Fall Color Report — Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

Thanks to the cooler evenings we have been experiencing lately, fall hues have been coming in quickly here in the Gorge! While we are still a few weeks away from peak color we are continuing to see dogwoods, sourwoods, maples, and hickories making their change. Joining them this week are the Fraser Magnolias whose leaves turn a unique brown.

As you drive from the Ticket Plaza to the Chimney you’ll be able to look up and see gorgeous colors. From the Chimney looking down over the Gorge, which is mainly still green, you will see vibrant pops of red provided by the Maples. You will also get to see Virginia Creeper along the Outcroppings and Hickory Nut Falls Trails which are turning their signature purple.

Don’t forget to look down and see the last blooms of fall wildflowers. The Rigid Whitetop Aster is most prominent which means the end of warmer temperatures will be arriving soon. 

We hope you have a fantastic week filled with beautiful fall views, and that we’ll see you in the park soon!

Join us for a guided fall hike!

Want a chance learn more about fall color here in the park? Join a naturalist-led Fall Color Hike this Saturday, October 25 from 9am to noon. Together, you’ll explore stunning fall views throughout the park and learn about the natural processes behind our annual autumn displays. To learn more and register, click here.

Fall Color Report — Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

We have been seeing quite the change in our leaves this week! While we are a few weeks away from peak color, you can still see gorgeous hues popping up all over the Gorge. While the oaks remain green, you can view the bright reds of the maples, and the yellows of the tulip poplars. These hues are present at the highest elevations, and you’ll see these on the drive up the mountain and along the ridge lines. Birding enthusiasts, bring your binoculars to watch as hawks continue to migrate through our area.

For those wanting an up close look, colors can be seen the best as you hike along the Skyline Trail, it is the perfect trail for adventure seekers and leaf peepers alike. This 2.2 mile round trip hike starts at Exclamation Point, where you can catch your breath and enjoy an awe inspiring view of the entire Gorge before setting off. In addition, this week kicks off our “Nature’s Colors” photo contest which runs October 15th-November 15th. We would love to see the park from your point of view. You can find more information on our Events page. Plan your trip to the park today reserve your spot today!

Of course, a picture is worth a thousand words, so enjoy the first images of fall color from our park. We hope to see you soon!

Fall Color Report — Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

The beauty of the mountains, complimented by the fall leaves in vibrant hues, in addition to the cooler temperatures make this season a splendid time to visit the park. With the change of leaves each fall season we are reminded that fall is proof that transformation is beautiful. Our area has experienced historic change throughout this past year, but one thing that remains is the beauty and solitude of a fall day. 

As beautiful as the change is visually, knowing that these leaves are a vital part of the ecosystem, and that this process keeps our trees alive is just as important! As the fall season changes, temperatures drop and the days grow shorter. Trees, as a result, receive less direct sunlight which causes the chlorophyll that keeps them green to break down. This lack of chlorophyll reveals yellow and orange pigments that are otherwise masked during our warmer months. Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock State Park are known for our mixed hardwood (deciduous) forests. The change in color of their broad leaves create a sort of splendor completely unique to our region. 

Our leaves at the tallest elevations; including maples, sourwoods, dogwoods, and tulip poplars are beginning to slowly make this change. During this time we also see the last outcroppings of fall wildflowers. Don’t forget to look down as you hike our six beautiful trails to witness their glory: Asters, Jewelweed, and Goldenrods provide brilliant pops of color. And don’t forget to look for migrating animals during your time at the park as well. A variety of hawks make the park a stop along their journey, as well as a number of monarch butterflies heading to Mexico where they will enjoy warmer temperatures. 

We look forward to sharing the park with each and every one of you this fall season. Continue to check this page for updates regarding fall color in the park, and plan your visit today while it lasts! We hope to see you soon!