north carolina in the fall - come explore with us

Few places beat North Carolina in the fall. Explore with us, from the best activities, to beautiful escapes, and sights you won’t want to miss. There’s something for everyone, and of all ages.

Let’s Plan Your Fall Adventures

Go to the Taste Of Charlotte Festival

The Taste of Charlotte Festival is the place to be this fall for any foodies. Hosted in Truist Field, the festival offers food samples from hundreds of restaurants in the Charlotte Area. Come and try some food samples the whole family will enjoy!

Carve Some Pumpkins

Nothing says “fall” quite like the sight of pumpkins creeping back into homes and stores. For a fun and affordable night in, pick up a few from a local pumpkin patch like Hodges or Hunter Farm and get carving.

Attend This Year’s Wilmington, NC Riverfest

Every October, Wilmington hosts Riverfest, a two-day, family-friendly event celebrating the city. Guests can expect to see a wide range of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and artisan goods to savory turkey legs and sweet desserts. Plus, Riverfest always has a strong lineup of musicians ready to take the stage.

Hike Chimney Tops

This short four mile round-trip trail is not for the faint of heart but truly offers some of the best views in the Great Smokies which is why it’s one of the most popular hikes in the park. Just be sure to take the final section slowly, as the trail is very rugged and steep. The payoff is worth it though.

Let’s Plan Your Fall Adventures

Attend This Year’s Wilmington, NC Riverfest

Decorate Some Apples

Fall doesn’t just mean the arrival of pumpkins; it also means the arrival of fresh apples! One way to use up all of those apples from your latest apple-picking adventure is to decorate them. Get some melted caramel and chocolate for dipping, plus your favorite toppings for the decorations. Sure, things might get a little messy, but that’s all part of the fall fun. For local-to-Charlotte options, we love Windy Hill and Carrigan Farms.

Join a Bar Crawl in Charlotte, North Carolina

Locals know that when it comes to bar crawls, Charlotte doesn’t need much of an excuse to plan one. Bars, pubs and breweries are always happy to join a crawl list, especially during the fall when they can show off their new seasonal flavors. Those who are interested can expect to see a wide range of crawls around Halloween in particular, so don’t forget a costume!

Post up at The Black Walnut

The Black Walnut is oddly decadent for a bed and breakfast. Each room has a peculiar beauty that differentiates it from the others. Located in the Historic District of Montford, guests can start their day off with a three-course breakfast before exploring nearby shops or taking a drive through Blue Ridge. They also have pet-friendly rooms if you want to give your furry friend a taste of luxury.

Get Out There

Visit Boone, North Carolina

North Carolina in the fall means a trip to the Parkway. The Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful year-round, but there’s something especially stunning when the leaves are painted red and orange. The best time to visit is peak week, which is around mid-October. Spend a weekend in Boone for easy access to drive and hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in the stunning fall scenery.

Explore Blowing Rock from Chetola Resort

Chetola Resort is the most family-oriented option on this list. While it provides romantic scenery and relaxing activities for couples, everyone will find something to do here. Kids can enjoy the resort’s paddle boats and pickle ball courts, and the older folks can test their aim at the resort’s archery and gun ranges. Outside the resorts, guests can explore the village of Blowing Rock or take a hike through the nearby mountain range.

Hike Through Black Mountain, NC

Right outside of Asheville, NC is a quaint mountain town where time moves a little slower. Discover downtown Black Mountain and shop for unique local art and antiques along the rocking chair littered streets. It’s a true hiker’s paradise; don’t forget to explore the myriad of crisscrossed mountain trails.

Go to a Carolina Panthers Games

Fall means football, and in the Carolinas, football is huge. The first home game is September 11, with tailgating all around the stadium. Gear up in Carolina blue and black, and catch a Panthers game at Bank of America stadium this fall.

Bring the Whole Family

Get cozy at The Esmeralda Inn

The Esmeralda Inn is the perfect mountain getaway for those wanting to explore North Carolina in the fall. You can see the famous Chimney Rock, Lake Lure or the Rocky Broad River. The Inn offers hotel-style rooms with astounding views of the nearby mountain, or guests can book one of the Inn’s three secluded cabin options. The Esmeralda Inn isn’t the most lavish stay on this list, but with its variety of nearby natural wonders, you probably won’t spend much time in your room anyway.

Visit Mt. LeConte

If you like hiking and had to do one hike in the Great Smoky Mountains, this is probably the trail you have to do. It’s a long eleven mile round trip hike with many beautiful, natural features. Hikers can enjoy impressive views from the nearly 6,600 foot high elevation at LeConte’s peak.

Experience Mecktoberfest

You don’t have to go all the way to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. Ole Mecklenburg Brewing hosts its very own Mecktoberfest each autumn, with a three-day festival featuring live music, beer tasting, and traditional German food.

Go Horseback Riding Along the Shore

After summer ends and the crowds clear from North Myrtle Beach, there’s plenty of room to ride horses along the shoreline. You might not think about the beach when it comes to North Carolina in the fall, but this is a great way to explore the coast. Visit one of North Myrtle Beach’s many stables and enjoy a South Carolina sunset while on horseback.

Fall Fun & More

Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Hop aboard a vintage steam train departing from Bryson City, NC and take a scenic tour of the countryside of Western North Carolina. Enjoy beautiful NC in the fall when the Smoky Mountain views are in their autumn prime.

Blue Ridge Village

Blue Ridge Village, near Beech Mountain, is a great jumping-off point for exploring the area and for making the most of NC in the fall months. It’s an excellent place for hikes and mountain views. The village also has direct access to a lake that’s great for paddle boating and fishing. Guests at the village can expect an understated but luxurious stay and lots of nearby adventures.

Fall feels at The Lodge at River Run

The Lodge offers the quietness and rustic charm of a cabin with the comforts of a bed and breakfast. Hidden in Banner Elk, the log-cabin interior is warm and cozy, and the surrounding property is littered with relaxing hangout spots. There’s a hot tub, hammocks, fire pits, and even a hanging bed.

Take in the season at Grand Bohemian Asheville

The Grand Bohemian Asheville takes a different route to luxury mountain vacations. While most mountain resorts will place you in nature, the Grand Bohemian elevates you above it. The hotel celebrates the beauty of the great outdoors through its rustic yet modern architecture. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth the visit for its eclectic art gallery or a cocktail at Red Stag Grill.

North Carolina in the Fall Has A Ton to Offer

Tour Veronét Vineyards & Winery

The North Carolina fall season is certainly one of the best times to visit a winery. Veronét Vineyards & Winery in Kings Mountain pairs great wine with a panoramic mountain landscape, certainly making it a fall favorite.

Take a trip to Deep Creek Trail and Waterfalls

This beautiful area on the Bryson City side of the park is a must-visit for NC in the fall. It can be a little crowded if you don’t get here early but the trail is well worth it. It is an easy trail to walk with all ages and offers three wonderful waterfalls: Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls.

See Something New

Enjoy the Statesville Pumpkin Festival

On November 5, head over to Statesville for the ultimate fall experience. Also, expect a full day of activities such as the classic car cruise-in, live music, local brewery and food vendors, and lots of pumpkins—of course.

Take the Family to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such

Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such is perfect for the whole family. Located in Hendersonville, the farm offers apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, petting zoo and a country market and bakery.

Go to the Hot Air Balloon Festival

The third weekend in October hosts one of the most unique experiences in the Carolinas. It’s an NC fall tradition. Watch a colorful balloon dotted skyline while enjoying live music, craft beer and wine, a marketplace, and artisan village. You can also book a ride in one of the hot air balloons and take in the scenery from above the clouds.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park will give you the reinvigoration we’ve all been needing. If you’re looking to spend some time with family and friends while sight-seeing at some of the most beautiful spots in North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park certainly has you covered with endless things to do and see. Bonus: several of them are listed here!

Get Outside – See All of NC in the Fall

Visit Outer Banks, NC

Camp out on a cool fall evening right on the beach shore, explore the museums and historic sites like the Wright Brothers Museum, and indulge in local seafood at OBX. This East Coast landmark is full of rich history and beautiful scenery that the brisk fall weather compliments well.

Take in the View at Lake James, NC

Clear blue lake water against a rugged mountain backdrop makes for one of the most stunning NC in the fall activities. Nestled at the base of the Linville Gorge and home to Lake James State Park, the lake boasts 150 miles of shoreline and lots of outdoor activities. Enjoy the cool mountain waters and take advantage of the fishing, hiking, swimming, camping, and boating offerings.

Visit Bald Head Island, NC

The ultimate beachy fall getaway is at one of the East Coast’s most intimate and private islands, Bald Head. Hop aboard the ferry to the island, leaving your car and worries on the mainland (only golf-carts permitted). Explore the island’s Championship golf course, Thomas Jefferson’s commissioned lighthouse, and also the island’s protected creeks and maritime forest.

Bring the Kids

Get scared at “Boo in the Zoo”

Every October, Greenville Zoo hosts “boo in the zoo” for kids and adults alike to don their favorite Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat through the different event areas. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia also hosts a “boo in the zoo” event.

Watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade

NC in the fall means it’s time for Thanksgiving festivities. Novant Health hosts Charlotte’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving Day Eve in the streets of Uptown Charlotte. Stay tuned for the full lineup and grab your tickets early.

Pull off the Parkway at Laurel Falls

One of the most popular spots to stop at is Laurel Falls. The scenic 80-foot tall waterfall is a sight to behold and attracts some of the largest crowds. Laurel Falls is named after the mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub that grows in the area in May. Visitors can take the 2.6 mile hike up to the waterfall and take some beautiful shots on the walkway. The area, known for having active black bears, certainly allows for great wildlife sightings (so long as done safely).

Hike Abrams Falls

This moderately strenuous trail takes hikers on a beautiful five mile round trip trek through pines and oak to a 20-foot high and very powerful waterfall. This is where visitors can escape the crowds and take in the serenity of this truly gorgeous park. Next, be sure to enjoy the calm pools below the waterfall as well.

Fall in NC Means You Need to Head to the Mountains

Stay at The Omni Grove Park Inn

North Carolina in the fall is synonymous with The Omni Grove Park Inn. It’s super popular this time of year, so book in advance. It’s just far enough from Asheville to explore the city while still enjoying the quiet bliss of the mountains. Although, once you step foot into the inn’s 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa, you probably won’t want to leave… and with the inn’s excellent restaurants and bars, you won’t have to. This place is for travelers who will spare no expense for relaxation.

Hike Ramsey Cascades When It’s NC in the Fall

Experience one of the gems of the Smokies with this eight mile round trip trail to the largest waterfall in the park. This waterfall is over 100 feet tall and is surrounded by old growth forest. There are plenty of opportunities on this trail to enjoy a cold mountain stream and take in wild life.

Cozy Up

Enjoy Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Located on the southern plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is Guests can stay in one of the lodge’s beautifully furnished suites or a luxurious cabin. Grab a drink at the Inn’s rooftop terrace bar and take in the serene mountain views, or hike to one of the nearby waterfalls. The nearby shops of historic downtown Highlands are also worth visiting when you’re there during NC in the fall.

The Swag Hotel - One Of The Best Places To Stay In The Carolinas

Visit The Swag

The Swag is a spectacular balance of luxury and rusticity. The entire property sits atop a mountain and has a variety of unique lodging options. While on the property, guests can take a stroll through the seasonal garden or go for a chilling swim in the pond. There’s also a variety of games available to the guests like croquet, badminton and corn hole. Likewise, if guests want to venture away from their cabin, they can explore the nearby mountains through the Swag’s exclusive entrance into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Rest up at The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa

Lake Lure Inn was known for its romantic scenery and intimate lodging well before Dirty Dancing was filmed there. Surrounded by mountains, the lake-front hotel is a timeless luxury. This hotel might be short of a few modern amenities. But, the rooms are still incredibly comfortable, and the property has a distinctive charm. It’s a great place to take your partner for an NC in the fall weekend getaway.

North Carolina in the Fall Family Fun

Host a Potluck

Nothing is better than sharing comfort food with friends. Grab your group and everybody’s best homemade fall recipes for a Friendsgiving potluck. Pro tip: Grab a charcuterie spread from the Loyalist Market or Babe & Butcher and some wine to go from Dilworth Tasting Room.

Take the family to Mingus Mill

One of the gems of the park is located less than a mile from the entrance of the park. If fact, the Migus Mill, a historic grit mill dating back to 1886, uses a water powered turbine. Likewise, the grounds are really interesting. There is staff on location to demonstrate how the mill works, and you can also purchase cornmeal.

North Carolina in the Fall Great Smoky Mountains National Park Elk

Fall in North Carolina Means it’s Time to See the Elk In Cataloochee Valley

The wildlife in the park is absolutely amazing, and probably your best chance to see both black bear and elk on the East Coast. The elk herds tend to stay in several places in the area including the Cataloochee Valley and the fields by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. You certainly won’t want to miss the elk on your trip, but please respect the animals and do not get close to them. Bull elk can be especially aggressive.

Take a Weekend Trip to Banner Elk, NC

Nestled in the Blue Ridge, this breathtaking mountain town is known for its ski resorts at Beech and Sugar Mountains. Hit the slopes or ride North Carolina’s first alpine roller coaster and then head to Artisanal for a fine dining experience in a rustic converted barn.