As the last week of October approaches, so does the peak of fall leaf colors in Charlotte.
Leaf colors correlate with elevation, so many places in North Carolina have already reached their peak as temperatures cooled earlier. Charlotte is at a lower elevation, so we are just reaching prime time for leaf peeping. Leaves transform with beautiful warm shades of red, orange and yellow, creating an array of colorful leaves that are truly a feast for the eyes.
Although Western North Carolina is an especially popular destination for leaf-viewing, the devastation of the area by Hurricane Helene has had a major impact on the ability of some cities to receive visitors. While some places are boosting tourism, others are still reeling from the storm’s damage. Several popular attractions, such as portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pisgah National Forest, remain closed, although a small section of the parkway reopened Wednesday morning.
As a result, those looking for colorful fall leaves might consider staying closer to home and exploring leaf viewing spots in and around Charlotte rather than venturing to the mountains. Luckily, there are plenty of places in and around Charlotte where you can enjoy the vibrant colors of fall without traveling far. Local parks, gardens, nature reserves and nearby trails offer beautiful views of the changing leaves, all within a short drive. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or just an afternoon stroll, Charlotte’s foliage destinations provide a true fall experience, right at home. Here are a few places you can visit this season.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Location: 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, located in Belmont, is a wonderful day out option for leaf peepers. Located just 20 miles from Charlotte, this location features 30 acres of gardens including a children’s garden, a conservatory with tropical plants and orchids, a dry Piedmont prairie, sparkling fountains, walking trails and more.
Among those 30 hectares there are plenty of opportunities to see beautiful, colorful autumn leaves. This autumn the garden will also be exhibiting Scarecrow Hollow, a collection of scarecrows made by the local community. Admission is $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $9.95 for children and free for children under 2.
Mallard Creek Greenway
Location: 201 E Mallard Creek Church Road, Charlotte, NC 28262
Located in northeast Charlotte, the Mallard Creek Greenway is an 8.7-mile moderate out-and-back trail that passes through burned conifer forests to Mallard Lake. The Greenway passes through several local neighborhoods and is a great place for an afternoon stroll. This scenic trail is lined with plenty of lush greenery, so there should be no shortage of opportunities to see vibrant fall leaf colors.
McAlpine Creek and Campbell Creek Greenway
Location: 8711 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
The McAlpine Creek Greenway and the Campbell Creek Greenway connect to McAlpine Creek Park, located in southwest Charlotte. The greenway is 10 km long in one direction and is largely unpaved, with some paved sections. Thanks to the many community and pedestrian access points, this is another great place to see this fall’s many leaf colors for those who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. The greenway is almost completely lined with trees on both sides.
McDowell Nature Reserve
Location: 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Located in southwestern Mecklenburg County, McDowell Nature Preserve protects more than 3,000 acres of land along the shores of Lake Wylie. With lush forests and lake views, the reserve is certainly a scenic destination and a great place to see the bright leaf colors.
The preserve features 56 campsites and a total of eight miles of hiking trails, positioning itself as a getaway from the city for outdoor enthusiasts. The McDowell Nature Center acts as a gateway to the reserve and features informative displays highlighting the surrounding flora and fauna.
Ribbonwalk Nature Reserve
Location: 4601 Nevin Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
Ribbonwalk Nature Preserve is a foliage gem in North Charlotte, just minutes from downtown Charlotte. The preserve’s abundant forests have plenty of foliage for a grand display of this fall’s leaf colors, and the 3 miles of trails showcase the surrounding forests, fields, ponds, and more.
Uwharrie National Forest
Location: Troy, NC 27371
Covering more than 50,000 acres in parts of North Carolina’s Montgomery, Davidson and Randolph counties, the Uwharrie National Forest is no joke when it comes to showcasing the state’s vibrant fall foliage. About 60 miles from Charlotte, Uwharrie is a good option for a weekend getaway from the city. In addition to beautiful views, the forest also offers areas for cycling, hiking, fishing, camping and a variety of other outdoor activities.
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
Location: 9090 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Located at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s campus, the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens showcase some of the best foliage, fall and otherwise, that the city has to offer. The gardens are home to three garden locations with 16 collections, and the outdoor area of ​​Van Landingham Glen and Harwood Garden are both renowned for their beautiful kaleidoscope of autumn colours.
For those who prefer to enjoy nature indoors, the garden’s McMillan Greenhouse showcases an array of flora from around the world, right at home in Charlotte.
Places to visit later
Crowders Mountain State Park
Location: 522 Park Office Ln, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Crowders Mountain State Park is a 5,300-acre state park located near Kings Mountain and on the outskirts of Gastonia. Just 52 miles west of Charlotte, this is a great option for those looking for a destination where you can browse and feel just far enough away to get away from it all. The park includes the peaks of Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle, which provide plenty of opportunities for scenic views.
Crowders Mountain State Park will be closed until at least October 31 as the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation focuses on assisting with statewide emergency response in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Lake Norman State Park
Location: 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
Lake Norman State Park, located in Troutman, is 40 miles north of Charlotte. The park is a great option for those who want to enjoy beautiful Lake Norman and its kaleidoscope of leaf colors. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities. With almost 50 kilometers of mountain bike trails and 60 kilometers of hiking trails, you can choose to take a weekend getaway or just take an afternoon stroll.
Lake Norman State Park will be closed until at least October 31 as the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation focuses on assisting with statewide recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
