Our Wilkesboro NC Fall Guide 2024 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
  *CLOSED DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE
  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 5, 2024
  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.
  
  
• CANDLELIGHT GHOST TOURS
  2024 Dates: September 21st, October 19th, October 26th
  Wilkes Heritage Museum
  Enjoy legends of the past and stories of ghosts in the present.  Tours are $15. To reserve, call 336-667-3171
  
  
  
• Hillside Horror
  2024 Dates: Fridays and Saturdays- September 13- November 2
  Roaring River (Near Wilkesboro)
  Take a hayride into the darkness and escape at Hillside Horror if you dare.  For more information, click HERE

• View a list of corn mazes in the region HERE