9 must-do fall activities in and around Raleigh - Axios RaleighLog InLog InAxios Raleigh is an Axios company.

9 must-do fall activities in and around Raleigh

Virginia Creeper Trail Photo: Brianna Crane/Axios We can already hear our sweaters and flannels begging to be released from the closet, which means it's time to work on your fall bucket list. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1 Go apple picking

Apple picking season is in full swing in the Carolinas. Here are some spots worth the drive from Raleigh. : This Hendersonville orchard has 30 different varieties of apples, plus apple cider doughnuts, apple cider slushies, a bakery and family activities. Hours: Open 8am-6pm daily (bakery closes at 5pm)Address: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville (4 hours from Raleigh) : Make a day trip to this Flat Rock orchard where you can pick some apples, bring a picnic, meet farm animals and relax with your friends and family.Hours: 9am-6pm daily Address: 3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock (4-4.5 hours from Raleigh) : After apple picking, stop by the country store and bakery to stock up on cider and sweets (including apple cider doughnuts) before you leave.Hours: Picking passes are available 9am-4:30pm daily Address: 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave., Morganton (3-3.5 hours from Raleigh)Apple cider doughnuts and slushie from Apple Hill Orchard, Photo: Emma Way/Axios

2 Fill up on fried food at the

Nothing says fall like overindulging in something fried and then getting on a ferris wheel, or some other spinning ride. Even if rides aren't your thing, there's plenty of people watching, exhibits, games and performances to keep you entertained. Details: The fair runs October 13-23. You can buy tickets online now ($5 for kids/seniors, $10 for adults) .Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

3 Pick a pumpkin

There are dozens of spots to choose from around the Triangle, including: (1715 St. Marys Rd., Hillsborough)(38 Lewter Shop Rd., Apex) (6100 Mount Herman Rd., Raleigh) (6016 US 401 North, Fuquay Varina) (1719 Avent Ferry Rd., Holly Springs)

4 Get lost in a corn maze

Pair it with your pumpkin picking adventure, or make it a separate item on your fall bucket list. Some mazes nearby are: (3175 Benson Rd., Garner) (6701 Good Hope Church Rd., Cary) .

5 Go leaf peeping

Take a walk on local trails at William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, Eno River State Park or Lake Johnson. Or take a day trip to hike Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway, Uwharrie National Forest or Pisgah National Forest. Of note: should be mid- to late October. Looking Glass Waterfall in Pisgah National Forest. Photo: by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

6 Spend Halloween on Franklin Street

As a UNC alum and North Carolina native, I feel confident recommending everyone spend at least one Halloween on Franklin Street. In recent years, due to COVID-19, the town has discouraged mass gatherings and hasn't preemptively shut down the street.

7 Celebrate spooky season with a haunted attraction

Lean into the scary side of Halloween by visiting Clayton Fear Farm, which has multiple haunted houses and attractions, including a slaughterhouse. It opens Sept. 30 and you'll be able to find tickets . in Archdale, which has been ranked a top five haunted attraction for 38 years, is worth the 1.5-hour drive, too.

8 Catch some college football

There might not be an NFL team in Raleigh (you'll have to visit for that) but there are plenty of big college games this fall. Duke hosts UNC in Durham on Oct. 15. Find tickets . N.C. State hosts Wake Forest on Nov. 5. Find tickets . N.C. Central hosts Howard University in Durham on Nov. 5. Find tickets . Shaw University hosts St. Augustine's in the Raleigh Classic on Nov. 5. Find tickets . UNC hosts N.C. State in Chapel Hill on Nov. 25. Find tickets . Photo: Nicholas Faulkner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

9 Bike the Virginia Creeper Trail

How it works: You'll pick up your bikes from an in-town shop and shuttle brings you to the top of the mountain. From there, you'll leisurely bike down the . There are services to choose from. Call for availability. Photo: Brianna Crane/Axios Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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9 must do fall activities in and around Raleigh Raleigh