Fall is such a magical season, especially when we’re at the Mountain View Lodge, where the changing leaves paint the landscape with incredible colors. To make the most of this season, here’s a fun, kid-friendly fall leaf art craft that combines the beauty of nature with a bit of DIY creativity. And, it all starts with a simple piece of cardboard!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
For this activity, all you’ll need is a sturdy piece of cardboard (recycling those shipping boxes is perfect!), a marker, and a drill. Start by drawing a tree trunk on the cardboard, then drill small holes around the top in the shape of a treetop. This will become the canvas for your kids to “grow” their own trees out of real leaves!
Step 2: Head Out on a Hike
While staying at the Mountain View Lodge, we love to hike up The Beacon trail. This easy trail winds its way up the mountain, making it perfect for families. As you walk, let the kids collect leaves in different colors, shapes, and sizes. These leaves bring their cardboard tree to life, adding a hands-on element that keeps them engaged with nature.
Step 3: Create Your fall leaf art Masterpiece
Then the kids insert the leaf stems into the holes in the cardboard. They’ll love designing their own unique “fall tree” with the leaves they picked themselves. Not only is it a fun keepsake from the hike, but it’s also a great opportunity to talk about why leaves change colors and fall from trees during this season.
Why Outdoor Activities Are So Important
Fresh air and outdoor play are essential for kids’ development. Hiking helps build their endurance, enhances curiosity, and can even improve mood and attention. Plus, it’s a perfect break from screen time! At the Mountain View Lodge, we encourage families to explore the beautiful landscapes around Andrews, NC. In addition to The Beacon, other local trails, like the Piney Knob Trail System and Fires Creek Recreation Area, offer a variety of paths suited for all ages. These trails allow families to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature together, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories.
A Step Ahead with Wildling Shoes
Our twins enjoyed the hike even more with their Wildling Shoes. These minimalist shoes, loved by podiatrists for supporting natural movement, are designed to be lightweight and flexible—ideal for little feet navigating uneven trails. Wildling’s new Fall and Winter line features durable, weather-resistant soles, perfect for cooler, rainy days. Plus, the link below includes free shipping directly in your shopping cart, so you can gear up for your outdoor adventures without added cost!
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More Fall Fun Around Andrews, NC
The Andrews and Murphy area in North Carolina is packed with scenic spots, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities that are perfect for a fall getaway. Here’s a list of must-visit places and activities that will make your trip memorable!
1. Nantahala National Forest
- Activities: Hiking, picnicking, fishing, and scenic drives.
- Highlights: Nantahala means “Land of the Noonday Sun,” and this beautiful forest offers lush trails and the serene Nantahala River. For families, check out the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, known for its massive, ancient trees or Nantahala Outdoor Center for fun dining, shopping and activities.
2. Fires Creek Recreation Area
- Activities: Hiking, picnicking, and waterfall sightseeing.
- Highlights: The Fires Creek Rim Trail offers a 25-mile loop with shorter family-friendly trails, including Leatherwood Falls, a scenic spot for kids to splash around.
3. Piney Knob Trail System
- Activities: Hiking, mountain biking.
- Highlights: This 15+ mile trail system near Murphy offers well-maintained paths with beautiful fall views. It’s suitable for all levels, making it a great choice for families.
4. Fields of the Wood Bible Park
- Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, and photography.
- Highlights: A unique outdoor biblical-themed park featuring the Ten Commandments displayed on a hillside. There’s also a 300-foot cross and beautiful panoramic views from the top.
5. Lake Santeetlah or Lake Fontana
- Activities: Kayaking, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
- Highlights: A picturesque spot to enjoy water activities surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. Rent a kayak or pontoon boat, or enjoy a relaxing lakeside picnic. At Lake Santeetlah, we also enjoy Cheoah Point Beach with a fun rope swing into the water!
6. The Beacon Trail
- Activities: Hiking, leaf-peeping, and photography.
- Highlights: Right near Mountain View Lodge, The Beacon Trail is a favorite for families. It’s an easy hike with sweeping mountain views at the top, especially stunning in the fall with vibrant leaves, and where we created our fall leaf art project.
7. Appalachian Driving + Yellow Creek Falls
- Activities: Scenic driving and sightseeing.
- Highlights: Drive along the beautiful mountain roads in Andrews and Murphy to catch peak fall foliage. Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon (famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles!) are nearby scenic routes. We also REALLY love hiking Yellow Creek Falls, which is just before the Tail of the Dragon, followed by lunch or dinner at Tapoco Lodge.
Related: A Quick Maggie Valley Travel Guide for your Next Smoky Mountains Vacation
8. Goldhagen Art Glass Studio
- Activities: Glass-blowing demonstrations, shopping.
- Highlights: Located in Hayesville, this studio offers captivating glass-blowing demonstrations and a shop where you can purchase unique glass art pieces as souvenirs.
9. Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum
- Activities: Wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring historic farm buildings.
- Highlights: Located near Cherokee, NC, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the gateway to exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The adjacent Mountain Farm Museum features historic log structures from the 19th century, including a farmhouse, barn, and blacksmith shop, giving visitors a glimpse into Appalachian life. Families can enjoy spotting elk in the nearby fields, and the easy Oconaluftee River Trail is perfect for a stroll along the water.
10. Darnell Farms
- Activities: Pumpkin picking, hayrides, Christmas trees, and fresh produce.
- Highlights: Darnell Farms is a fantastic destination for family-friendly fall fun. Kids can enjoy picking their own pumpkins, navigating the exciting activities, and taking scenic hayrides around the farm. The farm also offers seasonal events like festivals and more, making it a wonderful place to immerse your family in the autumn spirit and enjoy the beautiful outdoors together.
With so much to do around Andrews and Murphy, families can find a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation in the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
So grab a piece of cardboard, your hiking boots or Wildling shoes, and start building memories! This easy DIY fall leaf art craft is a fun way to connect with nature and a great activity to bring out the best of fall. Happy hiking and happy crafting!
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