A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Editor’s Note: Crowders Mountain State Park re-opened on November 1 for day use. Beware of washouts and leaf litter on trails. Check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Editor’s Note: Crowders Mountain State Park re-opened on November 1 for day use. Beware of washouts and leaf litter on trails. Check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.

7 Fall Activities in Gaston County

Editor’s Note: Crowders Mountain State Park re-opened on November 1 for day use. Beware of washouts and leaf litter on trails. Check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.


At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, visitors wander winding paths flanked by a riot of colors. Sunlight filters through tall branches, illuminating the fiery orange and crimson red of maple leaves. Nearby, a shimmering tunnel fountain seems to dance in the light, its crystal-clear waters an elegant contrast to the warm hues of autumn. Each step reveals new surprises — striking displays of fall annuals, secluded benches inviting quiet reflection, and festive decorations that celebrate the season. Here, nature’s beauty unfolds in every detail, urging visitors to savor the charm of Gaston County.

“For anybody who loves that small-town feel and wants to find that nostalgia in the fall, there’s no better place to explore,” John Searby says, the executive director of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, who believes fall is prime time to take in Gaston County’s beauty. “At the garden, the colors are just amazing.”

When autumn arrives in Gaston County, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden stands among a collection of stunning destinations. With family-friendly pumpkin patches, scenic trails, and adventure-filled parks, the area invites locals and out-of-towners to embrace the season’s beauty with endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Read on for seven experiences you don’t want to miss.

 

The children’s garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden encourages imaginative play outdoors.  Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development

Connect With Nature at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Daniel J. Stowe, a textile executive and nature enthusiast, and his wife, Alene, envisioned a space for reconnecting with the outdoors. The resulting Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden spans 380 scenic acres along Lake Wylie. For half a century, this Belmont garden has captivated visitors with its stunning walking trails, enchanting gardens, and sparkling fountains. For a cozy retreat on cooler days, Searby recommends the Canal Garden and Orchid Conservatory. “The conservatory maintains a consistent temperature year-round, so if you happen to come on a cool fall day, it’s a great place to warm up.”

In the fall, the property comes alive with community events. Don’t miss Pickin’ on the Porch, featuring local musicians every Saturday until October 26, and the whimsical scarecrows created by schools and community groups as part of Scarecrow Hollow.

 

Through its 1,610 miles of trails, the Carolina Thread Trail connects people across 15 counties in North Carolina and South Carolina. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development

Find Your Footing on the Carolina Thread Trail

Just a short walk from the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s parking lot, you’ll find Persimmon Trail, connecting to the Carolina Thread Trail — a vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways spanning 15 counties in the Carolinas. In autumn, the paths provide a stunning backdrop for hiking.

For adventure seekers, Crowders Mountain Trail, a 2.5-mile path, leads to the scenic 10.5-mile Ridgeline Trail, starting at Linwood Road Access and ending at Sparrow Springs Access. The route meanders through diverse natural habitats, with restrooms and parking available at both ends. For a more leisurely outing, the A&E Riverfront Trail offers a 1.2-mile paved greenway along the Catawba River, and it connects to a 0.7-mile loop in Tuckaseege Park and a 0.3-mile segment at the Municipal Complex.

 

This monument in Kings Mountain National Military Park celebrates the centennial of the battle of Kings Mountain. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development

Journey Through History in Kings Mountain

Autumn’s brilliant reds and golds invite exploration of Kings Mountain State Park’s extensive forested trails in South Carolina. With two fishing lakes and the nearby park, visitors can experience a blend of stunning nature and compelling history. Don’t miss the special events, including the living history demonstrations at the replica 1800s farmhouse throughout November.

If you want to dive deeper into the locale’s heritage, head to Kings Mountain Historical Museum, which houses a treasure trove of archives and artifacts that tell the story of the community and its residents. With ever-changing exhibits, there’s always something new to discover.

 

Choose three of your favorite wines to sip in a tasting flight at Veronét Vineyards & Winery. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development

Unwind on the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail

Take some time to relax and recharge on the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail, showcasing the region’s thriving boutique beverage scene with local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. More than five acres of stunning vineyards thrive at Veronét Vineyards & Winery, a 70-acre estate complete with towering pines and two meandering streams. Owned by Dave and Monique Sullivan, Veronét features a diverse selection of grapes, including cabernet franc, chambourcin, and grüner veltliner. The industrial-chic tasting room offers bold reds and seasonal charcuterie, all set against the stunning Kings Mountain landscape. “It’s the perfect time to enjoy the winery and the best mountain views,” says Operations Manager David Wakefield.

Muddy River Distillery is housed in the oldest standing mill structure in Gaston County. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development

Your next stop? Muddy River Distillery. Once operating out of a 500-square-foot space just steps from the “muddy” Catawba River, the distillery now resides in Mount Holly Cotton Mill. Founded by Robbie and Caroline Delaney in 2012, the establishment holds the title of North Carolina’s first legal rum distillery. Their lineup features Carolina Rums — Silver, Spiced, Coconut, Basil, and Coffee — crafted from natural ingredients. The Queen Charlotte series is aged in charred white oak barrels, giving them a signature bourbon-like flavor. Visitors can book a guided tour to explore the mill’s thoughtful renovation and learn how it transformed into a three-level distillery. “It’s a place people connect to,” Robbie says. “The history and the heart and soul that I and everyone in this company have poured into making this place great is all I think about.”

 

Along with pumpkins, Lineberger’s Farm also has straw bales, corn stalks, and mums to take home in the fall season. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development

Make Memories at Lineberger’s Farm

What began as a means to supply fresh produce for a growing family in the late 1920s blossomed into a vibrant 100-acre property where visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal fruits and a taste of rural life. Founded in 1928 by Ethan Lineberger’s great-grandparents, Graham Lewis and Sarah Ann, Lineberger’s Farm features more than 100 varieties of pumpkins and gourds during the fall and welcomes families who want to stroll through the fields, feed baby chickens, and take wagon rides. Throughout the year, Lineberger’s also invites school students to come and explore a working farm and learn about where their food comes from. In the fall, programming includes educational segments about how pumpkins grow, sight-seeing the farm on a hayride, and visiting the pumpkin patch. Guests can also savor homemade treats from Ethan’s aunt, Lee Ann, like pound cake and pumpkin bread, along with elderberry syrup and jams. “It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and see beautiful countryside,” Lineberger says, “and we have some of the prettiest pumpkins you’ll ever find.”

 

Learn and Play at The Schiele Museum

The Schiele Museum in Gastonia is one of only 70 museums in the country designated as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. It boasts the largest collection of mounted land mammals in the Southeast. Experience natural history exhibits in its galleries, explore an 18th-century farm, and witness one of the largest planetariums in North Carolina. Throughout October, the museum hosts its popular Spooky Saturdays, where you can embark on a thrilling adventure filled with eerie encounters — from quicksand to oozing pumpkins! After your spine-tingling exploration, visit the indoor pumpkin patch, where you can pick one to take home.

 

Take in fall colors on tree-lined paths while touring Belmont Abbey College. Photography courtesy of Gaston County Tourism Development

Cheer on the Crusaders at Belmont Abbey College

Vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold transform Belmont Abbey College in the fall, showcasing the 150-acre campus’s stunning natural beauty. Stroll down Abbey Lane, a historic pathway designated as part of the Belmont Abbey Historic District in 1993, where trees form a breathtaking canopy overhead. As you explore, discover quiet outdoor areas that invite connection with the beauty of the changing season. While enjoying the campus, don’t miss the chance to catch a home game, where passionate fans generate excitement around soccer games and tennis matches that draw out the larger community.

Ready to get outdoors and savor the season around Gaston County’s towns? Whether you’re looking to hit the trails, entertain all ages of family members with seasonal festivities, or unwind with a beverage, click here to start planning your excursion to the foothills of North Carolina.

This story was published on Oct 11, 2024

Tamiya Anderson

Tamiya Anderson is a Concord-based writer and former Our State intern who is proud to call The Tar Heel State home.