Fall has arrived in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina—and we welcome it with open arms each and every year. With the change of seasons comes nature's glorious changing of the foliage and subsequent color show, plus some awesome autumnal activities and area festivals that your family will love. Check out a few of these local festival favorites during your NC mountain vacation. They're all close and conveniently located near to your Bryson City cabin rental. Happy fall, y'all! 

Oconaluftee Indian Village

Tours through October, park access 9:30am-4:30pm, Cherokee NC

Join the 18th Century to see what life was like for the Cherokee Indians of the North Carolina mountains. The Oconaluftee Indian Village is an experience unlike any other, offering an intriguing glimpse into the past. As you enter the village you are swept back in time, surrounded by lush green vegetation, and your spirit is calmed by the sound of the cool mountain streams. Guided tours take you through craft demonstrations by award-winning artists who explain the unique Cherokee crafting techniques. Last tour leaves at 4:30pm. Children under 5 are admitted free.

Stecoah Harvest Festival 

Friday, October 14, 6–8pm and Saturday, October 15, 10am-6pm, Stecoah Arts Center

The 2-day Harvest Festival celebrates all things fall with music, food, art & crafts vendors, country fair, quilt show, artisan demonstrations and more. On the third weekend of every October this event begins with a free Friday evening campfire to roast marshmallows, and old-fashioned campfire entertainment. Hot dogs, hot cocoa and soft drinks for sale. The Festival gets underway Saturday at 10am and closes at 6pm. Saturday admission is just $5/adult and free for kids K-12 and younger; parking is free.

NOCtoberfest

Saturday, October 22, 2022, 12 noon-6pm, Nantahala Outdoor Center

NOC’s annual fall family fun event returns! Enjoy leaf season in the mountains at Nantahala Outdoor Center’s annual NOCtoberfest event. This free, family favorite celebration offers activities, kid-friendly live music, and prizes for all ages to enjoy. Other activities include: trick or treating, costume contents, local artisan marketplace, bonfire with s'mores, family photo fun with River the Otter, fall scenery with the river as the backdrop, and more. Bring your kids and your furry friends!

Darnell Farms Fall Corn Maze, Hayrides, Pumpkins & More

Through Sunday, November 13, 2022, Darnell Farms, Bryson City NC

Located on the Tuckaseegee River in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Darnell Farms is a family-friendly farm in Bryson City that is known for their beautiful scenery and delicious homegrown and locally sourced produce. Fall fun on the farm is happening now through mid-November with seasonal festivities that families love including hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn maze, photo ops, festivals, and so much more. It's a great addition to your Watershed Cabins vacation!