Fall is definitely a great time to explore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park! In addition to the beautiful fall colors that peak in late October into early November, they have some very fun events. Not to mention, soak in the spectacular 75-mile views from atop the Chimney and hike to the 400-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Speaking of hiking, they have guided hikes every Saturday. After a day of adventure, relax and enjoy craft beer and burgers along with live, local music at Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Annual Passholder Fall Sunrise Breakfast

Saturday, October 4; gate opens 6:15am for 7:25am sunrise

Few sights in Western North Carolina are as spectacular as watching the sunrise over Lake Lure! The Park opens early for Annual Passholders with a continental breakfast and the best seats in the area. To RSVP, please call 800-277-9611 by October 1. If you are not a Passholder, you can become one for this event.

Cost: $5 Annual Passholder, free for kids under 5. Advance registration required.

Rockin’ Naturalist Guided Hikes

Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25; 11am-noon

Explore Chimney Rock’s trails with a park naturalist or state park ranger to learn about plants, wildlife, geology and more along the way. Or, head “off the beaten path” to discover less-traveled areas of the park. Topics vary. Limited to the first 15 people.

Cost: Included with Park admission

Grady’s Wildlife of WNC

Every Saturday & Sunday in October; 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; 2pm

Meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s live woodland friends or possibly our birds of prey, a Red-tailed hawk and Great Horned Owl. Their resident education animals are the stars of the program, which explains each animal’s role in our ecosystem, how they came to live at the park and lessons on what we can do to help protect wildlife. Held in the Outdoor Classroom on the Meadows, weather permitting.

Cost: Included with Park admission

Naturalist Niche Series: Fall Big Basswood Hike

Saturday, October 11; 9:30-11:30am

Up and down a bit of slope, between a few boulders and shrubs and weaving beneath towering fall foliage, hike into a hidden forest cove. Renowned naturalist Ron Lance will guide you to where the state’s largest basswood tree lives, with a circumference of more than 13 feet! Several other large trees are its neighbors and wildflowers carpet the forest floor. This two-hour-plus hike is moderately-strenuous and not suitable for children under 12. Limited to 15; advance registration required.

Cost: $22 Adult (includes Park admission), $10 Annual Passholder

Naturalist Niche Series: Fall Ridge Hike with Ron Lance

Saturday, October 25; 9:30-12:30pm

Soak up fall colors on the most scenic hike all year long at the park! Venture high atop the ridges 1,500 feet above the valley floor, and enjoy dramatic views surrounded in a sea of fall leaf colors. Led by renowned naturalist Ron Lance, this three-hour hike is moderately strenuous. Limited to 15; advance registration required.

Cost: $22 Adult (includes Park admission), $10 Annual Passholder

For more information, see our Chimney Rock Park Guide and our NC Mountain Fall Color Guide.