2023 Fall Guide: Discovering the NC High Country's Fall Wonders

The NC High Country is absolutely famous for it's fall colors and festivals. Fall is a symphony of colors, a time when the air is filled with the earthy scent of fallen leaves and the distant call of migrating birds. It's a season that welcomes adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and seekers of serenity alike. Whether you're a leaf-peeper, outdoor enthusiast, or a cozy cabin dweller, there's something here for everyone to savor!

In this Fall 2023 NC High Country Guide, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery. Join us as we explore the hidden gems, captivating experiences, and timeless traditions that make autumn in the High Country a cherished and unforgettable adventure. From the bustling streets of Boone to the tranquil trails of Grandfather Mountain, from the quaint charm of Blowing Rock to the splendor of the Blue Ridge Parkway, our guide is your passport to another unforgettable season!

The NC High Country is the perfect family escape this fall! Here is a list of top family-friendly activities:

• Attend a Fall Festival

The High Country is known for our fall festivals! From one of the largest one-day arts & crafts festivals in the South, to the North Carolina Woolly Worm festival- you can find a festival that will give you memories for a lifetime. View a High Country Fall Festival Guide HERE.

• Taste Local Apple Cider

The first sip of fresh pressed apple cider in the fall is like a cozy fall hug! Perry Lowe Orchards in Moravian Falls (near Wilkesboro) makes fresh apple cider every fall-winter. Buy cider by the gallon or try an apple cider slushie to refresh after picking your own apples. Open weekends only Prefer hard cider? Visit Molly Chomper Hard Cidery in beautiful Lansing (near West Jefferson).

• Visit a Corn Maze

What would fall be without getting lost in a corn maze? New River Corn Maze in Boone features over a mile of confusing trails to navigate. *Tip: New River Farm is also a great location for a picnic lunch by the New River. Ashe County Corn Maze features a fun new pattern every year and the Harvest Farm Corn Maze is located next to Mast General Store in historic Valle Crucis! The newest maze at Lantern Farm, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, has an elaborate haunted experience to take you into October's spooky season!

• Pick a Pumpkin to Carve

Pumpkin carving is more special when you get to pick your own! Find a pumpkin in the patch at a Corn Maze or visit a local Farmers Market to pick from a wide variety of fresh pumpkins.

• Take a Scenic Drive and View Fall Colors

One of the best ways to enjoy the colorful leaves besides driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, is by taking a drive down a country backroad. Given our different elevations, leaf color peaks across an entire month. View mapquest routes HERE.

• Watch the Hawk Migration

The High Country is a popular viewing area for hawk migrations due to the rocky outcroppings and mountain ridgelines that provide optimal wind currents for the hawks to ride as they head south for the winter. You can view the Hawk Migration from Blue Ridge Parkway's Mahogany Rock, Milepost 235 or from the Grandfather Mountain attraction. Find details HERE.

• Enjoy Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

Pumpkin pie is great, but pumpkin ice cream is amazing! We know that Kilwins in Blowing Rock, Blue Deer in Boone, Brushy Mountain Creamery in Wilkesboro and Grandfather Mountain in Linville have tasty versions.

• Buy a Cozy Sweater

Celebrate the start of the cooler months with a bright new sweater. Crossnore Weavers provides heirloom quality woven garments and is a great daytrip. Shoppes on the Parkway is a shoppers paradise that is sure to have a sweater you will like. Mast General Store in downtown Boone always have a colorful selection too!

• Take a Scenic Lift Ride

What is the ultimate lazy way to get sky-high leaf views? Ski lifts! Head up to Beech Mountain Resort or Sugar Mountain Resort for a scenic lift ride. *open select days only.

• Tour the Scarecrow Contest

Take a stroll through downtown West Jefferson and view the downtown business association scarecrow contest. The scarecrows will be up September 15- October 31.

• Go Apple Picking

The Orchard at Altapass on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides an heirloom apple picking experience not to be missed! Bring your family and pets to explore over six miles of trails through the orchard and pick a bag to take home. *Open Thursday- Sunday. Perry Lowe Orchard in Wilkesboro will take your family on a hayride to the apple trees where you can pick you own. Don't forget to grab an apple cider slushie and try the apple cannon while you are there!

• Zipline Through the Trees

Last but not least- the ultimate way to see the colorful fall leaves if from inside the tree canopy! The High Country has three ziplines to choose from, all with unique features. View a zipline comparison. Cheers to another magical Fall Season here in the NC High Country! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter where you can stay in the loop about local events, businesses, and important real estate updates!