Golden Valley, North Carolina: Disc Golf, Haunted Nights, and the Perfect Fall Family Escape

Some families travel for beaches.
Some chase amusement parks.

We chase disc golf courses—and somehow, the rest of the adventure always follows.

This October, our discs led us straight into the heart of fall magic: Golden Valley, North Carolina. What we found was far more than a weekend getaway. It was crisp mountain air, haunted thrills, campfire nights, and one of the most unforgettable family trips we’ve ever taken.

Welcome to our ultimate fall disc golf road trip—with a spooky twist.

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🥏 Disc Golf Comes First (As It Should)

Let’s be clear: disc golf was the spark.

Every destination we choose starts with one simple question:
What courses are nearby?

Golden Valley delivered.

The area is nestled in the North Carolina mountains. It gave us access to scenic, challenging disc golf courses. These courses balanced technical shots with peaceful fairways. The kind of courses that make you slow down, reset your grip, and appreciate the view before the throw.

Disc golf wasn’t just something we played—it shaped how we explored, where we stopped, and how our days flowed. And once again, the sport we love turned an ordinary trip into a layered experience full of stories.

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🧭 Home Base: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

We spent a full week at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley. It quickly became the perfect home base. Our stay was ideal for a disc golf–centered family adventure.

The park felt remote in the best way—quiet, scenic, and wrapped in mountain views. At the same time, it offered nonstop activity. Think rustic charm meets full-scale family resort.

A little backstory: my in-laws live the full-time RV life. Every once in a while, they call with a vacation invite we never turn down. This time, they landed in a location that felt custom-built for our crew. It was perfect for my husband Trey. He lives for all things spooky.

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🍂 October in North Carolina: Peak Fall Perfection

From October 6–12, Golden Valley showed off.

Warm afternoons filled with sunshine.
Cool evenings perfect for hoodies and campfires.
Mountains glowing with golden leaves.

It was fall at its absolute best.

And while the setting was peaceful, our itinerary was anything but quiet. This trip was packed with:

• Mountain disc golf
• Haunted houses with serious scares
• Water attractions in October (still shocked)
• Nature hikes and waterfalls
• A high-stakes escape room finale

Every day brought something new.

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🔥 Day One: Campfire Beginnings

We arrived just as the sun dipped behind the mountains.

Our accommodations were tents—but far from basic. Real beds. Heat. Easy bathroom access. Camping comfort without sacrificing the experience.

Grandma greeted us at the gate and introduced us to our most-used accessory of the week: a golf cart. Jellystone is expansive, and with rolling hills throughout the park, the cart made exploring effortless.

That first night set the tone.
A glowing firepit.
Family conversations.
Stars overhead.

The adventure had officially begun.

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🌲 Day Two: Resort Exploration & Haunted House No. 1

Jellystone Park feels like a summer camp and a theme park had a baby.

We explored it all:

• A putt-putt course steps from our tent
• A fishing pond and inflatable water obstacle course
• Ziplines, kayaks, and sports courts
• Laser tag hidden in the woods
• Massive playgrounds
• Poolside cabanas and an adult bar

That evening, we took the adventure off-site to Lake Hickory Haunts, one of North Carolina’s top-rated haunted attractions. We opted for VIP tickets, skipped the lines, and screamed our way through every scene.

Worth it. Every time.

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🥏 Day Three: Disc Golf & Halloween Immersion

Day three brought us to South Mountain Christian Camp, a true hidden gem in the disc golf world.

The course offered beautiful elevation changes, technical lines, and peaceful surroundings. It challenged our throws while rewarding good decision-making—exactly what we look for when traveling with discs.

Back at Jellystone, the Halloween celebration ramped up. The resort hosted multiple haunted walk-throughs—one for thrill-seekers and one designed for younger kids. Add in a spooky bus ride. Enjoy trick-or-treating at decorated RVs. Participate in a campsite decorating contest with a $300 prize. These activities provide full Halloween immersion.

By the end of the night, we all agreed: This trip needed to become an annual tradition.

🌄 Day Four: Asheville Disc Golf & Graveyard Chills

Sunday split the group.

Grandparents and Amaya stayed back at the resort, while Trey and I took off toward Asheville. We squeezed in two more rounds of disc golf. We caught a Cowboys win (always a win). We refueled with nachos and wings at Pub 319.

That night, we faced Pinhead’s Graveyard—tight corridors, intense scares, and a perfectly unsettling experience.

Quick tip: bring cash. Cards aren’t accepted.

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💦 Day Five: Waterfalls, Games, and Family Chaos

Katie’s birthday meant she got to choose the day’s adventure. Her pick: High Shoals Falls.

The hike was calm, scenic, and family-friendly. Flowing water. Shaded paths. Benches to pause and breathe. It was one of those grounding moments that balance out the high-energy days.

Back at Jellystone, the chaos returned—in the best way.

Gaga ball tournaments.
Bounce house mayhem.
And legendary burgers cooked by Grandpa.

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⏱️ Day Six: Escape Room #13 — Almost Victory

Our final full day brought the ultimate challenge: Black Mountain Escape Room.

The theme was a military mission, and we brought Grandpa along, confident his background would give us the edge. Communication was strong. Progress was fast.

Then the clock caught us.

We ran out of time with only two puzzles left. According to the host, we were incredibly close.

Even without the win, the energy stayed high. We laughed, celebrated the teamwork, and promised to return for redemption.

We closed the trip the same way we started—putt-putt under the stars. Trey claimed another victory. I’m already planning my comeback.

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🌟 Final Verdict: A Core Memory Created

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Golden Valley, North Carolina wasn’t just a place we visited. It became a core memory.

From mountain disc golf and haunted attractions to campfire nights and family laughs, every detail felt intentional. Whether you’re a disc golf traveler, a fall-season enthusiast, or a family looking for something different, this destination delivers.

We left with tired legs, full hearts, and stories we’ll tell for years.

Until the next road trip—keep chasing courses, moments, and memories that make your heart race and your soul rest.

Before you go…
There’s one final challenge waiting. Head to the Golden Valley puzzle to solve the clues and earn your North Carolina State Badge.

👉 Golden Valley North Carolina puzzle challenge

With love from the road,
QUITA + the Uniquely Mixed crew