Where to See Fall Colors in Wilkes

There is no better feeling than driving through the mountains with the windows down, looking out the window at cascading, colorful mountain views. The vivid colors of fall cast upon a clear blue sky. Here in Wilkes, the broad geography and varying altitude allows us to experience peak fall colors for weeks on end. Check out our resources below and find your back road to a peaceful, country drive. 

From WNC Magazine: 

Toast to Color in the Yadkin Valley

Late autumn is prime time to savor the rich russet hues of lower elevation foliage in the Yadkin Valley. No sweaty hike or crowded roads; just a super scenic setting of rolling foothills below the Blue Ridge and fall colors that last into November. Start in Elkin on North Carolina’s 65-mile Yadkin Valley Scenic Byway and make a big loop that passes dozens of wineries that have made North Carolina’s first American Viticultural Area a wine destination with a rising reputation. On or off the official state byway, or touring one the four “wine trails” (tailored day excursions that each hit four to six wineries), the back roads of Wilkes County’s Brushy Mountains are a great place to just sit outside, clink a few glasses, and toast the end of autumn.

Fall in the Foothills

Leaf peeping season is here, and in the Great State of Wilkes, there are plenty of great views and fun things to do to make the most of your fall weekends.

Hit the Road to View the Leaves

Nothing beats a drive on a bright sunny day through country roads with beautiful views of fall foliage along the mountains. Here in Wilkes County we have some great scenic drives to snap some pictures and soak up the sights of the season. Whether you’re bringing the family in your car, looking for an adventure on your motorcycle, or prefer a slower pace on your bike, we’ve got options. Highway 21 north toward Sparta, Highway 268 from Elkin to Wilkesboro and Highway 421 from Interstate 77 to Wilkesboro offer a nice drive through the colors.

You might even venture off the major highways and try out some other roads, making your way around Wilkes County’s communities such as Miller’s Creek, Lomax, Shepherd’s Crossroads and Traphill. Use your preferred GPS system to plug in a new place and go on a leaf-viewing adventure.

Take a Hike

If you’re ready to get out of the car and get up close and personal with fall foliage, check out Carter Falls. This hidden gem in the eastern part of Wilkes County has a nice trail that takes you right up to beautiful waterfalls. The trails at Carter Falls are closely connected to others within the Elkin Valley Trails Association’s network.

The Yadkin River Greenway is another great hiking opportunity. The eight-mile trail winds from Smoot Park in North Wilkesboro to W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkesboro.

Go Apple Picking

One way to completely immerse yourself in fall colors is to get right up in the trees while you’re picking apples! The Brushy Mountains are home to acres upon acres of apple orchards, supplying grocery stores, farm stands and curbside markets through the southeast. You can get the freshest apples around when you visit Perry Lowe Orchards. Purchase some at their store, or make a reservation to go apple picking yourself.

High Country Fall Color Guide

Six Scenic Drives in Wilkes You Can Take Right Now           

Accuweather Wilkesboro Forecast

Historic Downtown Wilkesboro Facebook Page

Events in Wilkes County