It’s time to embrace the cozy vibes of fall in the North Carolina mountains!
As the crisp air settles in, it’s the perfect opportunity to wrap yourself in your favorite sweaters, scarves, fuzzy socks, and boots. While staying at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, you’ll find no shortage of seasonal adventures to elevate your autumn from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re a leaf-peeper, a foodie, or an adventure-seeker, Western NC is your playground this fall.
Here are the top 10 must-do activities around Lake Lure:
1) Conquer a Corn Maze
What better way to kick off fall than by getting lost in a classic corn maze? It’s fun for the whole family and a great way to exercise both your body and mind. Visit Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville to explore their five-acre maze, or head to Eliada Corn Maze in Asheville for weekend fun that includes hay rides, corn cannons, a straw maze, and slides. If you’re feeling adventurous, drive over to Shelby Corn Maze where daytime exploration transforms into a haunted nighttime adventure on Fridays and Saturdays in October!
2) Chase the Leaves
There’s nothing like the vibrant tapestry of autumn colors in Western NC. The mountains surrounding Lake Lure come alive in shades of red, orange, and gold, creating breathtaking views everywhere you turn. One of the best ways to enjoy this natural spectacle is by booking a Scenic Lake Cruise here at Rumbling Bald. Drift across the water, surrounded by stunning fall foliage and mountain views. For an extended adventure, take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the leaves and peaks provide an unforgettable autumn experience.
3) Create Fall Comfort Foods
Fall isn’t just about the scenery—it’s also a season for savoring warm, comforting foods. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or an apple aficionado, now’s the time to whip up seasonal dishes. Stay in the comfort of your Rumbling Bald vacation rental, gather the family in the kitchen, and make fall favorites like pumpkin bread, chili, or hot apple cider. Nothing says fall quite like the aroma of home-cooked goodness filling the air. You can even grab your go-to ingredients straight from the surrounding apple orchards.
4) Explore the Biltmore Estate
Step into a world of elegance at the Biltmore Estate, one of the most iconic landmarks in Asheville. During the fall, the estate’s sprawling gardens are awash in autumn hues, making it the perfect backdrop for a scenic tour. Beyond the gardens, explore the historic Vanderbilt home, indulge in a wine tasting, or shop for unique fall finds. This destination is a short drive from Rumbling Bald and offers a perfect blend of history, beauty, and adventure.
5) Sip on Local Creations
Fall is the ideal time to unwind at a local brewery, vineyard, or distillery. Western NC is home to a variety of craft beverage spots, from intimate microbreweries to sprawling vineyards. If you’re a wine lover, try Mountain Brook Vineyards for a relaxing afternoon sipping wine on the hillside.
Or explore the area’s unique craft beers and ciders. In downtown Asheville, Urban Orchard Cider Co. creates a variety of unique cider flavors, ranging from a classic apple with their Sweet English to a spicy yet semi-sweet Sidra del Diablo featuring habanero and vanilla. Grab a pint or flight and unwind as you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, or get a bit competitive with a game of ping pong or shuffleboard. Whether you’re there to savor local brews or have some fun with friends, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the season.
6) Hike a Trail
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in fall’s beauty than by hitting the trails. Lake Lure and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer a variety of hiking options for all skill levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging climbs. Take in panoramic views of the vibrant fall foliage while breathing in the crisp mountain air. Don’t forget to bring your dog along for a scenic hike with the whole family!
7) Peruse a Pumpkin Patch
Picking the perfect pumpkin is a time-honored fall tradition. Whether you’re hunting for a pumpkin to carve or simply for decoration, the process is half the fun. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard and Grandad’s Apples in Hendersonville both offer you-pick pumpkin patches alongside seasonal treats like apple cider donuts. Or, check out The Nix Pumpkin Patch, where you’ll find everything pumpkin-related to fuel your fall festivities.
8) Enjoy a Bonfire
Nothing beats the smell of a bonfire. Cool fall nights are made for this. Embrace the fall season with our beachside fire pit, where you can enjoy the cozy warmth of the flames and soak in the breathtaking lakeside views at our Fall Evenings by the Fire. While you’re here, be sure to visit Legends on the Lake or The Bear’s Cup Cafe Bar to grab a delicious bite and bring along your favorite drink. Make the most of your evening and end your day under the stars, enjoying the warm glow of a fire with a perfect blend of good company, great food, and stunning scenery. It’s a simple but unforgettable way to wrap up a day full of autumn activities.
9) Take a Hayride
No fall farm day is complete without a hayride. Many of our top-pick pumpkin and apple locations around Rumbling Bald are also home to this fun attraction. Hop on a wagon at Stepp’s Hillcrest for a leisurely ride through the fields, where you can take in the sights and sounds of the harvest season. It’s a nostalgic and fun way to experience farm life and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
10) Go Apple Picking
Nothing says fall like apple picking. Local orchards around Rumbling Bald, especially in Hendersonville, offer family-friendly apple-picking experiences that everyone can enjoy. Visit Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard for acres of apples, hayrides, apple cannons, and more. For a full day of fun, stop by Grandad’s Apples, where you can enjoy a corn maze, cow train, and apple cannon (all open only on weekends) along with your apple haul. Justus Orchard in Hendersonville is home to a variety of NC apples, along with a jumping pillow, cow train, and apple cannon (all open only on weekends). Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of this quintessential fall activity.
Your Fall Destination Awaits
Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is the ideal base camp for your fall adventures in Western NC. From luxurious vacation rentals to lake activities, golf courses, and dining, everything you need for an unforgettable autumn getaway is at your fingertips. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and let Rumbling Bald be your gateway to the best of fall in the North Carolina mountains.
ABOUT RUMBLING BALD
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lure and embraced by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald offers a secluded haven that remains easily accessible from several metropolitan areas. Whether you’re coming from Charlotte, Asheville, or Raleigh, North Carolina, Knoxville or Nashville, Tennessee, or Greenville or Spartanburg, South Carolina, our retreat is a mere one to five hours away. The enchanting property boasts two distinct 18-hole golf courses: the W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and the Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.
With 120+ vacation rental homes, condos, and studios, Rumbling Bald caters to groups of varying sizes, providing captivating views of both the golf courses and the mountains. After a round of golf, unwind at Legends on the Lake — a casual dining spot nestled along the serene shores of Lake Lure. or at The Gardens Restaurant — an elevated casual dining experience overlooking the championship greens of our Bald Mountain Golf Course. Additionally, a limited number of lots are available for those looking to build their dream getaway homes or explore existing home re-sales.
Beyond golf, Rumbling Bald offers a plethora of amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours and rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service Spa & Salon, and hiking trails. Families can relax by the Trout Stream Pool or enjoy the Lazy River, meandering through the outdoor pool area where guests unwind under fan-cooled covered seating. Rumbling Bald stands as the perfect base camp for those eager to explore the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Our most cherished assets lie in the natural wonders that envelop us, providing a canvas to craft lasting memories, find tranquility, and foster connections. Disconnect to reconnect here at Rumbling Bald. Whether you’re most at home wandering the trails amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, floating or fishing the serene waters of Lake Lure, or challenging yourself on one of our championship golf courses, there’s something for everyone to discover here. Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure — close to home, far from it all.
For more information, visit www.rumblingbald.com or contact us at 828.694.3000.
