North Carolina City Ranked #1 for Fall Foliage in 2024

It's almost leaf season! And people are preparing to come from near and far to enjoy the North Carolina fall foliage. And for good reason. It's not only some of the best in the country, one study named it the best.

There is a whole subset of tourism dedicated to traveling to see the breathtaking colors of fall. I first learned about this when a friend and I planned a trip to Asheville in the fall. The hotel prices were high and we were told it was "leaf season".

Then a few years later my parents actually made a trip to experience autumn in New England. But if you're looking to plan a trip this fall, where are the best spots? Closer to home than you may think. Sure you can take a trip to Vermont and New Hampshire for some new experiences. But you certainly don't have to go that far.

According to recent data from our friends at Islands.com searches for “best places to see fall foliage in the USA” as well as “fall foliage map 2024” are surging in the last few weeks. So Islands.com identified the top U.S. destinations for fall foliage—and the North Carolina fall foliage found in Asheville tops the list.

Factors that went into these rankings included the "length of peak foliage season, the number of nearby scenic routes, and the availability of hiking trails".

This is not the first time I've heard this, and it's something I have experienced numerous times personally. I often plan a trip to Asheville in October. The city is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain with truly incredible views year round. But those are even more spectacular in the autumn months.

Peak Asheville North Carolina Fall Foliage occurs, according to Islands.com, from October 23rd through November 3rd. It's the perfect time to take a walk on more than 50 hiking trails or take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway.

These are the top U.S. destinations for travelers to experience stunning fall foliage, according to the study:

Nearby you also have Gatlinburg, TN in the Smoky Mountains which is also easy for a quick weekend getaway. Or take a suggestion from my parents and check out Bar Harbor, ME and Stowe, VT. But they may not be quite as good at that award winning North Carolina fall foliage.

Either way happy leaf season! Thanks to our friends at Islands.com for sharing their research with us. You can read the full study here.

Looking for some haunted, creepy fun to enjoy? Spooky season is almost here (unless you include September like me). That's right, it's my favorite time of the year. Fall! All things fall are my favorite, but one of my all-time favorites is Halloween! I love nearly everything about the holiday. From the spooky activities to the decorations to just being able to have a little fun for the day.

Of course, me being a fan of all things scary as well, I enjoy being able to visit haunted houses and haunted trails all spooky season. I want to be screaming and yelling that I am scared something might pop out at me. I also enjoy going with other people who get freaked out, so that I can laugh! Laughing at other people being terrified is one of my favorite things during this time of the year. Call me heartless, but sometimes it is hilarious to see people get so freaked out!

Since we're slowly creeping up into October and a few haunted spots start in September, I decided to gather a list for us all. Some of the haunted trails and houses to enjoy this year in Charlotte. Now, some of these I have been to and some are things that I see and am intrigued and want to experience for myself. So, just sit back, relax, and get spooked!

Up first, is Scarrigan Farms. This 200+ acre farm turns into a spooky trial that you cannot even imagine. The trail opens the last weekend of September and will run every weekend throughout October up until November 1st. They pride themselves on being one of the scariest trails to experience in the state and it is not recommended for children under the age of 12. The trail is 40 minutes long and throughout the way you run into different scary, creepy creatures. Get your reservations online to secure your spot and get spooked through the woods and see how many times you jump! 

Okay, but the name alone kind of freaks me out. The 13th Acre is a silent, haunted trail located just outside of Charlotte in Monroe, NC. Unknown creatures are living throughout the trail and will poop out at any given moment. There is only one chance to turn back once the trail has begun, otherwise, be prepared to make it all the way through! This year, the trail will begin Friday, September 20th, and last until Halloween night. The acre comes with two different attractions a haunted cemetery trail and a twisted trail through the woods. Pick your poison or be like me and kind of want to do both! I'm certainly intrigued! 

Now, here is one that I got to experience last year. It's Hickory Grove Haunted Trail in Gastonia, NC. The trail has been scaring locals and visitors for over 30 years. As someone who doesn't really get scared often, this one did get me to jump a few times. There is so much going on throughout the haunted trial that makes you have to pay attention and be on alert. This trial is one of the oldest and original haunted activities in the Charlotte area. The trail is open every day throughout the month of October, concluding on weekdays. So, get spooked at any given moment you choose. 

Now, if you are willing to take a bit of a drive (depending on where you live) this trail in Blacksburg, SC might be worth trying! Just an hour outside of Charlotte is Booger Jim's Hollow which includes a haunted house, doll house, and haunted trial. Now, what are the odds that one of these doesn't terrify you, right? The trail surrounds the legend of Booger Jim, a quiet man who snapped and murdered both his wife and child in a moment of rage before killing himself. Now, the story wounds spooky so I wonder what the trail is like. The trail begins the last weekend of September and is open every weekend until November 2 and also on Halloween night. 

Here is one a bit more local to Charlotte, and in my opinion, more family-friendly since it's not as scary. It's SCarowinds. Ever wondered what it's like to be on a roller coaster in the dark? Well, SCarowinds is your chance to experience some of your favorite rides and theme park with a haunted twist. Enjoy random creatures poking around corners, haunted games, and more when you check out SCarowinds. Now, for those not wanting to be scared, they do offer No Boo necklaces which is why I refer to it being more family-friendly for those wanting to bring younger kids. It may not be the scariest thing, but you will have a great time and there are a few creatures that will pop out at any given moment. It is open on select nights starting September 13th. 

If you're wanting to drive out to China Grove, check out Maze of Terror. There is a combination of both indoor and outdoor spooky adventures for you to be spooked about while enjoying. There is a haunted hayride (which is one of my favorite things places can have), haunted houses, and more for everyone to enjoy (or not enjoy, depending on your feelings). There is also a haunted corn maze, which when you say out loud already sounds quite terrifying if you ask me. Yeah, sign me up! The trail opens up the last weekend of September!