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Over the next month, the North Carolina landscape will be ablaze with color from the mountains to the coast.

And it's not necessary to scale a mountaintop for panoramic views of fall foliage. The Piedmont needs only cool nights and warm, sunny days to produce its own picturesque fall landscapes of bright oranges and intense reds.

Dick Thomas, naturalist and executive director of Piedmont Environmental Center, says the best local viewing areas are about 20 minutes from Greensboro. Thomas, a fall color expert for the state tourism Web site, visitnc.com, predicts the foliage to peak here about the end of October, or early November.

The leaves stay colorful in this area up through Thanksgiving, says Susan Dosier, of visitnc.com. She's trying to spread the message that the Piedmont region can be a great place to enjoy fall foliage. This fall, the Web site offers visitors chances to win weekend getaways to destinations throughout the state.

Here's a sampling of ways to savor fall foliage in the Piedmont. All destinations are within a one-hour drive from Greensboro.

1. A hot air balloon ride over Yadkin Valley

Here's something new: look down to experience the foliage. Yadkin Valley Balloon Adventures takes passengers over the vineyards of Yadkin Valley.

Where: Adventure begins at 4155 Watts St., Tobaccoville; flights are over Booneville.

When: Sunrise to sunset, year-round, weather permitting.

Cost: $210, per person; romance package, featuring a private flight, $475 per couple.

Information: (336) 922-7207

2. Sunday afternoon on the lake

City Lake Park's annual fall leaf boat tour gives passengers a 45-minute ride along City Lake. A family could spend the entire afternoon at the park. There are picnic areas throughout the park, a miniature golf course, a playground and paddleboat rentals.

Tour dates: Oct. 18, 25 and Nov. 1

The boat departs at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Where: 602 W. Main St., Jamestown

Cost: $4 per person

Information and reservations: 883-3498

3. Stroll around Salem Lake

The 365-acre lake attracts boaters and fishermen. Hikers are also drawn to the surrounding park. Some stretches of the park are especially good for viewing fall foliage, including a deep cove at the 4-mile mark that features vibrant redbuds, red maples and dogwoods.

Where: 1001 Salem Lake Road, Winston-Salem.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily through Oct. 31; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31.

Cost: Free to visit park; fees charged for boat rental and fishing at the lake.

Information: 727-8000

4. Horseback riding in Stokesdale

The 190-acre farm includes dairy cows, emus, ostriches and goats. Horseback riding trails take riders across creeks, bridges and a river. Wild turkey and deer also are sometimes seen. And don't worry if you've never ridden a horse, or if you haven't ridden in a while. A guide assists you.

Where: Hardin's Farm and Stables, 8201 Millrun Road, Stokesdale.

When: Saturdays and Sundays, call for reservations.

Cost: $45 to $60, per hour; longer rides also available.

Information: 643-4978 or www.hardinsfarm.com

5. Carriage or hay rides through the vineyards

Grove Winery offers horse drawn carriage and hay rides through the vineyards. If you missed the September grape stomping, make up for it by boarding an old-fashioned carriage. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Where: 7360 Brooks Bridge Road, Gibsonville

When: Carriage rides are noon to 6 p.m., Oct. 24; and noon to 3 p.m., Nov. 14; hay rides are noon to 6 p.m., Nov. 21.

Cost: $5, per person, carriage rides; hay rides are free.

Information: 584-4060 or www.grovewinery.com

Hit the road

Sometimes the best views are seen while traveling along rural roads. Thomas recommends these routes from Greensboro:

6. N.C. 109 South to Denton, then toward the Uwharrie Mountains. Thomas says there are a number of roads off of N.C. 109 that take motorists through rural landscapes. The Uwharrie National Forest also houses several public picnic areas.

7. N.C. 68 to Stokesdale, from there, travel along N.C. 89.

8. N.C. 66 North, toward Kernersville.

9. U.S. 29 North to N.C. 65 West, then head back to Greensboro on U.S. 220 South. This loop takes about an hour, Thomas says.

Thomas also says his favorite local foliage destinations include local reservoirs and waterways, including Belews Lake reservoir, which encompasses about 88 miles of shoreline straddling Stokes, Rockingham and Forsyth counties.

In Greensboro, Thomas cites the Nat Greene Trail as a favorite destination. The 3.6-mile trail is accessible from the Lake Brandt marina.

The City of Greensboro maintains these three municipal reservoirs:

10. Lake Townsend, 6332 Townsend Road, Browns Summit; 373-3694.

11. Lake Higgins, 4235 Hamburg Mill Road, Summerfield; 373-3739.

12. Lake Brandt, 5945 Lake Brandt Road, Greensboro; 373-3741.

Contact Tina Firesheets at 373-3498 or tina.firesheets@news-record.com