A long, hot summer has finally drawn to a close, and fall is in the air. Though every season brings something unique to the Park, many of our staff and guests consider autumn to be their favorite time of year. Those entering the Park when the gates open will enjoy early morning hikes with a bit of a nip in the air, and those looking out from the Chimney will spy even longer-range views over the lake as summer haze fades.
If you’ve been avoiding the high season crowds, now may be a good time to revisit your favorite trails. October can be a busy month, but midweek strolls on some of our less-traveled trails can be a peaceful way to enjoy the fall.
If you’re looking for a more exciting afternoon, join us for Fall Animal Encounters every Saturday in October at 2 pm, or stop by the Animal Discovery Den to meet our new groundhog ambassadors, Potato and Yammy. Plus, we have a busy fall event schedule with something for everyone. Our Annual Passholder Sunrise Breakfast returns on October 7th. This is not only one of our favorite passholder events of the year, it is also one of the few times the public can see the sunrise from Chimney Rock.
Join us on two exciting hikes to round out the month. The last Nature at Night Hike of the year is on October 21st. The early sunset time should make for a great hike looking for nocturnal wildlife under the stars. Fall foliage in the area is predicted to reach its peak during the last two weeks of October, so mark your calendars. Our annual Fall Color Hike is scheduled for October 28th, and should be the perfect time to catch the Park at its most spectacular. We’re ready for another fantastic fall and we can’t wait to see you in the Park this season.
