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Fall Foliage Getaway Best For: Solo, Couples, Friends & Families Best Enjoyed: Sept - Nov Stay: 2 Nights | 3 Days ITINERARY FAQS STAY GALLERY MAP Explore Our Fall Foliage Getaway As autumn unveils its captivating hues, Gaston County emerges as the perfect destination for a fall getaway. Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, this picturesque locale offers a curated Fall Getaway Package that promises a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and local flavors. Panoramic Fall Views Await at Crowders Mountain State Park Crowders Mountain State Park offers a diverse array of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for autumn adventures. The park boasts over 20 miles of trails, including the strenuous Pinnacle Trail, which leads to the highest point in Gaston County at 1,705 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fall foliage. For those seeking a more moderate challenge, the Ridgeline Trail stretches 6.2 miles along the mountain ridge, connecting to Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina. Beginners can enjoy the easy Fern and Lake Trails, both 0.8-mile loops that meander through serene forested areas. COST: FREE TIME: 1-8 hrs Crowders Mountain State Park Explore Fall Trails at Kings Mountain State Park Kings Mountain National Military Park, a 1.5-mile Battlefield Trail leads you through the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War victory in under an hour. For those with more time, longer trails wind through forests and ridges, blending rich history with beautiful views. COST: $3 each TIME: 1 - 8 hrs Kings Mountain State Park Walk Through History This Fall at KM National Military Park Kings Mountain National Military Park, a 1.5-mile Battlefield Trail leads you through the site of a pivotal Revolutionary War victory in under an hour. For those with more time, longer trails wind through forests and ridges, blending rich history with beautiful views. COST: Free TIME: 1 - 2 hrs Kings Mountain National Military Park Golden Days at Goat Island Park Goat Island Park in Cramerton is the perfect spot to enjoy crisp fall days along the South Fork River. The park’s paved greenway and nature trails wind beneath colorful trees, while the pedestrian bridge offers sweeping views of autumn leaves reflecting on the water. With disc golf, playgrounds, and picnic areas, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours soaking in the season. COST: Free TIME: 1 - 2 hrs Goat Island Park Fall into Adventure at Whitewater Center Fall at Whitewater Center is prime time for adventure. Trails blaze with autumn colors, the river is perfect for paddling, and mountain biking, climbing, and zip-lining are all calling your name. Budget a half day to a full day to chase thrills, explore multiple trails, and take in the season’s stunning scenery. COST: $12 - $80 TIME: 1 - 8 hrs Whitewater Center Autumn Blooms at Daniel Stowe Conservancy Daniel Stowe Conservancy, a stunning 380-acre public garden and nature preserve, becomes a vibrant autumn escape. Trails and gardens burst with brilliant shades of gold, amber, and crimson, creating the perfect backdrop for scenic walks, family adventures, and picture-perfect moments. Fall at Stowe isn’t just about the scenery—it’s alive with seasonal fun. Enjoy family-friendly festivals, trunk-or-treat events, hands-on workshops, nature walks, and a touch of spooky excitement. Whether you’re exploring the Gardens, starting new traditions, or simply soaking up the outdoors, this season offers unforgettable experiences framed by nature’s most stunning colors. COST: Under $20/person TIME: 1 - 8 hrs Daniel Stowe Conservancy From Fossils to Fall Trails: Discover the Schiele Explore the natural world and beyond at the Schiele Museum. Walk among live animals in the wildlife habitats, discover local fossils and geology exhibits, and learn about cultural history from the region. The planetarium offers immersive shows that bring the stars to life, while hands-on science exhibits engage kids and adults alike. Outdoor spaces include walking trails and a nature center, making it a perfect destination for curious minds and families. COST: Free - $25/per adult TIME: 2 hrs Schiele Museum Fall Is Fun On The Farm Create lasting memories with a visit to Lineberger Maple Spring Farm. Enjoy a charming hayride through picturesque fields, pick your own pumpkin, and savor the essence of fall on this family-friendly farm. Immerse yourself in the local flavors of Gaston County by exploring the vibrant farmers' markets , typically open on weekends. Delight in the season's bounty, from fresh produce to artisanal goods. COST: Free - $7.50/person TIME: 1 hr each Lineberger Farm Enjoy Craft Beverages on the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail This fall, experience the flavors of Gaston County along the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail. Start with the bold, smooth rum at Muddy River Rum Distillery, then visit Southern Artisan Spirits, home of award-winning Cardinal Gin and delicious food, and Veronet Vineyards, both offering stunning views overlooking Crowders Mountain. Several local breweries complete the trail, letting you explore at your own pace while enjoying crisp autumn air and vibrant fall scenery. COST: Varies TIME: 1 hr each Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail Fall-Inspired Events and Spooky Halloween Fun Our calendar is filled with fall-inspired festivities and spooky Halloween events. From cultural celebrations to family-friendly gatherings, Gaston County offers a diverse array of autumn entertainment. Experience Gaston County Through Our Lens From scenic adventures to local flavors and unique experiences, explore our gallery to get a taste of what your weekend in Gaston County could look like. Know Before You Go Gaston County offers the perfect mix of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure. Wander along the Catawba River, explore colorful trails, or stroll through charming downtown streets — all while enjoying the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. Whether you’re after a relaxing escape or an action-packed weekend, Gaston County makes every visit feel effortless, memorable, and uniquely yours. Getting Here Gaston County is just 20 minutes west of Charlotte, making it an easy drive for a weekend escape. If you’re flying, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the closest major hub. Once you arrive, our towns and attractions are easy to navigate — most are within 15–20 minutes of each other. Atlanta, GA 4 hrs Washington, DC 7 hrs Nashville, TN 6 hrs Charleston, SC 3 hrs Raleigh, NC 3 hrs Pigeon Forge, TN 4 hrs Myrtle Beach, SC 4 hrs Richmond, VA 5 hrs Getting Around While Gaston County is compact and easy to navigate, having a car is essential to fully explore the area. Most attractions, trails, and restaurants are spread out, so having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to see everything at your own pace. Where To Eat Fuel your adventures with flavors of Gaston County. From cozy cafés to hearty Southern fare, here are a few favorites to satisfy every craving Annual Events Make your getaway even more special by checking out our signature events. From seasonal festivals to celebrations, there’s always something fun to capture the spirit of the season. Night Life Whether you’re looking for live music, a craft brew, or a relaxed evening stroll, there’s something for every night owl there's always a little something extra. Fall Weather Fall in Gaston County is crisp, colorful, and perfect for outdoor adventure. Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid-60s to low 70s°F (18–22°C), while evenings can drop into the 40s and 50s°F (5–15°C). Mornings often start cool and misty, so layering is key. Fall also brings occasional rain showers, so a light waterproof jacket or umbrella can come in handy. The vibrant fall foliage usually peaks from late October to early November, creating stunning landscapes everywhere you go. Planning a fall getaway to Gaston County? Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend. From what to pack to where to eat (and even what to do if it rains), we’ve got you covered. Insider Tips Peak leaf season is late October through early November — bring your camera! Weekends fill up quickly, so book your hotel early. Many outdoor spots are dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join in the fun. What to Bring Layers: Cool mornings, warm afternoons, and chilly evenings mean packing a light jacket or sweater. Hiking Shoes: Trails are at their best with fall leaves — you’ll want sturdy shoes for exploring. Camera/Phone: The views along the Catawba River and in our parks are postcard-worthy. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while you’re on the trails. Reserve Your Stay Today! Book direct for a simple, stress-free way to reserve your stay. Choose your dates, secure your lodging, and start planning your Gaston County weekend with confidence.” Map Out Your Perfect Weekend in Gaston County Plan your perfect weekend at your own pace! Explore all the top stops—attractions, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and more—then mix and match to create your ideal weekend. Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How Can We Help? GETAWAY GUIDE Download your free Weekend Getaway Guide Downloadable Getaway Flyer SAVE & SHARE Share this getaway with a friend or save it for later! Copy link ASK US Got a quick question? Ask us here. Ask Us Email About Getaway Explore More Trip Ideas? Spring Blossom Getaway Available: March - May Fall Foliage Getaway Available: Sept - Nov Christmas Vacation Available: December

June 14, 2027 Open mic Learn More Traust Brewing Venue Info 128 S Main St, Mt Holly, NC 28120, USA 1:00 PM Time: - 1:30 PM 833-566-5563 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

September 11, 2026 Welcoming Week 2026 Learn More Warlick Family YMCA Venue Info 2221 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 7:00 PM Time: - 8:00 PM 704-830-9622 < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 9, 2026 Author Event: J. H. Markert Learn More Belmont Bookshop Venue Info 7 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 2:00 PM Time: - 4:00 PM 704-461-8060 J. H. Markert is coming to Belmont in honor of the release of his latest novel "The Chain House"! J. H. will be joined in conversation with Annelise Jancula, host of the Grave Tales Book Club. J. H. Markert is a producer, screenwriter, husband, and father of two from Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also a tennis pro for twenty-five years, before hanging up the rackets for good in 2020. He graduated with a degree in history from the University of Louisville in 1997 and has been writing ever since. Annelise Jancula is an avid reader with a lifelong love of all things spooky and unsettling. Raised on Goosebumps , her fascination with horror has only grown over the years. She created Grave Tales Book Club in 2025 to celebrate the joy of being scared with other horror lovers and they meet at several NC Indie bookstores and virtually each month. Annelise loves exploring the many facets of the genre and believes there’s something special about a story that leaves you sleeping with the lights on. All prices include admission and one copy of "The Chain House" (physical book provided at the event) . Additional books and backlist titles are available to purchase in-store or on our website. Please note that we cannot guarantee availability of any titles at the event that are not pre-ordered, so we highly recommend placing your orders as soon as possible if you would like extra copies of any books! PLEASE NOTE:There are no physical tickets for this event; you will be checked in by attendee name at the door. Tickets are non-refundable unless event is canceled. The event will be taking place at Belmont Bookshop. Shoud RSVPs exceed capacity, the event would be moved to an offsite location. Attendees would be notified as soon as this happens, should it occur. Doors to the event will open at 6:30pm with the event beginning at 7:00pm. VISITING US FROM OUT OF TOWN?There are a lot of fun things to do in Belmont and Gaston County! If you're joining us from out of town or state, below are some ideas to help you plan your trip! The biggest draw is simply wandering around downtown Belmont. Main Street has boutiques, cafés, antique stores, dessert spots, breweries, and Stowe Park right in the center. Not to mention - Belmont Bookshop! 🌸 Spend the afternoon taking in the scenery at Daniel Stowe Conservancy🚣♂ Visit the U. S. National Whitewater Center for rafting, trails, ziplining, and more☕ Grab a coffee at Wandering Cup South Fork🥐 Enjoy a handmade pastry or sandwich at Every Day Market in downtown Belmont🎬 Have dinner at Webb Custom Kitchen, a restored historic theater with movies playing silently while you eat🍺 Relax with an after-dinner beverage at Sammy's Pub or a cigar at The Jailhouse < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 7, 2026 Homeschool Day: Nature's Food Web Detectives - Grade 4 + 5 Learn More Daniel Stowe Conservancy Venue Info 6500 S New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 5:30 AM Time: - 6:30 AM 704-825-4490 In this hands-on outdoor adventure led by our Environmental Educators, students become food web detectives exploring who eats whom in nature and the necessary roles producers, consumers and decomposers perform. By investigating how plants, animals, fungi and other organisms act in their environment, students will uncover how energy and nutrients move through that ecosystem. Using investigative science, they will explore how a successful network between food web organisms illustrates the interdependence of each, and the consequences as organisms change or disappear. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 3, 2026 Belmont Abbey College Men's Soccer vs Southern Wesleyan Learn More Belmont Abbey Athletics Venue Info Belmont, NC, USA 10:00 AM Time: - 12:00 PM 704-461-6693 Belmont Abbey College Men's Soccer vs Southern Wesleyan Streaming Video: http://www.conferencecarolinasdn.com/abbeyathletics < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 17, 2026 Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? Learn More The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium Venue Info 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 9:30 AM Time: - 10:15 AM 704-866-6900 The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit to the museum. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

Ranlo Parks and Recreation HEADQUARTERS Ranlo Parks and Recreation Learn More Ranlo Parks and Recreation More Affiliates To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

November 7, 2026 Movies In The Park Learn More Stowe Park in Belmont Venue Info 24 S Main St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA Time: - 704-825-5586 Join the City of Belmont Community Development Department and Aurora Starlit Cinema for a fun movie night under the stars at Stowe Park in downtown Belmont! Enjoy a jumbo outdoor screen with immersive sound while relaxing on your own blanket or chair. The event also features free arcade games and cornhole for extra fun. Popcorn, candy, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Stowe Park also has a great playground, making it perfect for families. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

October 27, 2026 Morbidly Curious Book Club Learn More Belmont Bookshop Venue Info 7 N Main St, Belmont, NC 28012, USA 1:30 PM Time: - 3:00 PM 704-461-8060 We are excited to partner with Morbidly Curious Book Club! This is an 18+ non-fiction macabre-focused book club diving into the darker parts of your library, whether it be true crime cases, morally ambiguous medical practice, spirits & ghosts, or death. This month's read: "Spiritualism's Place: Reformers, Seekers, and Séances in Lily Dale" by Averill Earls, Sarah Handley-Cousins, and Elizabeth Garner Masarik Click on the button below to reserve your book! Pick up at Belmont Bookshop prior to the discussion. Follow the Morbidly Curious Belmont Bookshop group here to stay up to date on future reads!Morbidly Curious Book Club also has a podcast! Every month the host will sit down with the author and deep dive into their books... you can find it on Spotify here. DISCLAIMERS: Please check trigger warnings on all books. It is safe to assume they will be touching on many tough subjects. Some may be easy to miss. Proceed with caution. Monthly attendance is not mandatory; you do not have to commit to anything. Join as you wish and discuss at your own will. Even if you weren't quite able to finish the book! < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

September 10, 2026 Trivia Learn More Durty Bull Brewing Venue Info 126 S Trenton St, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA 2:00 PM Time: - 4:00 PM 704-671-2541 Trivia night at Durty Bull, test your knowledge and have a few drinks with friends. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >

September 15, 2026 Oasis in Space Learn More The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium Venue Info 1500 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA 8:30 AM Time: - 9:30 AM 704-866-6900 The Schiele Museum’s James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater is home to an immersive experience unlike anything else in the area and is a “must-see” attraction during a visit to the museum. < PREVIOUS CALENDAR NEXT >