Our charming little town transforms into a fall dreamscape as the seasons change. With its stunning fall foliage, outdoor adventures, local festivals, and thriving wine scene, Elkin is an ideal destination for a fall getaway. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Elkin during the autumn months:
1.Attend a Halloween Ghost Tour
Get into the spooky spirit by joining a Haunted Elkin Ghost Tour. These guided walking tours through downtown Elkin delve into the town's eerie history, sharing ghostly tales and legends that have been passed down for generations. It's a fun way to enjoy some Halloween excitement while learning about Elkin’s history. We got our tickets through hEart and Soul of the Yadkin Valley. Ask about downtown Elkin’s old tunnel system!
2.Hiking Adventures on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Elkin is a trail town, and fall is the ideal time to explore the area's trails. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail passes through Elkin, offering miles of scenic hiking opportunities. For a rewarding fall adventure, hike through the Elkin Valley section, where you'll be treated to views of the Yadkin River and the surrounding woodlands glowing with fall color. One of our favorite leisure trails would have to be the Westbound Trail that starts downtown and takes you for a stroll through our local park and nature trail.
The Westbound Trail starts at the “tree sign” at the intersection of Main Street and East Market Street. Proceed west down Main Street passing through the charming center of Elkin for ⅓ mile (the sidewalks are marked with MST). Make a right after crossing the Big Elkin Creek at the library. Follow the creek on grass upstream for 700 feet to West Market Street, turn right and re-cross the creek on West Market Street. From here you will enter the Elkin Municipal Park and follow the trail. The very end of the trail is marked by the E&A Railroad Gong - tradition suggests that first timers ring the gong three times for good luck!
3.Enjoy Local Wineries and Vineyards
Elkin is in the heart of North Carolina’s wine country, and fall is harvest season for local vineyards. Spend an afternoon (or a whole weekend!) touring the Yadkin Valley wineries. Many of the wineries offer outdoor seating with beautiful views of the fall foliage, making it the perfect setting for a relaxing wine tasting experience.
4.Fall Festivals and Farmers Markets
During fall, Elkin's local farmers markets come alive with seasonal produce, pumpkins, and handmade goods. Stop by the Elkin Farmers Market, open every Saturday from 9am-noon, for fresh fall fruits, vegetables, homemade jams, and local crafts. Additionally, fall festivals and events pop up throughout the season, celebrating everything from harvest season to Halloween. Check out one of our favorite music festivals, Reevestock, October 11-12!
5.Stroll Through Downtown Elkin
Elkin's charming downtown is perfect for a leisurely fall afternoon. Stroll along Main Street and pop into local boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. We have plenty of spots for festive cocktails and bites. As you explore, take in the historic architecture and the vibrant fall colors that make downtown Elkin so picturesque. One of our favorite downtown activities includes grabbing a local libation, embracing our social district, and exploring our downtown murals (libations not required). Check out the following link for more information on our Downtown Elkin Mural Hike!
6.Catch a Performance at The Reeves Theater
End your fall day with live music or a local performance at The Reeves Theater in downtown Elkin. The historic theater hosts concerts, open mic nights, and special events throughout the year, and its cozy atmosphere is perfect for enjoying live entertainment on a crisp fall evening.
7.Visit Local Orchards and Pumpkin Patches
No fall is complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Visit nearby Alpha & Omega Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch for family-friendly activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. For apple picking, Kildee Farm in nearby Roaring Gap offers a variety of apples ripe for the picking during the fall season. The Farm in Dobson is a great trip, also!
8.Take a Scenic Fall Drive through the Yadkin Valley Wine Region
The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail offers a scenic drive through rolling hills, farmland, and vineyards, all vibrant with fall colors. Stop along the way at local wineries and enjoy the fall landscape. It’s an easy and beautiful way to spend a day in the Elkin area.
9.Visit Stone Mountain State Park
Just 25 minutes from Elkin, Stone Mountain State Park is a must-visit during fall. The park features a massive granite dome and miles of hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls. In the fall, the park is alive with color, and the cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking. Same as mentioned above or combine with Parkway
10.Explore the Fall Foliage Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Just a short drive from Elkin, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic places to experience North Carolina’s fall colors. Take a day trip to the Parkway to soak in the breathtaking views of mountains covered in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Peak foliage typically occurs in mid-to-late October, making it the perfect time for a scenic drive or a hike at nearby Stone Mountain State Park.
*Disclaimer: Due to impacts of Hurricane Helene, Stone Mountain State Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are fully closed for all uses until further notice (as of the posting of this blog). Make sure to check out their websites for up-to-date information!
Here's a picture of the Leaf Looker's Route that was made with the Parkway/State Park closures in mind!
Plan Your Fall Trip to Elkin
With its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and cozy small-town atmosphere, Elkin is the perfect place to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Whether you’re hiking the trails, tasting local wine, or celebrating at a fall festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this magical season.
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