North Carolina’s Fall Playbook
Adventure awaits travelers looking to explore North Carolina’s diverse landscape. The nations “First in Flight” is divided into three distinct regions: The Coastal Plain, The Piedmont, and the Mountains. We’re taking a deep dive into our favorite spots to explore, simmer, and indulge this Fall.
The Mountains
From cascading waterfalls, mile-high views and a French Renaissance chateau the western mountain region of North Carolina offers some of the states most exciting opportunities for adventure.
Great Smokey Mountain National Park
It’s the most visited national park in America, and with good reason: Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts some of the tallest peaks in the eastern United States, an ecosystem that contains 100,000 different types of plants and animals, 850 miles of hiking trails, brilliant fall color, impressive waterfalls, top-notch camping sites and more than 90 historic structures. The park covers 521,085 scenic acres along North Carolina’s western border. There are 384 miles of road to choose from in the Smokies, and auto tours of the park offers access to panoramic views, rushing mountain streams and waterfalls, weathered historic buildings and lush hardwood forests stretching to the horizon.
https://www.visitsmokies.org
Linville Gorge & Falls
Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is the deepest and perhaps most rugged gorge in the eastern United States. The steep walls of Linville Gorge enclose the Linville River for 12 miles. The river, which begins at Grandfather Mountain, enters the gorge at the spectacular Linville Falls then descends over 2,000 feet before breaking into the Catawba Valley on its way to Lake James. Linville Falls drop a total of 90 feet in a multi-level cascade and can be viewed from several overlooks along two trails that lead from the Linville Falls Visitors Center. Boasting some of the best remnant stands of uncut forest in the Appalachians, 39 miles of rugged trails laced with panoramic mountain vistas, and offering premier climbing destinations, Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is a magnet for hikers, backpackers, and rock climbers.
https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/linville-gorge-and-falls
Biltmore Estate
Just outside of Asheville, is the Biltmore Estate — the seminal American mansion. From the history and the vineyard to the gardens and the grounds, Biltmore is much more than a house. Built over a six-year period from 1889-95, George Vanderbilt’s French Renaissance chateau remains the largest private residence in America and offers an experience for all five senses. Most first-time guests will start by touring Vanderbilt’s extraordinary house. Opulent beyond imagination, the Biltmore House covers four acres by itself, totaling 175,000 square feet. 250 rooms contain priceless antiques and art from masters such as Renoir, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool and a bowling alley. For a taste of botanical beauty, head outside the house to stroll acres of beautiful gardens, each an individually themed display. Next, step out of America’s biggest home and into America’s most-visited winery, a destination that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Take time to tour the cellars, fermentation room and corking area, and then taste samples of Biltmore wine. Right next to the winery is Antler Hill Village. The village is a a bustling center of activity, with live entertainment on the village green, food, shopping and more.
https://www.biltmore.com/
The Piedmont
Perfectly situated between the Appalachian Mountains and its charming towns and beaches are North Carolina’s largest cities – Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham. Here, foodies and culture seekers can rejoice at local craft breweries, sip away in wine country, or go full tilt at the NASCAR Motor Speedway.
Charolette Motor Speedway
For a unique North Carolina thrill, visit the Charolette Motor Speedway, home of three annual NASCAR races. Take the Feel the Thrill Speedway Tour, which takes you into several areas that are off-limits on race days. Visit the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage area, travel down pit road and take a picture in Victory Lane. Then, get a feel for the 24-degree banking of the racetrack by riding in a Speedway van. If you have more need for speed, sign up for the Richard Petty Driving Experience and drive or ride in a race car at speeds of up to 180 miles per hour. If you haven’t had enough you can head to Uptown Charlotte and visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a sight every motorsport fan should see.
charlottemotorspeedway.com
nascarhall.com
Winston-Salem Wine Country
For a slower paced adventure, escape to Winston-Salem Wine Country for some amazing wine, food and a little pampering. Start your tasting adventure at Divine Llama Vineyards – and yes, it’s on an actual llama farm. Sign up for llama treks to explore the 91-acre estate, and be sure to try the Chardonel – it’s one of the few North Carolina wineries to produce this varietal. Or venture on to Childress Vineyards in nearby Lexington, where you can enjoy award-winning wines in its tasting room, and the Bistro offers a scenic terrace where lunch is served daily. With more than 50 wineries in Yadkin Valley wine country, which surrounds Winston-Salem, you can map out your own wine trail tour. For an enchanting stay, book a night or two at the historic Graylyn Estate, a castle-like estate that is a masterpiece in hospitality.
https://www.divinellamavineyards.com
https://childressvineyards.com
https://graylyn.com
The Coast
The North Carolina coast comprises 300 miles of barrier-island beaches, each with its own unique vibe and variety of things to do. Quaint coastal towns and endless activities guarantee there’s always something new to explore.
Currituck’s Outer Banks Beaches
From secluded, sunny beaches to pulse-raising recreational activities, the Currituck Outer Banks invites you to do as much – or as little – as you’d like. Located at the top of North Carolina’s barrier islands, the Currituck Outer Banks is an ideal destination for escaping everyday life. Overlooking the vast expanse that is the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find Currituck’s beaches of Corolla and Carova – more than 20 miles of windswept remote seascapes where you can enjoy strolling along the unspoiled shoreline, shelling or simply relaxing in the sun with a good book. Just north of Corolla, where the paved road ends, you can explore the 4×4 beach area on your own or take a guided tour where you will find the legendary wild horses – descendants of Spanish mustangs thought to have been brought here by seafaring explorers in the 1500s.
visitcurrituck.com
Merchants Millpond State Park
Southern swamp and hardwood forest mingle at Merchants Millpond State Park, adorning the landscape with massive bald cypress trees, beech groves, Spanish moss and exotic wildlife. Canoes can be rented or visitors can bring their own for a unique paddling experience. Three types of camping are available at family and group campgrounds, primitive backpacking sites and three remote canoe-in campgrounds reached by paddling trails. The scenic pond is surrounded by picnic grounds, nine miles of hiking trails and a visitor center offering museum-quality exhibits.
ncparks.gov/merchants-millpond-state-park/home
Bald Head Island
The southernmost of North Carolina's cape islands, Bald Head Island is located at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean. Getting to, and around, Bald Head Island is its own adventure. Cars are prohibited, so leave yours in Southport and board the ferry, which leaves at the top of every hour. Nature preserves cover about 80 percent of Bald Head Island, making wildlife-watching as simple as stepping outside, while the island’s car-free lanes and flat ground make for almost effortless pedaling between restaurants, sights and unique shops. For a stay on the quaint island choose from one of the many beach-house vacation rentals. Fall is the perfect time to visit this island as the crisp mornings and evenings sandwich warm afternoons, that are comfortable enough to swim or wade along the island’s 14 miles of wide beaches.
baldheadisland.com
baldheadislandferry.com
