Most people come to Asheville in the fall for the leaves, but the mountains are just as busy with wildlife this time of year. Animals are fattening up for winter, migrating south, or looking for a mate, so you have a better chance of seeing something memorable. Here’s what to watch for next time you’re out on the trail or the water.
Black bears
Fall is when black bears go into overdrive. They spend most of the day eating to build up fat for winter, and acorns, berries and anything else they can find are on the menu. Western North Carolina has a healthy bear population, and sightings are pretty common around Asheville, sometimes even in town.
If you see one, give it plenty of space, stay calm and never feed it. Seeing one from a safe distance is a highlight of any trip.
White-tailed deer
Deer are some of the easiest animals to spot around Asheville, and fall is a great time to see them. Their coats turn from reddish brown to a darker grayish brown for winter, and this year’s fawns have mostly lost their spots. Bucks have their full antlers now, and you might notice trees along the trail where they’ve rubbed the bark off.
As the season goes on, bucks get more active and less cautious while they look for a mate, so you’ll often see them out in the open. Your best chance is early morning or around dusk, at the edges of fields and woods.
Hawks on the move
Every fall, thousands of hawks migrate south along the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains, riding rising warm air to save energy. On a clear day at a Parkway overlook you might spot red-tailed hawks, kestrels and other raptors heading south. Look up and scan the sky above the ridgelines, especially late morning once the air starts to warm.
Monarch butterflies
Monarchs pass through the mountains in early fall on their long trip to Mexico. Keep an eye out for them in open, sunny spots with lots of wildflowers, where they stop to fuel up.
Salamanders
This one surprises people. The Southern Appalachians have more kinds of salamanders than anywhere else in the world, and it’s often called the salamander capital of the world. Look for them near streams and under damp leaves after a rain, but leave them where you find them.
Woolly bear caterpillars
You’ll spot these fuzzy black and orange caterpillars crossing trails all fall. Mountain folklore says the wider the orange band, the milder the winter. Science doesn’t back it up, but it’s fun to check anyway.
Tips for spotting wildlife
- Go early. Mornings are when most animals are active and the trails are quiet.
- Move slowly and keep your voice down.
- Bring binoculars if you have them.
- Always keep a respectful distance, and never feed wild animals.
Explore with a naturalist
Having someone along who knows what to look for makes a huge difference. David is a certified Blue Ridge Parkway and WNC Naturalist, and he’s great at pointing out the tracks, calls and small details most people walk right past. Book a hike or kayak tour this fall and see how much wildlife you’ve been missing.
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