After the summer heat is finally gone and the air becomes cooler, Raleigh is one of the best places to spend the fall season. With the cool air, autumn foliage, and the fall festive mood, there are plenty of fall activities to enjoy. From scary attractions like Panic Point to family farms, there are more than enough activities to enjoy the season in or around Raleigh.

Pumpkin patches are a must-do in the fall, and Raleigh has plenty of them. One of the most well-known is Page Farms in Raleigh. Families can pick pumpkins, ride the hay wagons, and explore the corn maze there. Little kids enjoy the petting zoo and “cow train,” while parents can buy seasonal treats and take photos among the bright orange pumpkins.

Another fall stop is Ken’s Korny Corn Maze in Garner, North Carolina’s first corn maze. It has winding trails and hidden paths to disorient its visitors. You can see the maze in a whole new way after dark, when visitors make their way through using just flashlights as guides. Pumpkin harvesting and carnival games complete the experience of a classic fall excursion.

Raleigh is also home to some of the largest fall festivals that bring the community together.

Falling for Local at Dorothea Dix Park is another community favorite, with food trucks, live music, local vendors, and free pumpkins for all guests. It has something for every person to do, from lawn games to hayrides.

The North Carolina State Fair is one of the largest events of the year and a state tradition. The fair, held every October in Raleigh, includes carnival rides, concerts, competitions, and fair foods, everything from deep-fried Oreos to turkey legs.

For those who love the outdoors, Raleigh’s parks and trails provide some of the most scenic autumn sights. One of the local favorites is William B. Umstead State Park. Its trails, which run for miles, are perfect for hiking, jogging, or simply enjoying the sights of the season.

The Neuse River Greenway Trail is a lovely walkway. It’s more than 30 miles in length and offers views of the river with surrounding colorful foliage. It’s ideal for biking or taking long walks.

Even the smaller lakes and parks, such as Lake Lynn and Shelly Lake, are peaceful areas. These natural areas allow one to enjoy the fall beauty without ever leaving the city.

No fall season would be complete without a good scare though, and there are few choices for frightening fun.

The most popular is Panic Point, located just north of Raleigh in Youngsville. It’s one of North Carolina’s top-rated haunted attractions. Panic Point offers a number of scary experiences in one place. Visitors can try haunted trails, dark mazes, and haunted houses designed to keep you on your toes. It’s more than Halloween decorations; Panic Point is meant to be like walking into a horror movie, so it’s a good choice for teens and adults looking for an adrenaline rush.

For something a little less terrifying but still spooky, the Haunted Trolley Tour of Mordecai Historic Park mixes Raleigh history with ghost lore. For families, local parks often hold Halloween-themed events with candy, games, and costumes.

Fall in Raleigh is also a time to enjoy foods and drinks that are particular to the season. Pumpkin spice lattes, chai teas, and hot cider become part of the menu at most coffee shops. Restaurants take advantage of the cooler weather by opening patios, equipped with heaters or fire pits, to offer warm outdoor seating.

The Raleigh State Farmers Market is full in the fall, stocked with apples, squash, sweet potatoes, and other fall produce. A visit to the market is a great way to stock up on seasonal fresh foods and support farmers in the community.

If you have an extra weekend, hop in the car and take a drive. The countryside around Raleigh is full of winding roads and colorful trees that make even a quick trip feel special. Small towns nearby often host their own fall events, so it’s easy to turn a drive into a full-day trip of fall festivities. If you’re really up for a trip, head west to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is a couple of hours away, but the scenery of the mountains in the fall is worth every minute.

Raleigh is a perfect place to enjoy fall. You can go pumpkin picking, corn maze exploring, cool off at festivals, hike on colorful trails, or get frightened at Panic Point. So gather your friends and make the most of everything Raleigh has this fall.