THE ULTIMATE FALL ADVENTURE IN YORK COUNTY
Fall in York County is a special time of year – the weather starts to cool down and the leaves are changing to showcase beautiful colors – making outdoor recreation a lot more enjoyable without the heat.
Fun on the Farm
Due to a large number of farms across the county, agritourism is kind of a big deal here. Whether you’re interested in picking your own produce or checking out the livestock, getting a glimpse of life on the farm will give you a whole new perspective on how you get your food. Head to Bush-N-Vine in York to pick your own pumpkins Monday through Saturday or check out their walking trail for a 1-mile loop around the property that allows you to take a self-guided tour of the farm. Black’s Peaches, South Carolina’s oldest peach farm, is a great farm excursion with hayrides, corn shelling, a playground for the kids, a corn maze, and more every weekend in October! Their pumpkin patch is open every day for you to enjoy.
Just five minutes down the road, Windy Hill is another popular farm stop. York County’s only cidery is loved among both tourists and locals alike and is featured on our YoCo Brew Trail – you’ll spend hours here exploring everything apple-related with pick-your-own apples, cold pints of hard cider, and their famous hot apple cider donuts.
Away from life on the farm, downtown York is a short drive away for some retail therapy at unique, locally-owned shops. Stop in to one of several antique shops or head to Dogma & Fetch, the largest dog retail warehouse in the county. We hope you’re hungry because York also boasts great dining experiences with restaurants like The Garden Cafe and other local favorites like Hoof and Barrel and the SoCo Grill!
Two Parks in One Day
The crisp fall air has never felt better than when you’re warming up at one of our many green spaces with your favorite outdoor activity. The mountain is your playground at Kings Mountain State Park with over 6,000 acres offering several ways to reconnect with nature. Located inside the park, Lake Crawford and Lake York are great for fishing and kayaking, or canoeing. Don’t have your own boat? Kayaks or Jon boat rentals are available! If you feel it’s a bit too chilly to be out on the water, hit the trails for hiking or mountain biking to warm right up.
If history is more your thing than physical activity, Kings Mountain National Military Park is right next door. The anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain is celebrated on October 7th each year – head up the hill and towards the 83-foot tall monument to get an understanding of how this battle was not only important to the history of York County but the history of our nation. Both parks have campgrounds on-site so that you don’t even have to leave the mountain – or check in to Clover’s cozy Magnolia House and Gardens, one of only two bed and breakfasts in the county, that’ll make you feel right at home.
Connect with Your Outdoorsy Side
If you hadn’t noticed, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation spots in York County. The Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre nature preserve tucked away in Fort Mill. The property features two suspension bridges, 36 miles of trails for all skill levels perfect for hiking and biking, Lake Haigler, and so much more. The best part? You can go horseback riding and you don’t even have to bring your own horse! Take a one-hour guided trail ride for an unforgettable tour around the property.
On the topic of unforgettable experiences, Camp Canaan is the perfect adventure for thrill-seekers. How does a canopy zipline tour sound? The changing colors of the leaves are breathtaking during the fall, but you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for them when you’re checking them out from 70 feet up! The 3-hour tour zips across the Catawba River a total of six times, giving you a unique view of what’s below. Opt for the full zipline tour and you’ll experience a total of nine zip lines, a suspension bridge, and walking trails through the woods!
A Taste of Fall
What’s more “fall” than a seasonal beverage at your favorite brewery? York County’s beer scene includes thirteen breweries that make up the YoCo Brew Trail – all with their own unique fall staple. Head to Legal Remedy Brewing, York County’s first brewery, for their annual release of Lawtoberfest, a traditional Oktoberfest-style beer. Fort Mill’s first brewery, Amor Artis, puts their own spin on fall with two popular releases: a traditional Marzen lager, or a smoked pumpkin porter for those with an adventurous palate.
If beer isn’t your thing, York County appeals to vino lovers with its one and only winery, Cat’s Paw. Taste several unique rotating flavors of wine from blackberry to pear while you hang out by the fire pit on their patio and check out the farm animals on-site (yes, you read that correctly!). Don’t forget to say hi to their resident cat, Percy, who’s featured on each bottle and who the winery is named after!
