedback and appreciation they showed for these improvements at our recent Memorial Day Picnic. It was an awesome afternoon full of amazing local music, food & drinks, and was enjoyed by hundreds of current residents as well as dozens of families interested in joining our eclectic mountain community. If you’re considering North Carolina mountain land or possibly retiring in the NC mountains, please click to visit our Properties page to see just a small sampling of the amazing views our NC mountain properties offer. You can request a free brochure to learn more by filling out the form found here, or by calling us at 828-475-4844. Thanks again for taking the time to consider our North Carolina mountain land and homes!
