Fall Color Report — Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026

Goodbye summer, and hello fall! Today, September 22nd marks the start of the autumn season. While each season brings something unique to the Park fall is one of our favorites! We are looking forward to sharing updates from the season. Make sure to visit this page before your visit so you know what to expect when you arrive!

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. Plus, lower elevations mean a later fall color transition. Peak week for the WNC foothills happens around the end of October/beginning of November. Right now, while the highest elevations are beginning to enjoy pops of color we in the Gorge are seeing the last of beautiful summer wildflowers. This week check out our What’s in Bloom page to see what blooms you may come across as you hike any of the Park’s six unique trails.

Don’t forget to look for migrating animals during your time at the park as well. A variety of bird species 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. The Park’s year-round residents may be more active during this time as well as they forage for the coming cold season ahead.

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!

Fall Color Report — Monday, October 12, 2026

Fall is beginning to make its appearance at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park! We’re starting to see pops of color throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge, with hints of gold, orange, and red are scattered throughout. Native species such as sourwood, black gum, and maples are starting to show off their fall hues.  

Fall wildflowers are also adding beauty to the landscape, with goldenrod and asters still blooming along trails and open areas. 

As temperatures continue to change, we look forward to watching the colors develop over the coming weeks. It’s a wonderful time to explore the park, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and experience the seasonal beauty of the Park! 

Fall Color Report — Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Fall color is becoming more noticeable throughout Hickory Nut Gorge! Beautiful pockets of autumn hues are starting to brighten the landscape, with splashes of gold, orange, and red appearing among the many shades of green still hanging on. While we haven’t reached peak color just yet, there are plenty of signs of the season to enjoy.

Keep an eye out for native Sourwood, Black Gum, and Red Maple trees, which are showing off their variety of red and purple tones. You may also spot touches of yellow and gold developing among the other hardwood trees, which add contrast to the rugged cliffs and sweeping views that make Chimney Rock so special this time of year.

The next week is shaping up to be a wonderful time to visit, with plenty of sunshine and comfortable daytime temperatures in the forecast. Crisp mornings and sunny afternoons make for excellent hiking, photography, and enjoying the changing scenery from our trails and overlooks. Make sure to look out for the last of our fall wildflowers as you explore, they add a bit more color to the forest floor.

Fall Color Report — Friday, October 30, 2026

Fall color is continuing to develop throughout Chimney Rock State Park and the beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge. Peak color is expected  over the next week, bringing an outstanding mix of autumn colors across the mountain landscape.

Look for brilliant golden yellows from Shagbark, Pignut and Mockernut hickories. Sourwoods are displaying spectacular scarlet, crimson and burgundy tones, while Black Gum, Red Maple, Flowering Dogwood and Sassafras trees contribute shades of red, orange and purple. The variety of oaks adds beautiful russet, bronze, deep red and copper hues.

The combination of these diverse hardwood species creates a stunning tapestry of gold, yellow, orange, scarlet, burgundy and bronze across the gorge.

The coming week is shaping up to be a wonderful time to visit! Enjoy the panoramic autumn views from overlooks, explore the forest trails and experience the spectacular variety of fall color that makes this area so special.

Peak timing may vary with elevation, weather and individual slopes.