Fall in love with the Heart of North Carolina this season – with dramatic leaf colors, crisp cool weather, and fun festivals for all ages. Grab your cozy sweater and seasonal flavored drink (pumpkin or apple) to begin your seasonal adventures. 

History meets trails 

Soak in the fall scenery around our numerous trails with gorgeous views and historic sites. The change of the season brings cooler temperatures, and the Heart of North Carolina boasts 19 trails for you to explore. A complete Randolph County Trail Guide from Piedmont Legacy Trails can be found here.

Faith Rock Trail

This access point of the designated Deep River State Trail has an easy 3/4-mile loop with a big payoff. Cross over the historic bridge, take in the beautiful views of the river, and step back in time from the top of Faith Rock – where American Patriot Andrew Hunter was cornered by the Tory Army in 1782 during the Revolutionary War. 

Pisgah Covered Bridge

One of North Carolina’s two remaining covered bridges that was built in 1911 at a cost of $40, the bridge is 54 feet in length and crosses the West Fork Branch of the Little River within the Uwharrie National Forest. This site serves as a direct connection to Randolph County’s past mode of transportation when horse and wagon were common and automobile travel was in its infancy. Pack a picnic, plan a photoshoot, and take a quick trek through nature and history at this historic site.

North Carolina Zoo Trails

We love to explore the trails inside the North Carolina Zoo to discover animal adventures on a large scale, but did you also know that the Zoo has trails for exploration with no admission? Check them out when the season change. The main mission of the trails is to protect native wildlife and their natural habitats.

Fall Harvest

There is no better place to celebrate falls changing leaves and beautiful landscapes than the farm itself. Randolph County’s rolling hills offer lots of farm fall activities for all ages to enjoy.

Millstone Creek Orchards

This working farm offers opportunities for visitors to explore the 18-acre property with u-pick adventures, hayrides, fishing, and educational classes. There is no better place than Millstone Creek Orchards for apples and pumpkins this fall. Visitor tip – never leave the farm without trying a fresh apple cider slushie paired with hot apple cider donuts. Reservations are required for u-pick adventures, don’t miss out on this family friendly fun! 

Kersey Valley Attractions

Kersey Valley Attractions is home to family-friendly adventures during the day and a haunted attraction once the sun sets. Get lost in the Kersey Valley Maize Adventure, a corn maze experience for all ages; includes a train ride, jumping pillows, pedal carts, treehouse village, and a dinosaur discovery zone. Looking for a seasonal scare? Kersey Valley Spookywoods started out with a dare in 1985 and has grown into one of America’s most popular and scary haunts. Reservations are encouraged on weekends in September and October. 

Seagrove Pottery

Pottery Highway in Seagrove, NC is scenic any time of year, but the fall brings seasonal pottery and new adventures. Explore over 50 pottery shops within a 20-mile radius this season and treat yourself to an autumn color palette. For an ultimate road trip adventure, plan a visit to Seagrove, the Pottery Capital of the US.

The Potters Pumpkin Patch

An annual celebration of participating potters opening their shops along scenic Pottery Highway, NC Hwy 705, to sell their festive fall wares. Our talented potters showcase special items including pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaf pottery, woodland creatures, scented candles, and seasonal refreshments. Stop in at any of the shops and get your Potters Pumpkin Patch Map with event details for each location.

Festivals and events in the Heart of North Carolina are vibrant and fun. September kicks off festival season with the biannual Liberty Antiques Festival boasting over 400 dealers – no replicas allowed. October weekends are filled with street festivals focusing on arts and crafts, live music, all the deep-fried foods – we even honor the King of NASCAR! We wrap up the fall season with our Seagrove Pottery community during their annual Pottery Festival weekend, the ultimate holiday shopping experience for pottery lovers. For a complete list of upcoming events in the Heart of NC, check out our calendar. We invite you to share your fall adventures with us by tagging #theHeartofNC during your visit.                        

RANDOLPH COUNTY SPONSORED CONTENT

*Please note that at the time of publication, COVID-19 is still affecting the operations of our attractions, restaurants, and event venues. We encourage you to review and plan ahead as details are subject to change.