Black Mountain singled out as prime fall destination

Staffers at National Geographic's online Beyond the Guidebook page  have released a list of their  individual picks for best fall trips -- and Black Mountain, in eastern Buncombe County,  is among them.

Their list, in the order places were mentioned: 

Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive, Virginia

Bermuda

Albuquerque, N.M., International Balloon Fiesta

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sonoma County, Calif.

Black Mountain

Austin, Texas

Bhutan

Pittsburgh

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Jasper, Ark.

Grenada

In picking Black Mountain, National Geographic Travel production assistant Becky Davis writes, "Growing up in Florida, my parents took us here every year to experience a taste of changing seasons and cooler weather—and what an amazing taste! The hiking trails that yield awe-inspiring views of multi-colored landscapes are myriad. We would take walks around Lake Tomahawk and watch the geese swim by, surrounded by mountains. Warming up with a hot concoction from downtown’s Dripolator Coffeehouse is a must, as is partaking in one of Black Mountain’s seasonal festivities, which include ghost tours, art festival and a harvest fair.”

Black Mountain was on National Geographic Travel's list of best fall trips last year.

On their 2014 list of best fall trips:

Enchanted Circle Scenic Drive, Taos, N.M.

Lake Maggiore, Italy

Cincinnati (for its Oktoberfest)

Hot Air Balloon Festival, Taunggyi, Myanmar

Diwali (a Hindu festival), Agra, India

Pirates Week National Festival, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Buenos Aires, Argentina (spring walks)

Snorkeling in cenotes (caves) in Quintana Roo, Mexico

The photo at the top of this post shows Black Mountain in autumn. The image is from www.exploreblackmountain.com -- that area's Chamber of Commerce website -- which has visitor information.