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Wilkesboro NC Fall Color Festival Guide 2023


Our Wilkesboro NC Fall Guide 2023 highlights when to visit to see the best fall leaf color, best fall hikes and Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, fall festivals, corn mazes and apple picking not to be missed! 

BEST WILKESBORO NC FALL LEAF COLOR VIEWING TIMES

Leaf color prediction forecasts are done based on elevation (Wilkesboro's Elevation is 1,047). 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 1st Week of November is the best time to view peak leaf color in Wilkesboro NC.

INSIDER TIPS: 

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

BEST WILKESBORO NC FALL WALKS & DRIVES

  • Stone Mountain State Park
    Located just outside of Wilkesboro, Stone Mountain has an elevation of 2,305 so peak leaf color is predicted to be seen around the last week of October.  Meander a hiking trail to a waterfall or the Huchinson Homestead.

  • Ferguson Country Drive
    Take a scenic fall drive along the Kerr Scott Reservoir on NC Highway 268 through Ferguson to Happy Valley.  Stop at Buffalo Merchantile & Cafe for lunch, go horseback riding at Leatherwood Mountains, then head to Fort Defiance for a bit of history!

WILKESBORO NC FALL FESTIVALS

  • Brushy Mountain Apple Festival
    October 7, 2023
    Downtown North Wilkesboro, NC
    One of the largest one-day arts & crafts festivals in the southeast, the event features over 400 arts & crafts booths, over 100 food vendors, 4 different music stages featuring Bluegrass, Blues, Country and Folk Music, dancers and more!  --And of course you will find lots of apples, apple cider, apple pies, dried apples, apple butter and anything else you can think to make from delicious fall apples!  For a detailed entertainment schedule CLICK HERE

  • Carolina in the Fall
    TBA
    Downtown Wilkesboro, NC 
    This music and food festival was created by the Kruger Brothers,an internationally known singer-songwriter trio. In its fifth year, Carolina in the Fall has become an annual pilgrimage of bluegrass and folk music lovers. In addition to great music, those that attend will be treated to some of North Carolina’s best food as each year trucks from the region will bring their secret recipes to feed the masses and vie for the Carolina in the Fall Food Truck Championship trophy. Additionally, local vineyards and regional craft breweries will be onsite to provide a taste of the region’s best beverages. For more details, click HERE

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

WILKESBORO NC FALL ACTIVITIES

  • Apples, Apples, Apples!
    Wilkes County is home to more apple orchards than any other county in the region. Take you pick from Perry Lowe Orchard, Parkers Orchard, Tevepaugh Orchards, and Hareapple Farm.

  • CANDLELIGHT GHOST TOURS
    TBA
    Wilkes Heritage Museum
    Enjoy legends of the past and stories of ghosts in the present.  Tours are $10. To reserve, call 336-667-3171


  • West Park After Dark
    TBA
    West Park, North Wilkesboro
    Drive-in movies: "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "COCO" Advanced registration required via FB @WilkesNC Tourism


  • Hillside Horror
    TBA
    Roaring River (Near Wilkesboro)
    Take a hayride into the darkness and escape at Hillside Horror if you dare.  For more information, click HERE


  • Spooktacular
    TBA
    Hillside Horror, Roaring River (Near Wilkesboro)
    Prior to our regular scary Halloween night show, we allow families to experience our attraction without the intense scare factor as they trick or treat along the trail.

 

  • View a list of corn mazes in the region HERE