Changing leaves, chilly hayrides and fall activities galore - that's what makes fall one of our favorite Rowan County seasons. We know our outdoor enthusiasts can't wait to get outside and track down the most beautiful autumn colors. Fall foliage is expected to peak in our area in mid to late October, and we'd like to invite you to come see our leaves!

Make a weekend staycation at one of our unique Airbnbs or treat yourself to a night of luxury in our hotels. We've made a list of the top places in the county to take in the views of the season to help you plan your time in Rowan County.

Dunn's Mountain Park

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Dunn’s Mountain Park is a quiet place to escapes from the noise. A short hike, bird watching and changing leaves will leave your day well spent. This park covers more than 80 acres and offers a peaceful spot to take in the season and even have a picnic.

 

Dunn's Mountain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by @latenightjiully on Instagram

Spencer Woods

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Spencer Woods is made up of Stanback Educational Forest and Park, a 42-acre park. It is an urban forest of beech and oak-hickory forest hiding in within the Town of Spencer. There is a 0.7 miles easy hiking loop for visitors of all ages. You’ll be amazed at the gorgeous fall colors you can take in right in the middle of town!

 

Spencer Woods Leaves 

Photo by Three Rivers LandTrust

Eagle Point Nature Preserve

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Eagle Point Nature Preserve consists of a variety of forest types with more than three miles of trails, including observation overlooks perfect for viewing the changing leaves. Along with a variety of plants and trees, you may also see bald eagles, barred owls, egrets, great blue herons, wild turkey and more! This park runs alongside High Rock Lake in Rowan County and also has canoe access, as well as more advanced hiking trails leaving to secluded coves.

 

Hiking at Eagle Point Nature Preserve

Catawba College Ecological Preserve

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The Catawba College Ecological Preserve is located adjacent to the Catawba College campus. Their 189 acre preserve provides a beautiful show during the fall months. Fall ironweed plants are deep purple, and large expanses of Spanish needles exhibit yellow flowers, give an added beauty to the colorful fall foliage. 

 

Catawba Ecological PReserve

Photo by @christopherwderrick on Instagram 

Dan Nicholas Park

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Dan Nicholas Park is filled with activities for the family, with the main attraction in the fall being the leaves! Dan Nicholas is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon taking in the season with a walk around the, a ride on a paddle boat, or a family game of mini golf.

 

Dan Nich Fall

Historic Gold Hill

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Historic Gold Hill provides a nostalgic change of pace and step back in time as you stroll along the wood sidewalks of this restored nineteenth century gold mining boom town. With its first gold discovery in 1824, Gold Hill is considered one of today’s most charming, historic small towns in North Carolina. Home to a quaint shopping village, a 70-acre park with beautiful scenery, it is quite easy to get lost in time as you discover all there is to see here.

 

Gold Hill Fall

Photo by Gary Weart

Lake Corriher Wilderness Park

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Lake Corriher Wilderness Park offers two beautiful lakes for camping, fishing, paddle boating, kayaking and more. The park also boasts several hiking trails, a 18-hole disc golf course, picnic areas and covered shelters available to rent for private outdoor parties and functions.

 

Lake Corriher Fall

We hope you’ll make an adventure out of looking for fall colors in Rowan County! Share your original Rowan County fall photos with us by using #VisitRowanCounty. If you're looking for even more fun in Rowan County this fall, check out our website for family friendly things to do. We can't wait to see you!