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.
Life is all about balance. And studies show that grabbing a paddle is not only a serene and picturesque way to be one with the outdoors (can we get an “om, yeah” for all the paddleboard yogis?!), but it boasts a slew of physical and mental benefits—think core strength, stamina, vitamin D, stress relief and joint stability. And the activity’s popularity only continues to swell. … So what are you waiting for? Grab your board for a stand-up time at one of these Raleigh watering holes.
Lake Crabtree County Park Oozing with ops for outdoor enthusiasts, these 520 acres of flood-controlled waters are worth the trip—especially because all rentals (SUPs, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats) are free for up to two hours (!). Just row with it—then take a stroll around the lakeside walking trails, pack a picnic to enjoy by the grassy shores, or try your hand at flying a kite.
William B. Umstead State Park Nestled about 10 miles northwest of DTR, this relaxing retreat with three reservoirs deserves a standing O for its paddling pleasures. To wit, you can turn your outdoor outing into an overnight via equipped camping areas with typical modern amenities.
Lake Johnson Park When in doubt, paddle it out! Launch from this park’s sandy shores for a trip around the 150-acre lake encircled by a scenic walking/bike trail. Reserve paddleboards (and kayaks!) online or at the on-site Waterfront Center.
Lake Wheeler Park Whatever floats your boat… er, board! Take a paddle into history with 650 acres of lake that’s doubled as Raleigh’s and Wake County’s primary water supply since 2010. Featured activities also include trails throughout the park, playgrounds and a sand volleyball court, an accessible fishing dock, and personal boat launches. Rent your SUP board or kayak in advance here.
Lake Raleigh SUP, NC State! Board up to make waves on Centennial Campus if you’re in the mood for a more mellow day out on the lake. The scenic gem is also the perfect picturesque spot for a picnic, casting a line (look out for largemouth bass and catfish), running the greenway or playing a round of disc golf.
For Raleighite and self-proclaimed “water baby” Amber Thayer, there’s no place she’d rather be than diving in a lake or splashing in the ocean. “Water is my happy place,” says the former swim instructor, who also served in the Navy for 10 years. “Always has been.”
So when the pandemic hit and she needed an outlet, Thayer channeled her inner Moana and answered the water’s call. At first she debated getting a kayak, but didn’t want to have to lug it around. “Then I found Freedom Boat Club online,” she shares. “I went and talked to them and discovered they would give me all the training—[and] I don’t have to do the maintenance. I was like, ‘This sounds like a win-win.’”
Today more women are following Thayer’s lead and turning to clubs like Freedom—which boasts locations at Falls Lake and Jordan Lake—that empower them to pursue boating as a hobby by offering robust training programs, women-only social groups and outings, and an easy booking system with access to a wide variety of boats. Globally, Freedom has more than 90,000 members and 35% of its members are women—a percentage that is much higher than the industry average of female boat owners.
Women Making Waves 246% increase in women boaters 2017–2023
“As a father to a young girl, it’s incredible and empowering to see so many women take the helm with Freedom Boat Club,” says Max Curtis, general manager of Freedom Boat Club of Raleigh. “Boating previously had a perception of being a male-dominated hobby, and over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in women captaining our boats and finding their confidence on the water.”
Thayer concurs: “I do see more and more women doing it. It’s an empowering thing, not to be afraid. I think Freedom does a really good job of being that lifeline.”
Since joining the club in 2020, Thayer has received one-on-one training from Freedom’s licensed captains to learn how to safely navigate our local lakes, and has even traveled to the coast for additional, more intensive training on the ocean. Now, whether she’s solo or has friends or her boyfriend in tow, Thayer feels equipped for success on the water.
At Falls Lake, you can typically spot her driving a tritoon. “We’ll ride way out to the dam, as far out as I can, and then we normally find a little offshoot,” she says of her perfect boat day. “I’ll drop anchor, and we’ll just swim and listen to music and just enjoy being in nature.”
And, of course, no aquatic adventure is complete without her furry co-captain. “My favorite thing is the fact [Freedom Boat Club] lets me bring my dog,” says Thayer.
When asked what advice she’d give to other local women thinking about taking the plunge into boating, Thayer simply responds, “Just do it.” Besides being convenient and hassle-free, “they will help you,” she continues. “I think the hardest part is finding the courage to just try.” So, ~water~ you waiting for? freedomboatclub.com
The views expressed in this rave are those of the author and do not purport or reflect the opinions of Raleigh Magazine.
Dear Raleigh,
When we were looking for a change of pace from out west and searching for a new place to live, I have to admit I had to ask a friend if I was pronouncing your name correctly. You were that new to me.
Fast-forward several months and here we are: moved in, making friends and basking in all the amazing things about this little gem of a city. As someone who has lived as an adult in five different cities (including Downunda!), Raleigh, you not only had me at hello—but you might have me for life.
You’re not just the best of both worlds, you’re the best of all worlds. You are location meets good climate. You’re near coasts and mountains, home to an abundance of scrumptious bakeries (Boulted Bread, be still my heart!) and coffee shops with eye-catching architectural details (hey, Heirloom), thought-provoking culture, and a seemingly never-ending array of weekend getaway opportunities. Your city is a perfect marriage of urban and greenery—plus good-hearted people.
While hopping in the car to go hiking through the mountains or to swim in the sea isn’t feasible for every weekend, I can definitely make do with the 100+ lakes here in town and the many trails nestled within Umstead State Park.
And then there’s the glorious rain! (Yes, rain.) As a transplant from a town that’s situated near year-round wildfires, the plentitude of rain feels worth its weight in gold. And I hope the humidity never stops working its voodoo reverse-aging magic on my skin, which has been dried out for decades.
If you need me, I’ll be out paddleboarding at our neighborhood lake and basking in the fact that snow here is rare, or having a drink on my porch while waving to my neighbors.
Forever yours,
New in Town
Got a Rant or Rave? Email it to [email protected] for consideration.
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.
