Our Boone NC Fall Color & Festival Guide 2024 highlights when to visit to see the best fall leaf color, best fall hikes and Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, and fall festivals, corn mazes and apple picking not to be missed! 

BEST BOONE NC FALL LEAF COLOR VIEWING TIMES

Leaf color prediction forecasts are done based on elevation (Boone's Elevation is 3,333). Some things to consider that effect leaf color is the amount of rain, wind and heat the High Country receives during September and October.  That is something we cannot predict! Normally, the 3rd Week of October is the best time to view peak leaf color in Boone NC.

INSIDER TIPS: 

• View the latest leaf color prediction from Appalachian State University's Biology Department starting mid-September HERE
  
  

BEST BOONE NC FALL WALKS

• Howards Knob
  With an elevation of 4,420 feet, Howards Knob offers unparalleled views of Boone and Appalachian State University and is located less than a mile from the downtown Boone area. The park features picnic tables and shelters, restrooms, and several lookout points.
  
  

• Strawberry Hill
  Located across the street from Hickory Ridge, Strawberry Hill has a short nature trail that leads to a fantastic view of Boone.  INSIDER TIP: At the top of the hill is a large stone patio that is perfect for picnics.
  
  

• Boone NC Greenway Trail
  A local favorite for walking, biking and letting your dog stretch there legs is the Greenway Trail.  The trail is flat, paved and meanders through town, over creeks and through wooded areas.  There are plenty of places to stop for a picnic at a sheltered table, go fishing, and find a parking spot.  HERE is a detailed map of the trail.
  
  

• Rocky Knob Park
  Opened in 2011, Rocky Knob Park has trails for both hiking and mountain biking.   The park has 5 trails with the longest being 4 miles.  The wooded trails have pleasing views of Boone. The park also has a natural playground, picnic shelter, pump track and restrooms.
  
  

BOONE NC FALL FESTIVALS

• Appalachian Autumn Market and Fall Festival
  October 12, 2024: Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, Boone
  Mark your calendar for a day filled with autumnal magic, laughter, and community spirit. The Appalachian Autumn Market & Fall Festival is an experience you won't want to miss! Admission: Free to the Public.  Details HERE

• For a list of fall festivals in the region, click HERE
  
  

BOONE NC FALL ACTIVITIES

• New River Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
  Deep Gap, NC (5 minutes from Boone, NC)
  The Brown Family Farm is located just outside of Boone, NC and offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides and train ride.  LOCAL TIP: A picnic area and restrooms are available nearby so that you can make a day-long outing! 

• Zipline
  Take a zipline tour and see the leaf color from inside the canopy! View a list of zipline tours HERE
  
  
• Eat Too Much Candy
  Trick or Treating may be cancelled this year, but you can still enjoy the thrill of going home with a bucket of candy! Head over to the Candy Barrel at Mast General Store in Boone or Mast General Store Annex in Valle Crucis.  In both locations, you can pick up a basket to fill up from the barrels of old-fashioned candy favorites.
  
  
• Sculpture Walk
  Take a sculpture walking tour around Appalachian State University's Campus to catch the true fall college vibe.  Find a copy of the map HERE
  
  
• View a list of apple orchards in the region HERE

For more fall fun, join the Fall Lovers League of the High Country Facebook group HERE!