High Country NC Mountains Family Friendly Fall Things to Do

The High Country is the perfect family escape this fall! Here is our list of top family activities:

• DRINK APPLE CIDER
  The first sip of fresh pressed apple cider in the fall is like a cozy fall hug! Perry Lowe Orchards in Moravian Falls (near Wilkesboro) makes fresh apple cider every fall-winter.  Buy cider by the gallon or try an apple cider slushie to refresh after picking your own apples. *Open weekends only 
  
  
• JUMP IN THE LEAVES
  Head over to Broyhill Park in Downtown Blowing Rock for the perfect location to make a leaf pile! Don't forget to bring a picnic to enjoy. *Tip: head over after 11 so the leaves have time to dry
  
  
• VISIT A CORN MAZE
  What would fall be without getting lost in a corn maze?  C&J Corn Maze in Boone features over a mile of confusing trails to navigate.  Ashe County Corn Maze features a fun new pattern every year.  The newest maze at Lantern Farm, located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, has an elaborate haunted experience to take you into October's spooky season!
  
  

• PICK A PUMPKIN TO CARVE
  Pumpkin carving is more special when you get to pick your own! Find a pumpkin in the patch at a Corn Maze or visit a local Farmers Market to pick from a wide variety of fresh pumpkins.
  
  
  
• TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE
  Follow our "Emergency Leaf Lookers Route" to safely view the fall color and explore our picturesque small downtowns.
  
  
• EAT TOO MUCH CANDY
  Enjoy the thrill of going home with a bucket of candy! Head over to the Candy Barrel at Mast General Store in Boone or visit the Kandy Korner at Ashe County Cheese in West Jefferson.  At all the locations, you can pick up a basket to fill up from the barrels of old-fashioned candy favorites. 
  
  
  
• ENJOY PUMPKIN PIE ICE CREAM
  Pumpkin pie is great, but pumpkin ice cream is amazing! We know that Kilwins in Blowing Rock, Blue Deer in Boone, Brushy Mountain Creamery in Wilkesboro and Grandfather Mountain in Linville have tasty versions.
  
  
  
• BUY A COZY SWEATER
   Shoppes on the Parkway is a shoppers paradise that is sure to have a sweater you will like. Mast General Store in downtown Boone and Valle Crucis always have a colorful selection too!
  
  
  
  
• TOUR THE SCARECROW CONTEST
  Take a stroll through downtown West Jefferson and view the downtown business association scarecrow contest. The scarecrows will be up September 15- October 31.
  
  
  
• GO APPLE PICKING
  The Orchard at Altapass on the Blue Ridge Parkway provides a heirloom apple picking experience not to be missed! Bring your family and pets to explore over six miles of trails through the orchard and pick a bag to take home. *Open Thursday- Sunday.  Perry Lowe Orchard in Wilkesboro will take your family on a hayride to the apple trees where you can pick you own. Don't forget to grab an apple cider slushie and try the apple cannon while you are there!
  
  
  
• ZIPLINE THROUGH THE TREES
  Last but not least- the ultimate way to see the colorful fall leaves if from inside the tree canopy! The High Country has three ziplines to choose from, all with unique features.  View our zipline comparison HERE

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