Hop a ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore and see sea oats change color
Take to the air at Carolina Balloonfest in Statesville in October (photo: Seth Roddey)
Explore Grandfather Vineyard's grounds while sipping on a glass of wine
Croatan National Forest pairs brilliant fall foliage with crisp blue coastal waters for a sight to behold
Saddle up and take in stunning fall colors on horseback in Southern Pines
Enjoy miles of color and scenery on a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursion
Offseason coastal sunsets give a whole new meaning to fall color
Take in the foliage from the water by renting rowboats, kayaks or canoes at Lake Higgins
Walk behind Dry Falls for an all new point of view near Highlands
16,000-acre Lake Phelps is home to legendary fishing and easy-access boat launch sites
Wander through miles of pathways at the corn maze at Kersey Valley Maize Adventure
Highway 215 in Pisgah National Forest is a beautiful drive in fall

Fall

Experience fall color like never before

In North Carolina, leaves put on a stunning show statewide – but there's so much more to admire this fall besides the colorful trees you can enjoy on our hiking trails. From hopping on family-friendly hayrides after picking pumpkins to watching sunrises and sunsets from the same spot on the beach, there are so many ways to get creative this season. Explore lesser-known adventures and undiscovered destinations all while enjoying the fall flavors at unique events and beer festivals.

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Trip Tips

It’s not so much when to see fall color, but where. Varying mountain elevations mean foliage cascades from high to low during the span of more than a month
Many anglers will tell you there’s no better time than fall to fish. Cast your line from one of the 19 ocean piers along our coast
After golfing 18 at Pinehurst Resort, stop by Pinehurst Brewing Company, where they also serve homemade smoked barbecue
Seashells are abundant this time of year, and the best time to find them is the hour on both sides of low tide (just be sure to check local regulations on collecting shells)
To avoid crowds at state and national parks, plan your fall foliage visit during the middle of the week
Experience sweeping mountain views and unobstructed overlooks on The Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway, in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains

Fall

Experience fall color like never before

Trip Tips

Fall is Bliss in NC's Brunswick Islands

Things To Do

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Ride LKN Wake & Surf Co.

Mooresville

10 Dark-Sky Adventures in North Carolina

List

NC Mountain Cabins to Rent: Discover Four New Walls to Help You Recharge

Trips That Transform

Directory

Related Activities & Attractions

Plan Your Getaway to Bald Head Island in the Fall

Trip Idea

Enjoy the Rhythm and Colors of Fall Music Festivals

List

See Beautiful Fall Colors on Hiking Trails

Article

Directory

Related Events

6 Reasons to Plan a Fall Trip to the Coast

List

Pack Your Sandals, Sneakers or Boots: Find Hikes for All Levels

Trips That Transform

Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

Article

Firsts That Last

Video

An Insider’s Guide to Fishing the North Carolina Coast

Trips That Transform

2024 Outdoor NC Pledge Sweepstakes

Sweepstakes

15 Ways to Honor Year of the Trail

List

Camp Grier

Old Fort

Plan an Adventure on a North Carolina Campus

Trips That Transform

Buck Creek Trout Farm

Marion

8 Outdoor Fall Adventures

List

Liberty Antiques Festival

Staley

Wilson Creek, a Wild and Scenic River

Collettsville

7 Fall Trips You Might Have Overlooked

List