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Fall leaves in Raleigh are changing. Visit these spots to see the autumn colors.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Raleigh Convergence is no longer publishing, as of April 1, 2022. Read more.
Historic Yates Mill County Park on Oct. 12.

Fall leaves in the Raleigh area are starting to change, and according to this NC State University story, we’re entering prime leaf-changing time.

The farmers’ almanac anticipated the peak fall leaves in our area between Oct.12-28.

So where to see fall leaves in Raleigh? There are a few can’t-miss sprawling parks to visit: Umstead State Park, NC Museum of Art’s Museum Park, or around Dorothea Dix Park (with a skyline view, too!).

But what about some new-to-you spots? These smaller parks and preserves have fall leaves and unique sights:

🍂 Historic Yates Mill County Park: Picnic benches around a pond, fall colors and a historic water-powered gristmill.

Visit: 4620 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, south and slightly west of the city’s center. Note dogs are not allowed unless service animals.

Historic Yates Mill County Park on Oct. 12

🍂 Lake Johnson Park: Opt for unpaved or paved trails around Lake Johnson through the changing leaves.

Visit: Unless you’re walking or coming by bike, note the parking lot closures and alternatives. This park is located in West Raleigh, 4601 Avent Ferry Road.

🍂 Durant Nature Preserve: Located north of 540 in Raleigh, the 237 acres can be explored by five miles of trails or by mountain bike during dry weather. There are also picnic shelters, two lakes and a playground.

Visit: 8305 Camp Durant Road in Raleigh.

🍂 Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve: This preserve’s unique bluffs host plant life you usually only find in western North Carolina, with lots of color to be found along the trails.

Visit: 2616 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary.

Where are your go-to places to see fall leaves change in the Raleigh area? Send tips and suggestions to editor@raleighconvergence.com and this post will be updated!

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Author: raleighconvergence

Sarah Day Owen Wiskirchen is the editor of Raleigh Convergence.

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