Chimney Rock State Park
State park · North Carolina
A 315-foot granite spire above Hickory Nut Gorge, reached by elevator or stairs, gives views over Lake Lure and a fall canopy of oak, hickory, and maple across the gorge walls that typically peaks in late October.
Don’t miss
Peak: November 2–November 6
Color builds from October 23 · mostly bare by November 26
Sampled at Chimney Rock State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (657 m) rather than a regional average.
This window comes from 25 weather points across North Carolina, nudged 6 days later to match 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com and almanac.com. North Carolina is running 3 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works
When to go to Chimney Rock State Park
Good color holds through about November 12, giving you roughly 20 days from the first turn to past peak. That runs roughly 11 days earlier than the rest of North Carolina. The elevation is 2,156 ft, which pulls the turn earlier.
Chimney Rock State Park on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of North Carolina, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in North Carolina
Leaves & views
Farms & harvest
Frequently asked
- When does Chimney Rock State Park peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for November 2–November 6 (best estimate November 4). Color starts around October 23 and is mostly bare by November 26.
Own or manage Chimney Rock State Park? Update your listing or get in touch.