From glowing lakeside trails to hidden forest paths, here’s where to see Raleigh foliage come alive this fall.
Fall is in full swing—the city’s green spaces officially trading summer’s lush canopy for vibrant hues of bright gold, crimson and orange. And leaf peeping should definitely be on your local autumn bucket list. From lakeside trails to tucked-away preserves, you don’t have to leave the city to catch a stunning show of seasonal colors. Here are six of the best spots for foliage viewing right in Raleigh’s backyard.
Lake Johnson Park Finally, the weather is cool enough for a stroll around Lake Johnson sans buckets of sweat and borderline heatstroke. The 2.8-mile loop trail winds through stands of oak, hickory and loblolly pine, with hardwoods aglow in gold, orange and deep russet by late October. Whether you’re jogging/walking, snapping photos or sipping a seasonal latte on a lakeside bench, the popular park delivers a classic dose of fall color—no road trip required. Peak time to visit is late afternoon, when the low sun sets the lake ablaze and frames each leaf in warm light.
William B. Umstead State Park Perched along the city’s edge, Umstead trades skyline views for canopies of color. Spanning more than 5,500 acres, the park’s network of ~34 miles of trails show off beautiful oaks, hickories, sweetgums and loblolly pines. The 7.2-mile Sycamore Trail loop along the park’s northern edge is a standout for fall color, meandering through dense forest along Sycamore Creek for much of its route. It’s especially a fave for photographers who want a longer hike with varied terrain—with the goal of showing off the best of Raleigh’s autumn palette.
JC Raulston Arboretum Just west of NC State’s campus, the JC Raulston Arboretum may cover only about 10 acres, but it delivers serious fall drama in a compact, curated setting. The gardens burst with color—see: blazing reds from Japanese maples, butter-yellow ginkgo, and warm orange from the Lindera species. Visitors can take a self-guided stroll through themed gardens, snap photos under fiery maple canopies, or join a weekend tour or workshop to learn about the arboretum’s rare plant collections.
Lake Crabtree County Park Straddling the line between Raleigh and Cary, Lake Crabtree offers a quieter kind of fall magic. The 520-acre lake mirrors the maples and sweetgums that rim its edges, making sunrise and sunset here pure gold—literally. With more than 16 miles of trails, the Wake County gem invites you to bike, walk or paddle through the season’s best hues—all backdropped with the hum of planes from nearby RDU Airport. Bring a thermos and/or picnic, stake out a lakeside bench, and watch the leaves move with every passing breeze. Talk about a show!
Durant Nature Preserve
Shelley Lake Park For some of the city’s most photogenic fall views, head to Shelley Lake in North Raleigh, where colorful treetops reflect off the surface of the 53-acre lake. The two-mile paved trail that loops the water is a local favorite, especially when the oaks and sweetgums burst into red, orange and yellow by late October. Stop at the Sertoma Arts Center on the park’s edge to browse an exhibit before circling back for one more lap of color—and be sure to peek down at the water from the bridges to spot turtles and other critters.
Durant Nature Preserve On Raleigh’s north side, Durant Nature Preserve delivers a hidden pocket of woodland, perfect for leaf-peepers seeking peace and color. Once a Boy Scout camp, the 237-acre preserve feels worlds away from the city, with wooded trails that wind past serene creeks; two small lakes; and maple, oak and hickory trees that light up in brilliant colors come fall. The Lakeside Trail and White House Road Trail are especially stunning this time of year, lined with tall trees and bursts of red berries. Birdwatchers flock here, too, in the hopes of spotting migrating warblers darting through the canopy. Altogether, the crisp air, quiet trails and seasonal colors will make you forget you’re still inside city limits.
Fall weather + Great Trails State Day Oct. 21 = the perfect time to pull up your boots and hit the dusty trail.
Despite the cooling temps, you should no doubt stay on your hot girl/boy walk game. Sweaters, crunchy leaves and a chilly breeze… name a better way to spend a gorgeous fall day/weekend—we’ll wait (!). On Oct. 21, the Great Trails State Coalition, the same group behind NC’s Year of the Trail, is hosting its first annual Great Trails State Day—giving you all the more reason to take a stroll on one of Raleigh’s superb walking/hiking trails. Here, local trail picks for where your boots should be walkin’ this fall.
With 20 miles of hiking trails—NTM gorgeous lake views—this natural park paradise is a primo choice to get your nature on. For those really looking to get their steps, opt for the 7.2-mile Sycamore Trail, topping out as the park’s longest.
Art meets nature at the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, featuring installations by international artists along environmentally sustainable landscapes, gorgeous gardens, and miles of Greenway and wooded trails. Post-hike, find a cozy spot on the lawn to enjoy a picnic—or a nap (we aren’t judging).
For scenic river views, look no further than this attractive segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail feat. 27.5 miles of paved trail winding through wetlands, historical sights and agricultural fields.
A leisurely stroll awaits via 2 miles of paved scenic greenway trails around the lake—and further blow off steam on the basketball courts or by throwing a line off the dock or pedestrian bridges.
TLC said not to go chasing waterfalls, but do water-powered gristmills count? Either way, do it for the ’Gram—then make your way through the 174-acre park and wildlife refuge via trails ranging from 0.8 miles to 2 miles.
Choose your own adventure by taking either the paved greenway trail or natural surface trail, both looping the lake. And for primo sun-soaking, pop a squat near the dam and pack a picnic.
Designated as a Nature Preserve in 2010, Durant park boasts 5 miles of trails for exploring the park’s 237 acres of streams, lakes, hardwood and pine forests, wetlands, lakes, and more. Mountain biking and fishing are also permitted.
Where the RM team is trekking to hike more, worry less.
“I had diverged, digressed, wandered and become wild.” Live out your Cheryl Strayed a la Wild fantasy and strap on those hiking boots for the Great Trails State Coalition’s (the same group behind NC’s Year of the Trail) first annual Great Trails State Day Oct. 21. Here are some of the Raleigh Magazine team’s favorite hiking trails throughout the state to get you started—worthy of a day trip, weekend getaway or just a quick drive across town. Then it’s just one foot in front of the other…
“If I feel like roughin’ it, Umstead. But if I’m after sunshine and people-watching, can’t beat the NCMA trails.” —Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“I recently hiked the trail leading to Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park and it was absolutely beautiful! 10/10 recommend the ~4-mile strenuous (read: steep) trek to see this natural beaut.” —Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol
“I enjoy hiking at Umstead. I like the peaceful surroundings and always meet interesting fellow hikers!” —Debby Serena, Account Executive
“I love Pilot Mountain, there are so many hikes to choose from and the best sunset view!” —Cameron Rhinehardt, Account Executive
“North Turkey Creek Trail in Umstead. There’s something comforting about being surrounded by so many trees.” —Emily O’Brien, Contributing Writer
“My favorite NC hiking trail is the Whiteside Mountain Trail just outside of Highlands (which, in my opinion, is one of the best mountain getaways in the state!). Unlike many trails where you hike up to one tiny lookout at the top before heading back down, this trail winds along the ridge of the mountain for a good portion of the hike, allowing many different viewpoints for stopping and taking in the stunning cliff views. Fun fact: During the spring and summer you can often catch peregrine falcons soaring near the cliffs—how awesome is that?” —Kelsie Barton, Contributing Writer, @kelsie_barton
