Upcoming events at Chimney Rock

PRESS RELEASE:

With plenty of nice, chilly mornings and warm, sunny days the peaks and valleys at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park are still showing an abundance of green foliage.

But things are changing by the day here in Hickory Nut Gorge. Hints of fall color are topping the mountains of Western North Carolina, especially in the highest elevations, according to the Biology Department at Appalachian State University.

The hot weather from September has delayed the peak schedule by a bit, as the hills are only about 20 percent colored now, even as high as 4,500 feet in elevation. But over the next two weeks they tell us things will begin to change quickly.

Not surprisingly, the most common question we hear about fall at the Park is, “When will the peak color be out?” Here’s the scoop: Pretty soon it won’t be a matter of when to find fabulous fall color in the Park, but where.

Whether you come during the month of October or into early November the fall color is vivid and lasts longer here, well after it has peaked in other areas of the NC Mountains. That’s one of the great things about Chimney Rock being situated in this stunning 14-mile long Gorge known as a “thermal belt,” observed Park Naturalist, Emily Walker Simply put, it’s a unique weather phenomenon to Hickory Nut Gorge. The thermal belt refers to a mountainside zone where frost or freezing temperatures are less likely to occur than they are at either higher or lower elevations.

What that translates to here in the Gorge every fall is a longer display of vivid fall colors.

“We are already seeing fall leaf color peeking through the understory and along our highest ridges,” said Walker. “The beautiful sunny days and cool nights are helping the progression and should encourage more transformation at our elevation over the next few weeks.”

Currently in the Park, the Dogwood trees are turning a beautiful purple-red hue. The Sourwood trees are boasting a vibrant reddish-orange color and dotting the edges of the Park’s trails. Along the ridges, the Tulip Poplar trees are giving off a yellow glow and the Mountain Magnolias are turning a rich chocolate hue. “If our weather pattern continues as slated we should see peak color here in this part of Hickory Nut Gorge late this month and on into the earliest part of November,” Walker said.

If the incredible weather and the turn of the seasons isn’t enough to inspire folks to get outside, this year’s gorgeous fall wildflower display just might. Our White Snakeroot is exploding on the Hickory Nut Falls trail along with Pink Turtlehead and a large variety of asters and goldenrods, too.

Wildflowers can be found in any area here in the Park and it’s often surprising how much the autumn flowering species rival those found in the spring. Some naturalists would argue this time of year to be the best.

The hillsides are not yet in full swing, but the cooler nights that are predicted will begin to spur color change in the coming weeks.
If you can’t make it to Western North Carolina and Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park this fall, you can find some gorgeous fall scenery in this Autumn Photo Gallery, thanks to local photographers and previous visitors to the area. But truly, you’ve got to be here to fully enjoy the leaves.

Check out these fun Fall Events at Chimney Rock:
Scale the Mountain: Year round by appointment. Some visitors are satisfied simply walking and hiking on the trails, taking in the mountains that surround them. Others feel compelled to see them up close, really close. So, they climb them.

You can too. You can see the fall color panorama from a completely different vantage point when you book a rock climbing trip at the Park with Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School. Here’s all the information here to go rock climbing at Chimney Rock this fall.

Meet the animals: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 22 & 23, 29 & 30. Family Animal Encounters, 2 pm
The Park’s woodland friends love this time year. You’ll meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s friends or possibly our birds of prey, a Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl. A Park naturalist will explain 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. Insider’s tip: Afterwards, take a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 interactive education stations! The fall color experience on this trail provides a unique up-close and personal exchange with the changing hues.

Don’t just Hike, Go with an Expert: Saturday, Oct. 22. Naturalist Niche Series, Fall Ridge Hike from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
From 1,500+ feet above the valley floor, enjoy dramatic views from Chimney Rock Mountain, surrounded by a sea of stunning fall leaf colors, from deep red and maroon to fiery yellow and orange. Led by an expert naturalist, you’ll experience Western North Carolina’s legendary fall colors on the most scenic hike all year long! Space is limited on this popular hike and advance registration is required.

Tap your Toes, Feel the Beat: Fridays, Oct. 21 & 28 and Saturdays Oct. 22 & 29
Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café from 6-8 pm
Let’s face it, leaf peeping make you want to tap your feet. Tapping your feet makes you hungry. And eating makes you thirsty. Luckily, we’ve got you covered on all those fronts. After leaf peeping, relax outdoors to the beat of bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues or other genres while enjoying a regional craft brew or glass of wine on our riverside deck. Talented local musicians and singer-songwriters liven up the scene on select Friday & Saturday evenings in October at this popular burger joint in Chimney Rock Village. The Old Rock Café features one of the 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-try Burgers across the Country” with Hickory Nut Gap Meats’ 100 percent grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, soups, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.

For more, visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com.