10 North Carolina Day Trips That Are Perfect For A September Weekend Escape
September in North Carolina offers the perfect sweet spot between summer heat and fall colors.
The crowds thin out, temperatures mellow, and the mountain air takes on that crisp, magical quality that makes outdoor adventures irresistible.
I’ve spent countless September weekends exploring the Tar Heel State’s hidden place and popular spots alike, and let me tell you – there’s no better time to hit the road for a day trip.
Pack some snacks, grab your camera, and let’s explore these incredible North Carolina destinations that are just waiting for your September visit!
1. Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway: Where Mountain Magic Meets Artistic Soul
Last September, I stumbled upon a roadside waterfall while cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. That’s the beauty of this place – surprises around every curve! The parkway’s overlooks showcase mountains draped in early autumn hues, with fog often nestling in the valleys below.
Downtown Asheville buzzes with street performers and outdoor cafés perfect for people-watching. I spent hours browsing quirky shops in the River Arts District, where artists often leave their studio doors open for curious visitors like me.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic and stop at Craggy Gardens (milepost 364.4) for lunch with a view that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. The moderate temperatures make hiking comfortable, and the thinning tourist crowds mean you’ll have more elbow room at popular breweries!
2. Black Mountain: The Front Porch Of Western Carolina
Whoever nicknamed Black Mountain “the front porch of Western Carolina” wasn’t kidding! This charming town just east of Asheville feels like visiting your coolest relative’s mountain hideaway. I once spent an entire afternoon just rocking in a handcrafted chair outside a local bookshop, sipping apple cider and chatting with strangers-turned-friends.
The downtown area packs more character into a few blocks than seems physically possible. Quaint shops sell everything from handmade quilts to artisanal chocolates, while hiking trails in the surrounding mountains offer spectacular views without extreme elevation gains.
September brings perfect temperatures for exploring Lake Tomahawk, where a flat 0.55-mile walking path circles the water. The reflection of the mountains on the lake’s surface creates a double dose of beauty that’s especially striking as hints of fall color begin to appear!
3. Fontana Dam & Village Resort: Engineering Marvel Meets Mountain Paradise
Holy hydroelectricity, Batman! The first time I stood atop Fontana Dam—the tallest dam east of the Rockies—I literally felt dizzy looking down 480 feet to the Little Tennessee River below. September’s clear skies make this engineering wonder even more impressive against the backdrop of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
After gawking at the dam, I wandered through Fontana Village Resort, a former workers’ town transformed into a rustic getaway. The general store makes a mean milkshake, perfect fuel before hitting nearby hiking trails that aren’t crowded this time of year.
My favorite September activity here? Renting a pontoon boat to explore Fontana Lake’s 238 miles of shoreline. With water still warm from summer but crowds significantly diminished, you’ll have peaceful coves all to yourself. Bring binoculars—I’ve spotted bald eagles soaring overhead on multiple visits!
4. Saxapahaw: The Little Mill Town That Could
Who knew an old cotton mill could become such a hip hangout? Saxapahaw—try saying that five times fast—sits along the Haw River and packs more cool factor into its tiny footprint than towns ten times its size. My first visit happened by accident when my car needed a break, and I ended up staying until sunset!
The Saxapahaw General Store defies explanation—part gas station, part gourmet restaurant serving dishes like duck confit alongside local craft beers. September evenings often feature outdoor concerts where locals spread blankets on the grass while kids splash in the river’s edge.
Kayaking the Haw River is particularly magical in September when summer crowds have dispersed. I paddled past blue herons and turtles sunning on rocks without another boat in sight. Don’t miss the Saturdays at Saxapahaw market series, which typically runs through September with local farmers, artisans, and food trucks!
5. Brunswick Islands: Where Beach Days Never End
“September beaches are the best-kept secret,” my grandmother always said, and boy, was she right! The Brunswick Islands—including gems like Bald Head Island and Sunset Beach—offer summer-like water temperatures without the summer crowds. I’ve had entire stretches of shoreline to myself for shell hunting!
Car-free Bald Head Island, accessible only by ferry, feels like stepping into a different world. Rent a golf cart or bicycle to explore maritime forests, salt marshes, and 14 miles of beaches where loggerhead turtles nest. September visitors might catch late hatchlings making their journey to the sea!
Sunset Beach offers a more laid-back vibe with its famous mailbox known as “Kindred Spirit,” where visitors leave notes in journals. The water remains warm enough for swimming, while pleasant temperatures make for perfect beach walks. The pier fishermen will tell you September brings some of the year’s best catches—if you ask nicely!
6. Morehead City & Crystal Coast: Maritime Magic Without The Madness
Salty air, seafood straight off the boat, and streets you can actually walk down without bumping elbows—that’s Morehead City in September! I accidentally ordered enough shrimp for a small army at a dockside restaurant last fall, but the sunset view over the harbor made the food coma totally worth it.
The Crystal Coast’s waters remain swimmable well into September, but the oppressive humidity of summer disappears. Fort Macon State Park combines history with beach access, where you can tour a Civil War-era fort before cooling off in the Atlantic. The fort’s brick walls create fascinating photo opportunities in the golden September light.
Don’t miss the North Carolina Seafood Festival if you visit during Labor Day weekend! Even on regular September weekends, the Morehead City waterfront comes alive with fishing boats bringing in their catches and restaurants serving it hours later. Dolphin-watching cruises report more sightings in September, perhaps because the waters are less crowded with recreational boaters.
7. Calabash: The Seafood Capital That Invented Its Own Cooking Style
“You haven’t lived until you’ve had Calabash-style seafood!” declared my uncle on our family trip to this tiny fishing village. He wasn’t exaggerating—this unassuming coastal town literally invented a cooking style so delicious that restaurants across the country try to imitate it. Light, crispy batter covering impossibly fresh seafood? Yes, please!
September visits mean shorter lines at iconic restaurants like Ella’s and Beck’s, where hushpuppies arrive at your table before you’ve even ordered. Between meals, browse the waterfront shops selling everything from tacky souvenirs to genuine maritime antiques.
The nearby beaches of Sunset and Ocean Isle remain warm enough for swimming but blissfully uncrowded. I spent an entire afternoon watching shrimp boats return to the harbor, pelicans diving dramatically around them. For a perfect September evening, take a sunset cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway—the golden hour light reflecting off the water creates magic that summer visitors rarely experience!
8. Grandfather Mountain: Where The High Country Shows Its True Colors
Standing on Grandfather Mountain’s Mile-High Swinging Bridge last September, I felt like I was floating in the clouds! The famous suspension bridge sways ever so slightly in the wind, adding an extra thrill to the already spectacular 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains beginning their color transformation.
September visitors hit the sweet spot—summer crowds have departed, fall leaf-peepers haven’t arrived en masse, and temperatures hover in that perfect hiking range. The mountain’s seven environmental habitats house black bears, otters, and eagles in natural settings, with far fewer visitors crowding the viewing areas this time of year.
My secret tip: Pack a windbreaker even on warm days—the summit can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the base. The Profile Trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike for experienced trekkers, while the attraction’s vehicle road provides access to stunning overlooks for those preferring to save their energy for exploring the nature museum and wildlife habitats!
9. Hanging Rock State Park: Waterfalls And Wonder Just A Short Hike Away
“Just a little further,” I lied to myself, huffing up the trail to Hanging Rock’s summit. But oh, the payoff! Emerging onto massive quartzite outcroppings with the Piedmont region spreading out below like a patchwork quilt made every step worthwhile. September brings crisp visibility that can extend 60+ miles on clear days!
Unlike summer months when the parking lots overflow by 10 AM, September visitors often have trails mostly to themselves, especially on weekdays. The park’s five waterfalls range from easy access (Lower Cascade Falls) to more challenging hikes (Hidden Falls), all flowing nicely after typical late summer rains.
Don’t miss the park’s mountain lake, where swimming is permitted through Labor Day and fishing throughout September. I’ve caught sunfish using nothing but a simple hook and worm! Rock climbing enthusiasts find September’s cooler temperatures perfect for scaling the park’s named routes, while photographers love how the lower sun angle creates dramatic lighting on the rock formations.
10. Morrow Mountain State Park: Ancient Peaks And Pristine Waters
Geologists go absolutely bonkers over Morrow Mountain State Park—these peaks were once taller than the Himalayas! Now weathered down over 500 million years, they create perfect moderate hiking terrain. My first visit coincided with a September meteor shower, and watching shooting stars from the summit observation point was nothing short of magical.
The park’s 15 miles of hiking trails range from easy lake loops to more challenging summit climbs. September’s cooler temperatures make even the steeper trails manageable, while still-warm days mean you can enjoy the park’s pool (typically open through Labor Day) or rent a rowboat on Lake Tillery.
History buffs shouldn’t miss the reconstructed 19th-century doctor’s home within the park boundaries. The Kron House museum gives fascinating glimpses into pioneer medicine and homesteading. For a perfect September day, combine a morning summit hike with an afternoon picnic along the Yadkin-Pee Dee River, where you might spot bald eagles fishing in the clear waters!