Find yourself surrounded by birdcalls and wildflowers as you welcome the season with a walk in the woods — through old-growth forests, along mountain summits, and past clear, cold creeks.
state park
3 Serene Coastal Trails to Wander
Paddle along the Intracoastal Waterway, traverse across sand dunes, and pass by a World War II artillery bunker while exploring these coastal trails.
North Carolina Nature Trails for the Littlest Explorers
Discover family-friendly outdoor adventures on special trails across the state.
3 Easy State Park Trails
Dip your toe into the Eno River, marvel at Hickory Nut Falls, and stroll alongside Singletary Lake on these easy-going trails.
Eat, Play, Explore: The Travel Trifecta
How to spend a perfect day in each region of our state? Have an outdoor adventure, eat a delicious meal, and catch an incredible show.
Hidden Treasures of Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains
We know you’re heading west to see stunning fall color, but look beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and you’ll discover more incredible ways to experience the season.
In Search of Fall Color in the Blue Ridge Mountains
An Appalachian State University professor explores the mountains to find the telltale shades of autumn. Then he shares on social media the best places to find the most color in nature.
Protecting Wonder at Grandfather Mountain
North Carolina’s iconic mountain has been a place of wild beauty for hundreds of millions of years. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is determined to keep it that way.
Our State Knows Best: Leaf Peeping
We talked to three biologists about how and when to plan a trip to see peak fall color in North Carolina, their favorite hikes and overlooks, and why our mountains are one of the best places in the country to see stunning autumn leaves.
