*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.*
Fall in love with the Heart of North Carolina this season – with dramatic leaf colors, crisp cool weather, and fun festivals. Grab your boots, scarf, and seasonal flavored drink (pumpkin or apple) to begin your adventures in the Heart of North Carolina.
History meets trails - Soak in the fall scenery around our numerous trails. Explore historic sites, see beautiful fall color as the leaves change, and feel crisp breezes as temperatures cool with the change of the season. The Heart of North Carolina boasts 19 trails for you to explore. For the complete Randolph County Trail Guide here, from our friends at Piedmont Legacy Trails.
Faith Rock Trail, an 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.
Located at 1306 Andrew Hunter Rd, Franklinville, NC
Randolph County's Pisgah Covered Bridge is 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.
Located at 6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC
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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.
Located at 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC
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Fall Harvest – Gather your friends and family for harvest time fun on the farm.
Millstone Creek Orchards (MCO) is a working farm with opportunities for visitors to explore the 18-acre property with u-pick adventures, hayrides, fishing, and educational classes. This fall MCO is pumpkins and apples. We 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 the fun!
Located at 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC
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Kersey Valley Attractions is home to family-friendly adventures during the day and a haunted trail once the sun sets. Get lost at Kersey Valley Maize Adventure, a corn maze experience offering a maze, train ride, jumping pillows, pedal carts, treehouse village, and dinosaur discovery zone. 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.
Located at 1615 Kersey Valley Rd, Archdale, NC
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Seagrove Pottery – Pottery Highway in Seagrove, NC is fun every time of year, but the fall brings seasonal pottery and new adventures. Explore over 40+ pottery shops within a 20-mile radius this season and treat yourself to autumn pottery. For an ultimate road trip adventure, plan a visit to Seagrove, the Pottery Capital of the US.
Potters Pumpkin Patch is an annual celebration of participating potters opening their shops along scenic Pottery Highway, NC Hwy 705, by selling 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.
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Festivals and events in the Heart of North Carolina are vibrant and fun. Beginning in September with our biannual antiques festival with over 400 dealers. 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 friends by supporting their art during their annual festival and studio tours to purchase fall-themed decor and get an early start holiday shopping!
Check out our events calendar for a complete list of upcoming events in the Heart of NC.
Share your fall adventure with #TheHeartofNC