5 Fun Things to Do This Fall | The Carolina Mountain Life
5 Fun Things to Do This Fall in Black Mountain
Fall is one of the best times to explore North Carolina’s Mountain region. The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and clear, and there are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy. From scenic drives and apple picking to hikes and festivals, here are some of the best fall activities in the area.
Take a Scenic Drive From Black Mountain
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall colors in Black Mountain, NC is to take a leisurely drive through the mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great option for those looking for a long, scenic drive. For something a little shorter, try the Devil’s Staircase loop road near Mount Mitchell State Park. This 3.5-mile loop road takes you past waterfalls, mountain vistas, and hemlock forests.
Go Apple Picking Near Black Mountain
Fall is apple season in North Carolina, so be sure to head to one of the many local farms to pick your own apples. There so are many to choose from here are just a few suggestions within an easy drive from Black Mountain, NC.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview, NC
Herbert Staton
Route 9, Hendersonville, NC
Old Cider Mill
33 Gerton Hwy, Bat Cave, NC
Henry Barnwell Farm
743 Grant Mountain Road, Hendersonville, NC
Apple Haven Orchards
5089 Old Clear Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC
Weber Orchards
776 Hogrock Road, Hendersonville, NC
Tall Pine Apple Orchards
228 Wayne’s Way, Hendersonville, NC
Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
2075 Pleasant Hill Ave. Morganton NC, 28655
Get Lost in a Haunted Adventure
North Carolina is home to some of the most haunted places in America, so why not take advantage of it this Halloween season? There are many walking tours in the area including the Swannanoa Valley Museum, Haunted History Tours of Downtown Black Mountain visitors will learn about the humorous, haunting, and harrowing history of the Swannanoa Valley while being visited by some of its most famous spirits. You can find more haunted adventures at Asheville Terrors
Did you know?
- Warren Wilson College has buildings rumored to be haunted including the Jensen Lecture Hall, where vacuum cleaners turn off, lights flicker, unexplained clanking is heard, and the elevator operates by itself.
- The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville is said to be haunted by ghosts of former guests as well as workers who died during construction.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch Near Black Mountain
No fall would be complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch! Here are tips for picking the best pumpkins.
Go different, find one that speaks to you, there are so many different types of pumpkins. You might be surprised by what you will find. Pumpkins are as unique as we are!
Green stems have the longest life span, no one wants their Jack-o-lantern wilting before Halloween.
Listen to the pumpkin – With your ear next to the pumpkin, give it a knock on its side. If you hear an echoing, hollow sound, it’s a good one. The louder the sound, the better the pumpkin.
Firmer is better, spongy or squishiness won’t last the fall season. Imperfections give it character but be careful of cuts and wounds they can make the pumpkin rot quicker.
Did you know that you can reduce rotting by washing the outside with a diluted bleach solution? Just mix one part bleach with nine parts water such as half a cup of bleach with 4-1/2 cups of water.
Attend a Fall Festival in Western NC
The WNC Mountain region is home to several great fall festivals and Oktoberfest makes fall the perfect time to get out and explore. The best thing about Fall Festivals is that they include all the sights, sounds and tastes the season has to offer. Here are a few favorites;
The LEAF Festival celebrates music, art, dance, food, and culture from around the world.
Black Mountain Home Fall Festival Have fun and support a great cause. Don’t miss the basket auction, live music, car show, games for the kids, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, and so much more!
Black Mountain Music Festival Improve your music skills or just enjoy the music jamming in the The Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall!
Annual Mountain Glory Festival in Marion. Celebrate small-town life in the mountains. Visitors looking for original handicrafts will find plenty of choices shopping with three jam-packed blocks, featuring over 150 craft, food, non-profit, and sponsor booths of locally made arts and crafts; festival foods, and pubs with local wines, mead, and beers. Plus, two stages presenting Marion’s finest musicians.
Looking for more options check out Visit NC / Fall
There’s no better time than fall to explore North Carolina’s Black Mountain region. With its scenic drives, apple picking farms, haunted adventures, and pumpkin patches galore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, get out there and start making some memories!
Looking for more things to do near Black Mountain, NC ? Check out our Top Day Trips from Black Mountain