This moderate hike features two waterfalls, views of creeks, and forests of gorgeous greenery. A path that leads to a view of both the Grandfather Mountain and the South Harper Creek Falls will make you want to take out your camera to capture the gorgeous view. Approximately eight and a half miles, the climb is hilly and not for the lighthearted. Best for the summer, you may find yourself walking in the cool water sometime during your hike. Two popular swimming holes for cooling off and cliff jumping are on the trip.
An easy hike, this beautiful trek is great for all ages. Moore Cove features creek crossings, a waterfall that is accessible, and a cave all are along the hike including the Looking Glass Creek. Trees fill the forest such as oaks, maples, and tulip poplar. This is a relaxing family hike among stunning nature.
Hickory Nut Falls is a breathtaking hike. Popular for its scenes in the movie “The Last of the Mohicans,” Hickory Nut Falls is a moderate hike with views of the falls, rock formations, and foliage—hickory, oak, poplar and locust trees, rare flowers, and plenty of wildlife to see and listen to. A kid-friendly hike with small hills make for a gentle climb.
Erwin’s View Trail of Linville Falls includes a few hills and a couple of obstacles. The easiest of the two trails at Linville Falls, Erwin’s View, shows hikers through the evergreen forest with a look at Chimney View, Erwin’s View, and the Upper Falls. During the hike, take in the calm river, beautiful meadows, large rocks, a canyon, the cliffs and of course, the amazing falls. Bird watching is also a great activity for this trail. Accessible year round for a hike, Erwin’s View of Linville Falls is a gentle hike that is great for hikers of all ages.
Located near Lillington, North Carolina, Raven Rock State Park affords some of the most scenic views in the state. There are several designated hiking trails in the park—all with different terrain. The Raven Rock Loop Trail is a one-mile hike that takes you through a hardwood forest. The trail leads you to the highlight of the park—Raven Rock. Several other trails throughout the park will lead hikers to great fishing areas, immersing you in stunning natural beauty.
]]>Raven Rock Loop Trail is roughly 2.5 miles. This trail is friendly for children, bike riding, dogs on leashes, hiking, and running all year round. Raven Rock offers views of the forest and wildlife, and even boasts a beautiful waterfall. The trail is relatively easy, perfect for a family outing.
Linville Falls Trail of Linville Gorge Wilderness is in western North Carolina. A little over two miles round trip, this trail offers a moderately easy course that is great for bird watching, hiking, and walking. Since the trail is shorter in length and not too rough, it is very child friendly. Linville Falls Trail offers visitors with a great view of the forest, wild flowers, a waterfall, and the wildlife.
Little Bradley Falls Trail is located near Saluda, North Carolina. The roughly two-mile trail is well suited for children and dogs. Little Bradley is a beautiful route featuring a river, waterfall, forest, and various plant and animal life. Commonly used, the trail serves many uses: birdwatching, hiking, running and walking.
The unique trail of three waterfalls is a part of DuPont State Forest and consists of 2.3 miles. Not only is the trail child and dog-friendly, but it offers many different activities the whole family can enjoy including birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing.
The trails of Chimney Rock Park are wildly popular for both inexperienced and veteran hikers, alike. The Great Woodland Adventure trail is perfect for beginners and kid-friendly. The trail, which is just over a half mile, has 12 “Discovery Stations” where “woodland creatures take the spotlight,” according to the park’s website. Here, children can spot chipmunks, salamanders, owls, and more.
]]>Those ready to escape during their run can appreciate the scenery the loop trail at Poston Park offers. Runners can enjoy their run while they cross several streams by bridges, and take in the gorgeous views of the lake. With a total of seven miles, this location is perfect for a runner looking to fit in a run, any time of the day. Open from 7 a.m., until 11 p.m., this trail is a peaceful and friendly environment to run in the Gastonia area.
For runners looking for a great run, Graveyard Fields Loop Trail of the Pisgah National Forest is an easy trek. Runners looking for some challenge can enjoy the hilly areas and some obstacles. But, the trip is relaxing with both the falls and the stream to enjoy. A total of 3.2 miles, the Graveyard Fields Trail is a loop that can give breathtaking views any season. During the summer, watch the warm sunrays glimmer against the cool mountain water and during the fall, as the leaves change, view the foliage that tends to peak in October.
Tour the marshes and woodlands of Fayetteville on the beautiful five-mile trail along the Cape Fear River. This one-way trail is great for runners of all skill sets, with the majority of the terrain being flat with some hills along the way. The Cape Fear River Trail is a tranquil location to enjoy river views. The best part about this spot? Trail users can enjoy the shade throughout from the tree coverage.
Serious runners ready for a challenge should run the seven-mile trail on Salem Lake. This scenic run on the multi-use trail of the park is a hidden gem, the trail consisting of a dirt path that is well maintained for use. For a cooler run with more shade, the trail is best to run in the morning. Park your car at Linville Road., tighten your shoelaces, and get running!
Take a round-trip run on the Cox Mountain Trail of Eno River State Park. About 3.75 miles in length, travel down to the river and then across it on the provided bridge. Continuing along the trail, runners will soon reach the hilltop with an increase in elevation by several hundred feet. And then, runners can descend back down to complete the trail. A moderate run, the trail is open year-round to enjoy the forest, river, and wildlife.
]]>Trails for every type of rider: beginner, amateur, and expert, Brushy Mountain Motor Sports Park has no noise limit and approximately 50 miles of single track open to riders. Heavily wooded and with marked trails, motorcycles have access to about 40 more miles of trail, 100 miles of trails in the Brushy Mountains total and the park makes up a total of 1,700 acres. A one-day pass will cost each individual $25, but memberships to the park are also sold. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, grab your helmet and head down for a weekend of riding.
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North Carolina Motorsports Park, located in Henderson, North Carolina, is open every day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This motorsports park offers riders marked, manmade trails. Terrain types within the trail system differs between changes in elevation, hills, crossings, and more. Most trails are for those with a little experience but there is a one-mile beginner loop for those just starting out. Club membership is required for access with two different options to choose from. The daily fee with persons aged eight and older is $30. With an annual membership fee of $40, every visit afterwards for riders age eight and older is $25.
The Wayehutta has 24 miles of marked trails with some sections that add difficulty to the ride. Open from April 1 through Dec. 15, the trail offers an inexpensive day out in nature to ride and view the beautiful scenery Cullowhee has to offer, including the waterfall. The day fee to ride is $5 per vehicle but seasonal passes are also available for purchase. Both passes are to be bought at the Caney Fork General Store, Nantahala Ranger District Office or Top Cat Grocery.
Located in New Bern, the Black Swamp OHV Trail is an eight-mile trail open year-round to riders. Trail permit required, there is a $5 per day fee. Of the Croatan National Forest, the Black Swamp OHV Trail is mainly flat terrain but is known to get muddy after rain. If you want to stick around for a bit, you are in luck. Camping is allowed in some areas.
A trail designed for trail bikes, the Brown Mountain OHV Trail, is open to riders April through Jan 1. The area has 34 miles of marked and maintained single track trails. Trail pass is necessary for riders at $5 per rider. Do not forget your helmet because it is required and pack your camping equipment if you would like to camp out.
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Enjoy the mountain scenery of Grandfather Mountain while taking a ride in an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh. This is a great activity for families and groups looking for a winter adventure.
Head over to the Polar Ice House where you can enjoy a fun morning or afternoon of indoor ice skating. All ages and abilities are welcome, so you can bring the whole family.
Take a ride down the snow-covered slopes at Hawksnest Tubing Park. The park is open on the weekends, so this is the perfect way for a weekend getaway.
Ski or snowboard down the slopes at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. There are lots of slopes to choose from, so everyone in your group will find something they love.
Braving the cold might be worth it just to catch some delicious fish. Stone Mountain State Park is a great spot to try your hand at some ice fishing.
Grab a pair of snowshoes and explore the winter wonderland of Chimney Rock State Park. The scenery is breathtaking and the activity is great exercise.
Take your sled to the beach on Hatteras Island for some of the best sledding in the state. It's fun for the whole family and a great way to beat the winter blues.
Take a horseback riding tour around Carriage Lane Farms, a beautiful farm just outside of Mebane. It's a beautiful way to experience the winter season.
Get out and explore the great outdoors of Uwharrie National Forest. Take a winter hike through the forest and take in the pristine beauty of the North Carolina wilderness.
Carolina Beach State Park is a great spot to go bird watching. Get up early and you have a good chance of seeing some of the beautiful birds that call the lake home.
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]]>The Skyline Trail of Chimney Rock State Park is a scenic opportunity to bird watch. During the summer season, the park carries up to 15 different types of warbler and vireo. Often, as soon as you pull up and park, the birds are in the treetops just watching and waiting for you to discover them. The Skyline Trail is a beautiful scene with a little over one-mile hike. The trail along your birdwatching journey offers a moderate hike of natural ground and gravel.
This gorgeous lake is a bird sanctuary with a two-mile trail around it. Easy to navigate, the trail offers a great walk, so you can focus on the birds and other nature North Asheville has to offer. With a peaceful environment, you can listen to the beautiful sounds of the songbirds. Beaver Lake is a hidden paradise of Asheville to enjoy the water, birds, and a well-maintained trail.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has one of the highest numbers of different breeds of bird species in the country, making it a wonderful spot to hike and watch for the birds. You can find up to 60 species year-round in the national park, and new birds are still being discovered every day. With plenty of long hikes right in the heart of the park, you’re sure to spot something incredible. For more information about the trails, check their website.
Of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, walk the out-and-back route of North Pond Wildlife Trail. The trail, approximately 1.2 miles in length, is an easy walk with wonderful birds to enjoy. Bring your binoculars and camera to capture the incredible views along your walk. You can find American oystercatchers, least terns, and a variety of migratory birds.
Open year-round and with plenty to discover, the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge was formed to preserve and protect the wetlands of the area. Not only that, but the refuge helps to protect a variety of wildlife species that call the Alligator River home. Among those protected wildlife species are the endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers. The refuge also provides a habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Travelers will find two great nature trails to explore and could catch sight of a barred owl, black-throated green warbler, blue grosbeak, great blue heron, and much more!
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This hike is a moderately challenging adventure with spectacular views along the way. Enjoy the sunshine, smell of wildflowers, and the possibility to spot wildlife on this roughly 2.5-mile trail. With all the amenities, you are sure to feel energized during your hike and refreshed after your hike. For the optimal hike, the trail is best March through November. Bring the kids or the family dog too! Sam Knob Trail of the Pisgah National Forest is sure to be your new favorite hiking trail with the stunning views.
With mostly moderate terrain, the High Falls hike at DuPont State Recreational Forest is a truly memorable one. According to its site, High Falls descends 120 feet down an inclined plane of granite. Glorious views of the falls and covered bridge are available from the picnic shelter. The total distance here is only about half a mile, but the terrain can be a bit rough.
This hike boasts gorgeous views of Whiteside Mountain. The trail is spotty in certain areas, but it surely is an invigorating one. For 2.5 miles, reconnect with nature while exploring the flowers of North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. A moderately challenging trail, the views are worth every bit of effort you exert. The Summit Rock views are breathtaking.
The River Run Trail of the New River State Park is a moderate hike of 1.4 miles in total. As you hike the trail, view the brush of the forest and the mountainside. At the river’s edge, you can enjoy the beautiful tranquility of the water before beginning your hike back. Although this trail is one way, it is a great hike for a boost of energy and has plenty to see both on the way to the river and on the way back.
Another moderate hike for those who want to enjoy the outdoors for a bit longer, the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail (which is actually two loop trails) is also a part of the Nantahala National Forest. Travel the figure-eight loop for a two-mile hike through the greenery, view the plaque of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial, and you can even bring a lunch to stop for a picnic. The trail is great for watching the birds and viewing the forest’s other wildlife as you walk.
]]>Crowders Mountain State Park sprawls across more than 5,000 acres. The park will envelope you in miles of gorgeous forests and stunning mountain views. Whether you’re looking for an invigorating hike or a night under the stars, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful park.
Begin your adventure at the visitor center and fill up all water bottles before your nature trip. Let the Pinnacle Trail take you approximately three miles through a rocky, natural trail that features gorgeous wildflowers, opportunities to spot wildlife, and breathtaking views that make this strenuous hike well-worth that bit of extra effort. The most difficult leg of your journey will be the last piece of the hike with the steeper climb, a rise in elevation, and rockier terrain. Named one of the best views of the countryside, the climb is beyond worth the picture-perfect view.
Rough it out for the night on one of the several family and group campsites just off the trail. Open year round to eager campers, the campsites have accessible restrooms, lockers of firewood for $5 per locker, and water spigots. The family camp is just off the Pinnacle Trail by taking the Family Camp Trail. To access the Group Camp, follow the Family Camp Trail and veer off and follow the Group Camp Trail. The campsites are just off the park office and tucked in the beautiful state park, making each area private for your stay.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia is a great educational stop all ages can enjoy. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., explore indoor and outdoor exhibits. Permanent indoor exhibits are the Hall of North Carolina Natural History, Hall of North American Habitats, and the Hall of North American Wildlife. The outdoor exhibits include the Nature Trail, Memorial Wildlife Garden, Catawba Indian Village, Stone Age Heritage Site and the 18th Century Backcountry Farm. The exhibits include their own unique displays for visitors to enjoy information of both history and science.
The Rankin Lake Park is a great destination of Gastonia that provides guests with picnic shelters, a disc golf course, courts to play horseshoe, a trail, and 80 acres of lake that have two fishing piers, and a lake office to help visitors rent boats such as canoes, kayaks, and pedal boat. This neatly-kept park on the lake is great for fishing, boating or just to enjoy a gorgeous view of the water.
The final stop of the area around Crowders Mountain State Park that is a must-see is the Kings Mountain Little Theatre. Remodeled in years 2011 and 2012, watch history come to life through the amazing performances put on through the incredible acting, costumes, and more.
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Open from the beginning of April until the end of October, the Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground is great for families who are ready to get away to a safe, pleasant campground. Not only are there rules put into place to keep families safe, but there are plenty of activities surrounding the campsite to keep entertained. Attractions such as the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, the Broad River Gems and Mining, and Chimney Rock Park, to name a few, are all nearby. Small pets, that are on a leash, are welcome. Your stay rates depend on the amenities and number of people, but they will be affordable no matter what. And nothing short of beautiful!
Recently renovated, the St. Clair Landing Family Campground is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. With a view of the water and many different campsites to choose from, St. Clair is the perfect family holiday destination. If you’re looking for full hookups, water and electric or tent sites, the campground provides all three options. Pets that are leashed are welcome and children under 12 camp for free!
Cross Winds Family Campground, located in Linwood, North Carolina, has been open to campers young, old, and furry since June 2008. Seventy campsites are available for year-round use. If your family is looking for an experience a little more like home, every site is provided with cable, and Wi-Fi, as well as a table. Amenities of Cross Winds include a bathhouse and laundry room. For the kids, there is a playground. There is also access to a swimming pool, walking and bike path, and lake that is great for fishing.
Also for those who do not wish to fully disconnect, Foothills Family Campground has plenty of features the whole family can enjoy. Full hook ups are available as well as cabins, and sites for tents. Foothills provides campers with Wi-Fi, hot showers, and laundry. As well as planned activities, the Foothills Family Campground comes equipped with a swimming pool, trails for hikers, and a pond for fishing.
Close to Stone Mountain State Park, Sandy Creek Family Campground is a pet and family-friendly campground that everyone can enjoy. Every RV site comes with a picnic table and fire pit. Enjoy activities like visiting waterfalls, fishing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. There are endless possibilities and plenty of memories to be made.
]]>This campground boasts 86 campsites with access to Lake Tillery so campers of Norwood can fish and enjoy the water. Huge campsites offer Wi-Fi and cable accessibility, picnic tables, and a fire ring. RV sites are complete with full hookups with electricity, sewer and water. Both 30 and 50-amp sites are available. The bathrooms are clean, showers are hot, and laundry facilities are available. Enjoy access to the pool and bring the pets along for the ultimate camping experience!
Spring Hill RV Park offers pull-through sites with hookups to electric—both 30 and 50-amp, as well as access to water, sewer, Wi-Fi and cable. Pet and family friendly, this spacious and convenient RV campsite is secluded for a peaceful experience in a nicely shaded, wooded area. Park yourself and camp in serenity.
Simple Life Campground and Cabins of Robbinsville offers a variety of amenities for the best experience. Enjoy the amenities of clean bathhouses with hot showers, fire pits, grills and picnic tables. Affordable hookups and 24/7 check ins, set up camp minutes from Robbinsville shops and restaurants. Pet friendly for Fido, Simple Life Campground and Cabins is open for a comfortable, beautiful experience of camping in Robbinsville.
Leave the hustle and bustle for the serene, basic roots of Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground in Bryson City. Available on the grounds are full hookup sites, access to hot showers, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. This campground is in the beautiful valley with plenty to do and take in. In the area, travel to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, or take on horseback riding, fishing, or hunting. This is a clean campsite with beautiful scenery, and friendly people. Catch a spot by the creek for the soothing sounds of the water to help you drift to sleep.
Open from March until November, the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area is approximately 10 minutes from Asheville. The campground is clean, with friendly, accommodating staff and is a beautiful, quiet spot to retreat to. Full hookups are available, bathhouses with toilets and hot showers, and access to picnic tables and fire rings. An inexpensive getaway the whole family and pets will love, enjoy swimming at the beach and lake or walk the beautiful trails and breathe in the fresh air.
]]>Lake Tomahawk Park of small town Black Mountain is home to a cozy lake that is not only breathtaking with a view of the mountains, but a great fishing spot. Grill out, cast the line in the water, and even bring the little ones along for the fun! This family-friendly fishing hole consists of 4.5 acres of lake to fish in, or boat with your motor-less boat if you are into that. The shallow lake is for fishing only so you will get the most out of this spot. Also at the park is a trail around the lake wonderful for walking, a pool, a playground, picnic tables, and two tennis courts. Grab your rods and come out to Lake Tomahawk for a family day on the lake! Please remember that you need a fishing license before you go.
“Bass fishing haven,” Lake Norman offers a brilliant fishing spot for its well-known largemouth, striped, white, and spotted bass as well as other fish like blue and flathead catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. Cast from the shoreline, canoe, or kayak, or take your boat out through one of the several launch places on Lake Norman. At the lake, you can lodge, set up shop through the camp or utilize the RV hookups. If you need to stock up on bait and supplies, stop by Carolina Fishing Tackle in Mooresville. They will set you up for a day of success.
The 1,470-acre Lake Glenville has a plethora of fish, ranging from largemouth and smallmouth bass to black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, rainbow trout, and walleye. At the lake, launch your boat off the ramp to enjoy a day on the beautiful water. There are both convenience and bait and tackle stores nearby to stock up before your day out. A great option is Brookings Anglers in Cashiers, North Carolina. Here, you can stock up on all the gear you’ll need. Looking to stick around? Lake Glenville has campgrounds, you can hook up your RV or you can lodge. If you have the chance, take a peek at the gorgeous falls of Lake Glenville.
Located near the Great Smoky Mountains, Fontana Lake is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming enthusiasts. The lake has boat rentals for those ready to ride and a launch ramp. For those looking to stay and enjoy the beautiful scenery a little longer, campsites and other lodging are available. Primary fish to catch in Fontana Lake are largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown trout, channel and flathead catfish, muskie, rainbow trout, steelhead, sunfish, walleye, and yellow perch. Nearby, dine at restaurants such as the Stecoah Diner for a full stomach. Find bait shops nearby as well, including the always-reliable Great Smokey Mountain Bait and Tackle in Bryson City.
A lake of 1,600 acres, Nantahala is a fishing spot of kokanee salmon, the only lake of the south to have them. As well as kokanee salmon, you’ll find largemouth, striped, and smallmouth bass, blue catfish, black crappie, bluegill, brook, brown, and rainbow trout, catfish, walleye, and yellow perch. In the Nantahala National Forest, the lake provides anglers with lodging, RV hookups, campsites, and boat rentals. To grab gear and supplies before you hit the water, stop at Bryant Bait and Tackle. This is “the one and only hunting and fishing store on Nantahala Lake.”
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It’s not for beginners, but those with some moderate hiking experience can make the hike to Calloway Peak. From the top you’ll enjoy a brilliant view of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Park your vehicle in the Boone Fork Parking Area. Its entrance is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Start your hike on the Tanawha Trail to the Boone Scout Trail. From there you’ll see the trail to the summit. The second half of the trail is a bit challenging but is made doable with the existing ladders and cables. Day permits are required.
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The cliffs and rock formations inside Crowder’s Mountain State Park make it an excellent place for rock climbing. The views from the top are sublime. Climbing is allowed throughout most of the fall, weather permitting, and climbers must get a permit from the park office prior to the climb. These climbs are recommended for intermediate to experienced climbers only.
The Cape Fear River flows for approximately 200 miles through the North Carolina piedmont and eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the most industrialized of all the state’s rivers but has parts that are tranquil and perfect for kayaking.
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Camping at Hanging Rock State Park is open all year, with sites for RVs, tents and several cabins available, too. Hanging Rock Trail takes avid rock climbers to a spot deemed safe for experienced climbers, and aptly called the Hanging Rock. In addition, there are miles of hiking trails—some leading to beautiful waterfalls, a lake for swimming, boating and fishing and majestic views of the Sauratown Mountains.
Fontana Lake is home to the famous Fontana Dam. The dam was featured in the film “A Walk in the Woods.” Fontana Dam is also the name of the town where the dam is located as is a good part of the lake. Fishing is a popular pastime on this lake, with some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the state taking place here. Check out Fontana Guides in Bryson City for some great guided fishing trip options.
There are several trails at South Mountains State Park, offering miles of hiking for hikers of all levels. See waterfalls, cross over rivers and marvel at the wildlife that scampers all around. High Shoals Falls is the most popular of all the trails, leading hikers to an 80-foot falls and lots of smaller ones, too.
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The Ahoskie, North Carolina region is an excellent place for whitetail deer hunting. Deer hunting season varies depending upon what you shoot. Between archery, muzzle loading firearms and rifles, the ability to hunt lasts all throughout the fall.
Beach camping is a unique experience. For the utmost in beach camping, visit Bear Island at Hammock Beach State Park. Tent sites are available right on the beach, with water and other facilities available toward the center of the island. Hiking around the island and throughout the park is easy, but interesting, too. The coastal wildlife is plentiful. You never know what you’ll see. Fires aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly. Campsites are rented all year, but water isn’t available after late November.
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Likewise, bass fishing is starting to pick up again as the weather begins to cool. Huge schools of threadfin shad are starting to filter away from open-water ledges into bays and tributaries where feeding conditions and water temperatures are more optimum.
Bass follow the food, first setting up on ledges at the mouths of inlets and creeks to waylay shad, then migrating back toward shallower water to keep up with their quarry.
Fall Script for Southern Bass
Bass rule in Dixie and cooler weather brings out an army of anglers who go after them. Whether largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, they’re available in most waters and sometimes all three varieties are present in a fishery, ready to aggravate or gratify those who seek them.
Hot Spots To Fish: When it comes to the South’s best lakes for fall fishing, the big TVA impoundments fit the bill. Because this is bass tournament country, dozens of YouTube videos and Facebook sites of pro anglers offer useful advice on where and how to catch autumn largemouths. Likewise, guide services are plentiful; just Google “fishing guides” for the lake you’re visiting or type in the town nearest the lake you wish to fish on the interactive map on this page.
Tackle You’ll Need: A 7-foot medium/heavy rod such as the St. Croix Premier Cranking, a baitcasting reel like the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament makes a good combination to fish downsized lures.
Quick tip: This is strictly a match-the-hatch deal. Use lures that are about the same size as wandering shad. If young-of-the-year threadfins are on the bass menu, try small swim baits fished on drop-shot rigs.
Best Lures/Baits: Shad-colored, shallow- and medium-diving square-billed or coffin-billed crankbaits are autumn standouts. Popular lures include the Strike King 6XD, Bandit 100 or 200, Duo Realis M65, Livetarget Magnum Shad BaitBall Squarebill, Megabass S-Crank, Lucky Craft Squarebill 2.5, Storm Arashi and Rapala Shad Rap.
Fish them around shoreline cover and on the flats between creek drop-offs and the bank. Other fallback baits include spinnerbaits like the Booyah Super Shad, Stanley Vibrashaft and Nichols Pulsator. Good buzzbait options can be found from Lunker Lure, Damiki, Santone and Dirty Jigs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Rendezvous With Redfish
Along the northern Gulf Coast from Carrabelle, FL, to Grand Isle, LA, the redfish season begins in late September and continues in stages through December. Some anglers fish in the surf with cut bait, while others station themselves on area piers or in boats on relatively shallow flats near channel cuts.
Hot Spots To Fish: For boating anglers, a couple of spots stick out. Pensacola Bay Pass is a must-fish for boaters. Anchor up on the broad flat between old Fort Pickens and the channel, set out lines as the tide changes to incoming, and hang on. Need more help? Redfish University Pensacola Fishing Charters (850-748-4368, redfishuniversity.com) specializes in the big drum.
At Grand Isle, LA, book a trip with Gotta Go Fishing Charters (225-921-3642, gottagofishingcharters.com). The marshes and inshore waters around Venice, LA, are primo redfish haunts as well. Captain Mike Frenette (504-782-0924, laredfish.com or ([email protected]) is a top guide here.
Tackle You’ll Need: “Rat” reds of 3 pounds and up, or real bruisers weighing in excess of 20 pounds require a range of tackle options. Bass fishing tackle – whether spinning or baitcasting – is perfect for handling smaller fish and for casting jigs or swimbaits that weigh less than an ounce. A Shimano Stradic spinning reel and 7-foot medium-action Shimano Compre rod with 14-pound-test monofilament.
For bigger fish, consider a Penn Battle II BTLII5000 with 20-pound-test monofilament or 40-pound-test braid, and a 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod (such as the Penn Battalion BATIN1220S70) should handle any bait rigs or lures and wear down a bull redfish in short order.
Quick Tip: Incoming tides in late evening or at night are primo times for reds as the fish free-spawn then in the mouths of coastal bays and estuaries. If you can’t fish any other time, make sure you fish the incoming tides.
Best Lures/Baits: Redfish aren’t particular about their dietary requirements and will eat anything from blue crabs to halved mullet. Swimming spoons such as the Johnson Sprite (johnsonfishing.com), swimbaits and jigs or even topwater poppers, such as the Heddon Saltwater Spook, will elicit strikes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Hot Spots To Fish: Deservedly, Montauk, NY at the eastern end of Long Island is considered a storied mecca for striped bass fishermen. If you’re not going surf fishing on the beach or fishing from a jetty, Gone Fishing Marina (631-668-3232, gonefishingmarina78.com) can set up a charter trip for you. If it’s booked up, try Star Island Yacht Club (631-668-5052, starislandyc.com) or Montauk Marine Basin (631-668-5900, marinebasin.com).
Find the best fishing spots near you:
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Down south, talk to the folks at Captain Hogg’s Charter Service (757-876-1590, captainhoggscharters.com) about fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Overdrawn Charters (252-202-4623, overdrawncharters.com) in Manteo, N.C. can help as well.
Tackle You’ll Need: Stick with 30- to 50-pound braid or monofilament and a 60-pound-test shock leader of fluorocarbon, with saltwater-ready spinning tackle heavy enough to handle 10- to 14-foot rods. Penn, Quantum and Okuma specialize in fairly inexpensive surf-fishing rods, and reels to match. If you have a reel, but no rod yet, the new Black Inshore Rods from Lamiglas are up to the task. The five spinning and five casting models range from a 6-foot, 10-inch light finesse spinning rod to a 7 ½-foot casting rod rated for lures from 3 to 12 ounces in weight.
Quick tip: The most successful anglers are those who spot gulls or other wheeling seabirds feeding on baitfish driven to the top by stripers and who then cast into the melee without dispersing the bass. From a boat, the trick is to approach schools carefully and take advantage of wind or tide to drift to within casting range. The stripers will stay up as long as the baitfish are hemmed against the surface.
Best Lures/Baits: The 4 1/2-inch Acme Kastmater XL spoon, the 1 ½-ounce Odin Popper, and the 5-inch pencil popper from Tsunami are popular artificials up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Other popular options include the 6- or 7-inch Savage Gear Sandeel Swimbait, 9-inch Sassy Shad swimbait and the 6-inch Rapala X-Rap SubWalk.
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
For anglers who’d rather soak baits from a boat or in the surf, live or cut bait, such as Atlantic menhaden (peanut bunker), herring, porgies, eels, bloodworms, anchovies and mullet, can flip the switch on chaotic striper blitzes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Located inside of Hanging Rock State Park, Moore’s Wall offers a variety of grades any climber can enjoy. Best climbed in April or May, the boulder is made up of metamorphic quartzite crag, of the Piedmont. For the full day’s experience, walk the Moore’s Wall Trail to the Moore’s Wall for your climb. Once you climb, you can view over the treetops for as far as the eye can see. Maybe even capture a photo or two of the gorgeous view you just worked for.
Taking anywhere from one to eight hours to complete, visit the 600-foot boulder during the fall, winter, or spring to climb the granite for yourself. This more difficult climb is popular among guests for its ability to be climbed without too much trouble during the chilly months. Prime time to taking advantage of climbing at Stone Mountain is November. With your climb, you are awarded incredible views of the park.
Named as one of the best climbs in the Central Piedmont, there is a range of difficulty from intermediate to expert. Crowders Mountain has a summit of more than 600 feet above the Piedmont giving the breathtaking views that allow climbers to see as far as Kings Mountain and Charlotte. Kings Mountain is another popular stop for guests but Crowders Mountain, hence the name, is a climber’s paradise.
Located in the Cashiers Valley, accessing and climbing Laurel Knob first requires an approximate two-hour hike in and about three hours out. Best climbed in October or November, Laurel Knob is for the experienced climber ready for a challenge. This unique experience is well worth the hike to climb the granite dome which is, in fact, the tallest crag east of Mississippi.
Climbing is open on the south face of Rumbling Bald Mountain for those eager to climb. Climb to the top, and you will experience the gorgeous views of Lake Lure and the surrounding areas. Climbers of all ability levels are welcome to enjoy the climb. But, those new to rock climbing should be accompanied by someone of experience for safety.
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