Mountain vacation: where?

Thinking of heading to the mountains in September or October. Haven't been that way in years. Where should I go? Looking for something not too touristy, but with lots to do. The Critter men would enjoy fishing and Jr. Critter would love 4-wheeling. I'd love to see lots and lots of stars at night.

Suggestions?

I'm sure there's tons of places, but I went here a long time ago in the fall. It was gorgeous and there was lots to do all around.


Vallecito Lake a Southwest Colorado Vacation Destination

Wears Valley, TN. the non tourist side of the Smokies.

Blue Ridge, Georgia; Highlands, N.C.; Asheville,N.C. - all wonderful!

Telluride, CO - Sundance, UT - Asheville, NC

typically, where you see lots and lots of stars, you will have less stuff to do. Stuff to do usually comes with light packages from towns.

Asheville is high on my list for mountains, lots to do, outdoorsy stuff, touristy stuff. You can fly fish in mtn streams close by, explore Biltmore Estate, do the spa at Grove Park Inn, lots of art galleries downtown, and plenty of dining, all with views of mountains. Venture out of town a little bit and walk hiking trails in Pisgah, or along the Blue Ridge Pkwy. 25 miles to the east is a cute town to spend an afternoon -- Black Mountain. Its a very walkable town, only a few blocks wide, with some art galleries, a hiker store, a few restaurants, two bars, and a mile or two to the north of it is a lake with hiking trail around it, ducks and all, and just north of it, about one mile is the neatest place -- Montreat. It is at the base of some mountains, and a creek or two runs right through it. Nothing there other than some homes surrounding Montreat College, but it is neat to get out and walk around there.

If your trip is long enough, you might drive 45 minutes up to Hot Springs and float down the French Broad River, and hike on the Appalachian Trail up to Lover's Leap. The AT goes right through town!

I'm done sounding like a travel brochure, but I like that part of the world, very much.

I almost forgot, if you are going in Sept/Oct, you might also consider a short drive on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, as the leaves will be changing around that time. It is absolutely beautiful, though you can see the beauty right there in Biltmore, or climbing some small peaks in Pisgah or off the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Here is the important part. If you are going then, you better make your hotel/B&B reservations asap! I'd guess that rooms are already getting filled.

I am partial to N. Georgia mountains. And, the Fall is absolutely divine......Apple Festival in October is very fun and it's not far for you to drive. Have funn~~~~

Asheville N.C. (may soon to be second home)and the Black Mountain area next to it--it is built on a major dome of crystals--you will love the energy!

I love Estes Park, Colo. and the cabins alongside the Big Thompson River...it is the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park...absolute heaven; watch out for snow storms though. I was caught once at Loveland Pass in an absolute blizzard--in late August.
Having Tea at the Stanley Hotel is a treat...take a ghost tour; this is where The Shining was filmed...the basement still has the energy...
http://www.stanleyhotel.com/index.html. It is great fun.
Lots of outdoorsy stuff to do; stars are brillant!

I also love the coastal part of Maine in the Fall. Mountains are not as high, but the fun part is the shore and the mountains...and the lobster...

Hard to beat the coast of Oregon too--and if you want to go outside the country...I highly recommend Vancouver BC--one of the greatest cities in the world IMO and the mountains up toward Whistler are wonderful and the trip from Vancouver to Whistler is a treat in itself.

Have fun.

How 'bout this?! Fly in to Bozeman Montana. Rent a condo in the Gallatin valley Big Sky area right in the mountains and just a few miles north of the west entrance to Yellowstone Park. You can white water raft the Gallatin River, take hikes or bikes or car into Yellowstone and see the geysers and more wildlife than you can imagine. The fishing is amazing, lakes and rivers, cast or fly. My husband will see my post and be upset I gave away our secret retreat.

I am partial to N. Georgia mountains. And, the Fall is absolutely divine......Apple Festival in October is very fun and it's not far for you to drive. Have funn~~~~

North Georgia Mountains is my vote as well, Lake Burton is awesome. Clayton, Ga nearby has many interesting little stores and good restaurants all around. Pls eat some catfish for me!;-)

It's hard to beat the Colorado Rockies in Sept/Oct. That is when the aspen trees turn vivid yellow, orange and red.

Rocky Mtn. National Park is amazing.

Telluride also has Blues and Brews during that time - John R was telling me about that the other night.

Though conditioning and altitude sickness can be a factor there - you will be anywhere from 6000 to 11000 above sea level depending on where you go/hike/atv.

Telluride, CO

http://scenictelluride.com/bike-telluride1.jpg

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions!! I've got lots to consider. So many beautiful places to see. . .

N.E. Georgia. Blue Ridge, Blairsville. Lake Notly is in Blairsville. Big lake, also Hiawassee too.

The Official Site for Steamboat Ski Resort and Steamboat Central Reservations

It's hard to beat the Colorado Rockies in Sept/Oct. That is when the aspen trees turn vivid yellow, orange and red.

Rocky Mtn. National Park is amazing.Telluride also has Blues and Brews during that time - John R was telling me about that the other night.

Though conditioning and altitude sickness can be a factor there - you will be anywhere from 6000 to 11000 above sea level depending on where you go/hike/atv.

I know. I love it. I have a large photo right next to my computer of the Aspen trees with Long's Peak in the distance. I shot it from a hiking trail just outside Estes Park. It is one of my favorite photos--it brings back lots of good memories and brings me Peace everyday.

My family moved to Asheville when I was in high school so I am familiar with some of the local scenery. If you are into fall foliage the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRB) is a nice drive. The Grove Park Inn is an interesting place to stay. The Biltmore House is amazing. If you like hiking, GraveYard Fields and the Art Loeb trail are nice hikes as is Linville Gorge. If you travel the BRP, having a waiter at the Pisgah Lodge (near Brevard) debone freshly cooked mountain trout at your table is fun. You can also get a room there and hike Mt Pisgah.

I know. I love it. I have a large photo right next to my computer of the Aspen trees with Long's Peak in the distance. I shot it from a hiking trail just outside Estes Park. It is one of my favorite photos--it brings back lots of good memories and brings me Peace everyday.

I too have fond memories of this area. RMNP, Estes Park...etc. What a gorgeous, majestic place.

I love the Biltmore, and river rafting on the Nantahala near Dilsborough. The closest mountains to Sowal I've found is a place called Little River Canyon, near Ft. Paine, Alabama (maybe six hours away). It's not huge mountains, but scenic with lots of waterfalls. We stayed in a great little log cabin.

I love the Biltmore, and river rafting on the Nantahala near Dilsborough. The closest mountains to Sowal I've found is a place called Little River Canyon, near Ft. Paine, Alabama (maybe six hours away). It's not huge mountains, but scenic with lots of waterfalls. We stayed in a great little log cabin.

I agree this is a great area. I love Cheaha Mt--the stone cabins are fun. Alabama State Parks.
Actually, though for the closest (small) mountain, I think it's Pine Mt, Ga., and the FDR State Park - Callaway Gardens. Wonderful for T'giving and Christmas holidays because of the Festival of Lights. It is about 4.5 hours from Sowal. Hiking on Pine Mt is fairly easy and the woods are beautiful.

How 'bout this?! Fly in to Bozeman Montana. Rent a condo in the Gallatin valley Big Sky area right in the mountains and just a few miles north of the west entrance to Yellowstone Park. You can white water raft the Gallatin River, take hikes or bikes or car into Yellowstone and see the geysers and more wildlife than you can imagine. The fishing is amazing, lakes and rivers, cast or fly. My husband will see my post and be upset I gave away our secret retreat.

Heading that direction on Wednesday!

I agree this is a great area. I love Cheaha Mt--the stone cabins are fun. Alabama State Parks.
Actually, though for the closest (small) mountain, I think it's Pine Mt, Ga., and the FDR State Park - Callaway Gardens. Wonderful for T'giving and Christmas holidays because of the Festival of Lights. It is about 4.5 hours from Sowal. Hiking on Pine Mt is fairly easy and the woods are beautiful.

I've wanted to check it out. Thanks for the tip.

Again, many thanks to all. And keep 'em coming. I'm thinking several trips will be required.

Went to Whitefish, Montana last August and had the best time- so beautiful. Glacier National Park was incredible.

this is definitely on my list!