FALL FOLIAGE ASHEVILLE and SURROUNDS

The best part about fall color in the Asheville area is the range of elevation in close proximity. Fall color begins at the highest elevations, then gradually works its way down the mountains into the lower valleys. At 6684 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and the leaves at its summit are at peak color. Right now you'll find beautiful fall foliage at areas above 6000'.

Although Fall color at Ponder Cove is around the corner you can still find color within a short drive to nearby mountains such as Mount Pisgah or Craggy Gardens. So, know it is going to be beautiful any time from now until mid November. The season is going to be long and gorgeous. We wait in anticipation the changes here at PC.

Fall Foliage Asheville

Time to think about your upcoming visit to the mountains. We are thrilled to announce that we have had normal rainfall after years of drought. The trees are gloriously full of foliage. Adding to this wonderment we are now experiencing very crisp nights. So, what does that mean?....... A SUPER LEAF SEASON!!!!! It is suppose to be slow and long. So, when looking at your schedule consider early November as well. See you soon. m

TOP 10 HIKES

1. Gorges State Park: New parking and trails open in May for much better access to rugged river gorges. Hike along the Horsepasture River to see several waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls.
2. Mt. Mitchell: After enjoying the 360-degree vistas from the new observation deck atop the highest peak east of the Rockies, head to the Deep Gap Trail and hike over four more peaks over 6,000 feet.
3. Craggy Gardens: The Blue Ridge Parkway reopens here in May after more than a year of repairs. The Craggy Gardens Trail takes you across a rhododendron bald, and a 1.5-mile roundtrip hike to Craggy Pinnacle offers breathtaking panoramic views.
4. Point Lookout Trail: This new 3.6-mile paved greenway climbs 900 feet in elevation in the Pisgah National Forest. Bike or hike from Old Fort and enjoy great views along the way.
5. Dupont State Forest: The best waterfall hike is a three mile trail to three waterfalls, including the impressive 150-foot High Falls with great places for wading, swimming and waterside picnics.
6. Max Patch: Hike the loop around the summit or continue further on the Appalachian Trail to enjoy breathtaking views from this bald mountaintop.
7. Cold Mountain: This famous mountain offers a strenuous 10.6-mile roundtrip hike to its summit through the wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest. The hike includes a 2,800 foot altitude gain to the 6,030-foot peak.
8. Graveyard Fields: This highland hike features beautiful views in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by 6,000-foot peaks. With an easy four mile hike, you see two nice waterfalls.
9. Black Balsam Knob: Hike across more spectacular mountain balds. These treeless mountaintops in the Pisgah National Forest offer sweeping views and alpine-like appearance. Hike three miles without dropping back into the trees.
10. Urban Trail: If you are looking for an urban hike, walk the 1.7-mile journey that showcases the art and history of Asheville, with 30 downtown stops, each with public sculpture.

FALL IS STILL IN THE AIR

You are not going to believe it...is it the mild summer?...the drought?....the early but brief snow....???? Whatever.... the leaves have not peaked at Ponder Cove. Normally at this time of the year Ponder Cove is of a bright yellow as the Poplars turn and begin to fall like confetti to the ground. As you can see from the picture they are going in that direction slowly but surely. So, again another enticement to come and visit.
hugs, m

LAST MINUTE DEALS

LAST CALL FOR MID-WEEK ROOMS
$165 per night...FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!

NOW THAT'S A DEAL

FALL FOLIAGE FUN!

FUN IS JUST AROUND THE BEND!

You don't need to spend an arm and a leg to have a good time for your mountain getaway. Why not look at this as your green vacation. That's right. You are going to enjoy the green of the mountains and bask in the fresh air. Check out all the "funness" you can have and save a dime at the same time. We are in an amazing spot for you to partake in all of this FREE "funness". We are a mere5 miles from the I-26. South we are 30 minutes from Asheville. East of us and 15 miles you will find Burnsville, a little further down you can enjoy Spruce Pine. Go west and check out Mars Hill and Marshall. And straight North beautiful East Tennessee. We really feel we are in the center of the universe. So, come explore with us.

10 GREAT FUN FREE THINGS TO DO WHILE VISITING!

YANCEY COUNTY is a great place to start. Check out the Ranger Station in

Burnsville to gather a load of information outlining all of the great trails in Yancey

and Mitchell County. FREE!

PENLAND SCHOOL OF CRAFT is just up the road a piece. This wonderful

treasure dates back to 1920 as a national center for craft education dedicated to

helping people live creative lives. It is a wonderful experience to wander through

the studios and gallery on this amazing knoll deep in our hills. FREE!

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY is as green as you can get and it definitely doesn't

cost a dime. Considered one of the top ten drives in the nation you will find

breath-taking vistas. Don't just drive...stop and take in one or two of the trails.

We will even share our favorite ....SKINNY DIP FALLS. FREE!

MOUNT MITCHELL is the highest point on the east coast. Most people think

it is Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, but not so. Meet up with the Blue Ridge Parkway and let it take you to this wonderful spot for the sheer pleasure of taking

in these magnificent views. FREE!

WATERFALLS are a delight in North Carolina. Most are south of us but we are

lucky to have Looking Glass Falls and Linville Falls within an hour's drive. This

drive will take you into Mitchell County and more exploration of these hills. FREE!

MADISON COUNTY is our county and one of the most rural of the counties in

close proximity to Asheville. We are still lush with amazing country landscapes.

We can provide you with a our little map of drives and send you on your way to

soak up some local color. FREE!

MAX PATCH is my favorite spot in all of Western North Carolina. You will not

believe the gorgeous vistas all the way to Tennessee. You know the scene in The

Sound of Music where Julie Andrews sings "The Hills are Alive".....well, you

would swear they filmed that scene here ...AWESOME! FREE!

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC is alive and rich in these mountains. Right here in

Madison County you can appreciate our new tradition of enjoying Bobby Hicks

every Thursday night at ZUMA. Of course there is the long standing tradition

at the Depot on Fridays and El Dorado on Saturdays. FREE!

FESTIVALS, so many you can't keep up. Belle Chere, L.E.A.F, and check out

the Arts Guide. FREE!

BOTANICAL GARDENS are a well kept secret here close by. Part of the

University of North Carolina, this hidden treasure boasts of 10 acres of native

flora of the Southern Appalachians.

PONDER COVE........or hang with us and do absolutely NOTHING!

Fall Foliage

I just had to share this amazing 07 photo of my friend Kay's. She is a master photographer and uses her photographs to create the most wonderful collages...two of which I have displayed at Ponder Cove. The weather is fabulous here with crispy cold nights. So, we know the changing of the leaves is soon to follow. This photo is a sampling of what is just around the corner.

For those of you that have heard rumor of a gas shortage, it is true but it is also rumored that it will be over next week... just in time to welcome you here at the cove. And if not...I'll send the horse and buggy.

hugs,m

Fall Foliage

I know it is crazy out there and everyone's financial outlook is in question But let's hunker down together and get creative. Come visit Ponder Cove and I guarantee a comfort breakfast to start your day. Then there is always wine and cheese for dinner while relaxing here and doing nothing in the evenings. Aaaaaah......now doesn't that sound good. But you must travel a bit to take in what we know to be the most beautiful of seasonal events.....the changing of the leaves in North Carolina.

In the Asheville area, fall foliage season lasts from late September to early November due to the region’s varied elevations as color begins at highest elevations and creeps down the mountainsides. One of the most diverse biological regions in the world, the Blue Ridge Mountains are home to hundreds of deciduous tree and shrub species that create a vibrant palette of colors in the landscape.

The Experts Say...

Fall is definitely in the air and the cool weather trend in recent days is a good recipe for fall color, according to Dr. Gary Walker, biology professor at Appalachian State University. If the region continues to see warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights, visitors can expect to see nice fall foliage this year. It is predicted to be 46 degrees at night this week.

FALL FOLIAGE EARLY DRIVES

As we have said before there is no bad time to come in this direction. Due to the variances in elevation there is something going on everywhere, a change of color, a sprinkling of leaves falling, the crispness of the new fall air. In the early fall, the best scenic drives are at the highest elevations. Here is a list of great fall scenic drives for late September and early October.

Grandfather Mountain

Visit Grandfather Mountain to view native animal habitats, enjoy hiking and picnicking and test your courage on the mile high swinging bridge which also provides a great vantage point for viewing autumn’s rich colors.

US Highway 19

From Ponder Cove, follow US 19/23 north from downtown, taking US 19E to Burnsville. Continue your drive along 19E to the town of Spruce Pine, stopping along the way to take in the spectacular views of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S. at 6,684 feet.

Pisgah National Forest/Cold Mountain

Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville toward Mount Pisgah, where you will find picnic areas, hiking trails and a restaurant. Travel north on US 276 through the magnificent Pisgah National Forest, which affords a spectacular view of Cold Mountain, made famous by the novel and motion picture of the same name. Continue on US 276 into Waynesville. Take US 23 north to US 19/23/74 east, which will return you to Asheville.

FALL FOLIAGE AROUND THE CORNER

TAKEN ON ONE OF OUR FAVORITE DRIVES LAST YEAR
Of course we'll share our secret spots with PC guests

To quote Dr. Gary Walker who specializes in Cliff-Face Ecology and Plant Population Genetics at Appalachian State University.......

"The environmental conditions leading into autumn are the best we've seen in years here in WNC, possibly setting the stage for the brightest leaf color show in recent history. Comparatively, the high country has had a wet summer and now temperatures are beginning to cool. Dry cool weather from here on out and, ideally, an early frost in September would produce intense, widespread fall color at all elevations."
YOUR KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS A FALL FANTASTIC TIME AT PONDER COVE!!!!