Our Wilkesboro NC Fall Guide 2026 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 3, 2026
  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
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Hillside Horror
  Friday and Saturday nights through November 8: 7:30-11pm
  Roaring River
  A huge, sinister corn maze, haunted houses & a spooky hayride that will haunt your dreams along with countless live actors are all part of the experience when you fear the difference at Hillside Horror. In all, over one hour of terror! Click Here
  

• Candlelight Ghost Tours
  October 17 & 24, 2025, 7:30pm
  Wilkes Heritage Museum, Downtown Wilkesboro
  Tour the old Wilkes Jailhouse and other historic areas with a guide by candlelight.  Click Here

• Downtown Spooktacular
  October 24, 2026: 4-8pm
  Downtown North Wilkesboro
  Festival fun for the whole family in Downtown North Wilkesboro. Over 60 candy stations, games, vendors, face painting, food, music and much more!" Click Here

• Trunk or Track Speedway Bash
  October 30, 2026
  North Wilkesboro Speedway
  This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to bring the family out for a night of joy, laughter and celebration.  Trunk or Treat, food trucks, games and more!  Click Here
  

• Creepy Creek Trail
  October 31, 2026: 7-9pm
  Cub Creek Park, Wilkesboro
  This annual event will feature pumpkin carving, games, fishing for prizes, costume contests and treats. A spooky train ride will be just one of the many activities for children and families to enjoy. Emergency vehicles will be on display, and a cast of masked characters will welcome attendees.

• View a list of corn mazes in the region HERE