Your NC High Country Fall Guidebook

It's finally fall here in the NC High Country, and we have plenty of ways for you to enjoy the autumn season. We've put together a list of some of our favorite fall activities and events, plus a list of places to stay to help you plan your visit!

Things to do

Fall Hikes

The High Country of NC offers beautiful fall foliage and crisp Autumn days, perfect for a hikel Check out our blog Fall Color in the High Country for the peak leaf color forecast and a list of our favorite places with the best views. You can also check out the Top 10 High Elevations in the High Country for a complete list of great hikes with the best color opportunities.

Pick a Pumpkin and Visit a Corn Maze

New River Corn Maze is located on the historic Brown Family Farm beside the scenic New River. Enjoy the fall colors and crisp mountain air with a stroll along the river or a tram ride around the farm. Select your perfect pumpkin from the patch and get lost in the corn maze, which features over a mile of trails to navigatel New River Corn Maze is located in Deep Gap and is open starting September 19th.

Take a Scenic Drive

You can take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the beautiful fall color and you can also take a drive down a country backroad. Check out these Mapped Scenic Drives and enjoy the colorful leaves.

Enjoy a Scenic Chairlift Ride

Catch the ultimate views of the fall leaves on the Summit Express Chairlift, located at Sugar Mountain Resortl The Chairlift will be in operation October 10-11 and October 17-18.

Ziplining

One of the best ways to catch a view without too much effort is ziplining! The High Country has three ziplines to choose from, including: Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils, High Gravity Zipline in Blowing Rock, and Sky Valley Zip Tours in Blowing Rock.

Celebrate Oktoberfest

Sugar Mountain's 30th Annual Oktoberfest will be held October 10th and 11th. The festival will feature plenty of brews, food, crafts and fun for all ages! Enjoy Bavarian cuisine and other festival favorites, listen to the Harbour Towne Fest Band and don't miss the costume contest on Saturday!

Visit Mast General Store

You can visit the Mast General Store in Boone, located on King Street or the Mast General Store Annex, located in Valle Crucis. Trick-or-treating may be cancelled, but you can pick up a basket and fill it up from the barrels of old-fashioned candy favorites!

Enjoy our favorite fall treats

Check out Perry Lowe Orchards in Moravian Falls for fresh pressed apple cider. If you prefer a hard cider, you have to try Molly Chomper Hard Cidery in Lansing. To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Kilwin's in Blowing Rock for some amazing pumpkin pie ice cream.

Celebrate

Halloween in the High Country

You can find Halloween activities throughout the entire month of October here in the High Country! With events including trunk or treat, Halloween festivals, and costume contests, there's something fun for all ages! Click here to view a list of Halloween activities by area.

Thanksgiving in the High Country

Coming to the NC High Country for Thanksgiving weekend? You can take a hay ride, choose a Christmas Tree at a local farm, and you have plenty of options for Thanksgiving dinner. Click here to see the list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinner and make your reservations now!

Places to Stay

Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals

Find your perfect vacation getaway in the North Carolina Mountains! If you are looking for the perfect mountain cabin rental, either nestled in the forest or on top of a mountain, with lots of privacy and mountain views, then check out these beautiful Boone rentals or luxurious Blowing Rock rentals!

Carolina Cabin Rentals

Carolina Cabin Rentals serves over 250 properties in the areas of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Linville, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Valle Crucis, Jefferson and West Jefferson. This family-owned company strives to provide each guest with an excellent lodging experience.

Trip Advisor

Check out Trip Advisor's list of the Best Places to Stay in Blowing Rock and their list of Best Places to Stay in Boone. You can also click here for more great recommendations on attractions, activities, and restaurants!

Mid-Week Lodging Specials

Check out the list of mid-week lodging specials if you are looking to escape the crowds and have the trails to yourself during your fall visit.