Things to do in Chimney Rock in October

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Overview

October is a good time to visit Chimney Rock. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 48—71°F (9—22°C).

Chimney Rock has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Chimney Rock. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Chimney Rock in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Chimney Rock? See our Chimney Rock Trip Planner.
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Best events and things to do in Chimney Rock in October

Top experiences in October
We couldn't find any experiences in October
Holidays in Chimney Rock in October
October
  • Columbus Day (October 12)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Chimney Rock in October

Temperatures on an average day in Chimney Rock in October

The average temperature in Chimney Rock in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 71°F (22°C) to a low of 48°F (9°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Chimney Rock, July, has days with highs of 89°F (31°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows of 28°F (-2°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Chimney Rock in October based on historical data.

Visiting Chimney Rock? See our Chimney Rock Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October
71°F
highs
48°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, breezy
Feels like
22%
Chance of rain
0.153 in
Amount
9.9 mph
Wind speed
73%
Humidity
11.3 hrs
Daylight length
7:34 AM
Sunrise
6:54 PM
Sunset
63%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 71°F (22°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C), it generally feels mildly cool and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Chimney Rock in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Chimney Rock has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Chimney Rock that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Chimney Rock for October.
Chimney Rock State Park
1. Chimney Rock State Park
4.8
(9300)
State park
Outdoor Activities
This iconic rock offers wide-reaching panoramic views over the surrounding parkland.
Slide 1 of 8
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Chimney Rock State Park is absolutely breathtaking! Shelly and I took the elevator up to the top, and the views from Chimney Rock were nothing short of awe-inspiring — mountains, valleys, and endless beauty in every direction. The staff and park rangers were all friendly, helpful, and informative, which made the visit even better. On the drive up, we even spotted a bear — a once-in-a-lifetime memory that reminded us just how wild and wonderful these mountains are. What stood out most was the peacefulness. Even though this is a popular spot, it never felt crowded. It was serene, quiet, and truly a place where you can slow down and take in the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. Highly recommend making the trip — whether you hike or take the elevator, the view at the top is worth every second. 🌄
Jim P — Google review
Great place to go hike. The top of chimney rock was really neat to see. You could see the whole river along lake lure and chimney rock. The hikes were moderate. My 4 and 6 year olds did the waterfall hike and the trail to exclamation point. There is a elevator that takes you to the top if you can’t climb the stairs up. Great family place. Will be back.
Sarah T — Google review
The park features hiking trails for all skill levels, views of the Devil's Head balancing rock, a tight squeeze through Subway, and a 404-foot waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls. Its most notable feature is the flag-waving, 315-foot gneiss monolith named Chimney Rock, which is accessible by elevator or up 500 stairs and provides views of the surrounding countryside and Lake Lure. There is a timed entry admission per person that is done online. Parking at the bottom and top. Shuttles run during peak seasons. Gift shops and food sales.
Gordon S — Google review
This is a great place to visit with a beautiful you. My 92-year-old father came with us on this trip, so the elevator was definitely a draw to here. He still gets around very well for his age, can walk around quite easily without a wheelchair but does get winded. The elevator gave him the ability to view from a much higher level than if it had not been there. They are gift shops, a cave, and spectacular views from the gift shop level. We've been a few times before and walk the entire trail, was just very appreciative of him being able to come and see the sites.
Philip S — Google review
Chimney Rock is one of the most iconic and breathtaking spots in North Carolina. The moment you reach the top — whether you hike or take the elevator — you’re met with these incredible panoramic views of Lake Lure, rolling mountains, and endless sky. It feels like you’re standing on the edge of the world. The trails are well-marked and offer a mix of challenge and reward. Hickory Nut Falls is definitely worth the walk — the waterfall is tall, peaceful, and surrounded by gorgeous forest scenery. Even the shorter pathways have amazing viewpoints and spots for photos. What I love most is how clean and well-maintained the park is. The stairways and overlooks feel sturdy and safe, and there are plenty of resting points if you want to take your time. You can go at your own pace, breathe in the mountain air, and just take in the views. If you’re anywhere near Lake Lure or Asheville, Chimney Rock is an absolute must. The scenery is unforgettable, the photos come out stunning, and it truly gives you that magical North Carolina mountain experience.
Veronika T — Google review
Beautiful views from the top. Very tourist filled place even in the off season. Take the elevator or make the climb up a ton of steps. Nice pull off stops for photo ops. Views of the river and recovery process from Hurricane Helene. Nice fall colors emerging.
C L — Google review
Loved every second! Glad I came and supported such a sweet, cute mountain town, especially after the destruction that Hurricane Helen caused, it was good to pop in and spend money and be thankful for everything! I’m from Florida and a part where we hadn’t seen this in 100 years, it was crazy to see how affected such a place like chimney rock! I’d go back in a second. Asked a sweet woman in one of the shops about the lake, learned they had to drain it because of the damage from the hurricane. Wild. Sending love and prayers, I’ll be back.
Amanda W — Google review
A 10 out of 10 place! The view is absolutely mesmerizing, making you pause from the rush and simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Everything is very clean around. There’s even an elevator to the top in case you can’t walk up, since the distance is really big. But it’s definitely worth it! There are plenty of trails for every taste, view, and distance. I truly fell in love with this place 🥰
Soldi144 — Google review
Rocky Broad Riverwalk
2. Rocky Broad Riverwalk
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Walking Areas
Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine
3. Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine
4.7
(397)
Temporarily Closed
Jeweler
Sights & Landmarks
Quaint rock & mineral gift shop with a working flume mine where visitors can mine for gems.
Slide 1 of 8
My husband and I came to Chimney Rock for the BBQ and Gem mining but due to my breathing health I called ahead and asked if they could put together a gem bucket to go. They said yes and I told them I’d call the day before my arrival. The day of travel I forgot to call them. We arrived in Chimney Rock after dark, so the next day (Thursday Feb 8th) I went into the store asked them if I could get a bucket to go, the lady I spoke with sent me downstairs to the gem mine…OH MY WOW, impressed to say the least. The young guy I talked to was very helpful and very nice. I had $100 to spend so I got the emerald bucket and told him I’d be back in 2hrs since my husband wanted BBQ. After we had the most amazing BBQ, hubby went to the room and I went bag to the gem mine. I was able to look around the store and ended up also purchasing a book and a few personal crystals. He had my bucket ready and carried it to the car. I can’t stress enough how nice he was. I wish I was in better breathing health I would have loved to sit down in the mine with the sifters and chat with him because I had the place to myself. My suggestion is to go off season on a week day and you can probably walk out of there with so much gem information and knowledge. Anyway that’s how this guy made me feel, you could tell he likes where he works, Fast forward to earlier today (Saturday) I sifted through my bucket and all I can say is he put together a fantastic bucket and I feel this bucket was put together with such amazing intentions and not like I was bothering him for even asking for a bucket to go. I wish I could figure out how to post pictures with this review but I don’t have that option so you’ll have to take my word for it. The bucket had a bunch of nice size smaller ones and 3 larger stones that were the size of my fist. One of which was a very unique gem that looks like it has a face in it. I’ve been to a handful of Gem mines from East Coast to Arizona and one of them I’ve visited twice with that being said I read the reviews after I got home from here and found out it’s pet friendly also. OH yes I’ll be back when the weather is better on my breathing with my dogs and my husband. I’ll be sitting at the table sifting through the mega bucket. I can’t wait to come back. Thank you so much for a great experience. Now for the upstairs and the ladies in the gift shop, I know I mentioned this in the beginning of the review but the lady I spoke with was so helpful and very nice. I have alot of nervous anxiety and she told me which crystals I should focus on and then I walked around and looked at everything, Every one in the town that we met were all nice to us. Again I repeat, can’t wait to come back. Edited: found out how to post pictures.
You T — Google review
I have such wonderful memories of this place. As a teenager, I grew up 45 minutes away and when I got my first car I loved to drive to chimney rock. I’d always stop here. I got all my silver rings here. Every time I wanted to mark a special occasion, I’d go straight to the Gemstone Mining Company. I still wear my rings every single day. They’ve held up over 17 years with no tarnishing. This is legitimately my favorite jewelry store and I’m so sad that the hurricane hit chimney rock the way it did. I hope one day to be able to come back and pick out my wedding and engagement rings here.
Elsie R — Google review
Fabulous fun family place!! All employees were super nice, the owners are such wonderful, sweet folk! I liked how they had the shop upstairs with such uquie quality items and the mine is downstairs, outdoors being shaded is a huge plus but also hearing the river and feeling the breeze! Also visit the Riverwatch Bar a couple blocks down, huge variety of types of burgers and sides plus the alcohol is made perfectly!!
Sara S — Google review
Had a really great experience here. You get a lot for the money and the staff was super helpful and knowledgeable. My favorite part about this place is that they are dog friendly! Definitely will be back when it’s a little warmer!
Koorime W — Google review
My boyfriend and I looked through the store, and were slightly interested in doing the gem mining. One of the ladies informed us of a coupon that they have, where it’s $5 off of a $30 bucket or more. So we got the Family bucket. We headed downstairs to the gem mining area, and the person that rung us up was super friendly. The experience itself was really interesting. We got some pretty neat stuff. They have signs all over the place with examples of rocks you could get, and they also give you a nice card with pictures as well. All in all, we had a really nice experience, and the people that were working were very nice and said we got some good stuff.
Mar P — Google review
Wonderful little gem mining attraction for the kiddos. Very rustic and fun looking, and the people working here were very friendly and accommodating. Had a great time!
Steve G — Google review
We just stopped in here today and did a little gem mining. They have some reasonable prices for all kinds of bucket sizes. The little kids and big kids alike all had fun stopping in and doing some gem mining. The upstairs houses the gift and souvenir shop and downstairs outside is where they have things set up for doing the gem mining with the water troughs. The lady downstairs was very friendly and helpful getting us set up and also helped crack open a geo stone for one of our kids. The lady upstairs in the gift shop was nice as well. They have a large selection of stoneware jewelry and other items. If you’re in Chimney Rock and looking for gem mining then this is your place.
Jon H — Google review
Our second visit and once again this wonderful place didn't disappoint! We spent well over an hour digging through our buckets and enjoying our chat with the brilliant Steve of course! We drove all the way from Virginia Beach to visit, and will likely do so again! Great place and worth the money! 5 stars! I would give 100 stars if I could!!!!
Karen H — Google review
Chimney Rock Adventure Golf
4. Chimney Rock Adventure Golf
4.4
(121)
Temporarily Closed
Miniature golf course
Fun & Games
Slide 1 of 8
This place is lightyears above your average putt-putt spot and the people who run it are nothing short of amazing. The setting is absolutely beautiful. I'm from out of town and recently Planned an event for 34 members of our Cub Scout Pack. Chimney Rock Adventure Golf was our first stop. The owner Nick was friendly, helpful, and super accommodating. He made sure we had plenty of space and informed me they also serve food. We were all able to eat together while we waited out a summer storm and it was a pleasant surprise. It could not have worked out better for us. I could have spent an hour just walking around this place admiring the landscaping and the setting. I doubt there's a more lush, visually appealing mini golf in the entire state. Great stop, great owners, great food. Can't wait to return on our next family vacation!
Erica T — Google review
This was one of the best mini golf courses in the country. My son played here from age of 3 to 16 a month before the weather problem. Thanks for leaving it up so we can cherish the memories and picts we posted over 10+ years.
Scott B — Google review
For $12 each I guess I expected it to be bigger but it was nice being by the river. It’s a basic little course. It wasn’t challenging but more aggravating because the ball gets stuck in side rocks. Some of the holes are mushroomed so it’s tough to get in the hole. Also the bricks behind the holes are leveled for walking so the ball will go into another course. Middle of the summer but the water features were all drained. We finished it in like 25 minutes. Honestly it’s the worst mini golf we’ve ever been to and we love these.
N K — Google review
Had a wonderful time at this beautiful mini golf course! I loved being next to the water, it was so peaceful and fun. You can also purchase drinks for the game, including canned wine, which was delicious. We also really enjoyed talking to one of the inn/miniature golf course owners who helped us out. She was extremely pleasant to talk to! Highly recommend!
Ashley G — Google review
I really enjoyed it.. but i didnt give 5 stars because the course needs some renovation.. some of the holes the turf is all ripped up. But other than that my wife and i enjoyed ourselves and had lots of fun..
Ryan M — Google review
Top Ten course in the SE coming in at #10. Shot five over par with a solid 50. No gimmicks to this course on the Broad River. Green fees are good for this kind of set up. The view of the river is great.
John B — Google review
First time here, it was a phenomenal experience! Excellent mini golf holes. Challenging and fun. Beautiful Broad River flowing alongside the course. The pizza is fantastically amazing! I must say, the topping on the cake was the shot's of Blanton's for $14 a shot! That's a fantastic price! The cocktails were truly "crafted" and well worth the money! The staff on this blustery Sunday afternoon was outstanding! Well worth the trip from South Carolina! Will definitely be looking to book a room at The Broad River Inn for my birthday in February. My husband and I had an absolutely stellar experience!
Amy B — Google review
The course was fun and the view was great. Some of the holes needed some maintenance, but overall it was a good time.
Bradley B — Google review
Hickory Nut Falls
5. Hickory Nut Falls
4.6
(118)
Waterfall
Outdoor Activities
This horsetail waterfall along Fall Creek in Chimney Rock State Park drops from a height of 404 ft.
Slide 1 of 8
This is a lovely hike! It’s super easy maybe about 1.5 to 2 miles round-trip. Wore my toddler on my back and did it just fine. The waterfall is beautiful and the trail is well maintained and clearly marked. There is a $17 fee (per adult) to get into the state park but once inside you can do any and all of the trails.
Rebecca P — Google review
Beautiful out and back trail! 1.9 miles, 328 feet of elevation gain, showing off the 400 foot tall falls (one of the tallest in the state!). There’s a fee of $17 per person to enter the park to help maintain and support the park. Very few people today which was lovely!
Madison T — Google review
Very nice waterfall. This is about 1.5 miles an easy trek/hike from base elevator of the chimney rock park. The entry to the chimney rock is $17 per Adults and $8 per kids 5-12 years. Kids below 5 years gets free entry to the chimney rock. I would say it is an amazing place to visit. Your trekking would be worth visiting this.
Andy D — Google review
The hike was definitely worth it once we got the the falls and got close up. There was a heat advisory that day so I considered it medically necessary for us to cool off! Fascinating work of nature!
Ashley M — Google review
The park was super busy but This was a great hike we started with the four seasons trail from the lower lot and hiked up. Both trails were a lot of fun. Even our puppy had a blast.
Dustin W — Google review
Dramatic, beautiful falls, just an easy, pleasant hike from the Chimney Rock parking area—well worth your time. The hike to Hickorynut Falls from the main Chimney Rock State Park parking area starts with your choice of either with a sloping walk down around back down along a roadway path or a stair climb (great stairway structure) from the park’s base area—recommend the stair climb. The walk is a nice 20-minute or so stroll from the bottom of the stairs through a lush forest—the hike is fairly easy on a sloping, sometimes rocky trail. The falls are dramatic, colorful, and picturesque, with multiple viewing areas including an area where the trail meets the falls, a platform just beneath the falls, and a platform to the left of the falls that’s just a short stair climb—be sure to check out the views from all areas for great pictures. There is a gate to the falls trail that we believe closes the falls after dark; at the gate there is also a connection between the falls trail and the Four Seasons Trail which runs from the park’s Great Woodland Adventure kid’s area. The trail was very well maintained and included trash/recycling cans. Overall, I would definitely recommend the hike to Hickorynut Falls if you’re visiting Chimney Rock State Park—highly recommended!
Robert H — Google review
A nice milky thin waterfall. A little to moderate hike to reach this falls. Not very steep if you are going to do only this falls , if you had done chimney rock , exclamation point or top of the falls hike, considerable to do this trail. You can take the trail by parking at the lot on chimney rock information center. A moderate number of uneven rocks near the falls if you are planning to touch the water. No swimming or wading are allowed, but you will be able to touch the water or can drench you. But the deck is built about 20 feet from the falls to have a look and photography. Modestly slippery rock if you are thinking to touch the waterfalls. Trail has lot of shades , resting benches , picnic tables with trash area. No restrooms available on the trail but on the head of the trail when you are taking the wooden steps from parking lot. Drinking water vending machine , water fountain are there in this restroom area. Load up your snack , water or liquid for Hyderating you. Not very hardest trail but easy to moderate for a family , only at some places. Gravel path , Staffs or emergency staffs can reach the falls by ATV if there is anything emergency on waterfall area. Good for anyone and recommend to all.
Prabha S — Google review
Great hike! A moderate (for a 61 year old) ;) app 1.5 miles round trip but worth the falls.
Jon W — Google review
Doug Bowman Galleries
6. Doug Bowman Galleries
5.0
(7)
Gift shop
Shopping
Slide 1 of 6
Doug is a very rare find in a world of thinning artisans. A true craftsman with all the talent and time in the world to bring something not only unique and dazzling to your home, but also local. If you are looking for something that will be a conversation piece bringing warmth to your home- look no further! What a remarkable place to visit and a true craftsman with a cool backstory. Buy something here to grace your home no matter the style or setting. He will have something for everyone!
Garrett S — Google review
Doug is a very good artist and a perfectionist with his product. We are very happy to find his shop in Chimney Rock, NC. We will be back for more! Vickie and Li from Columbia, SC
Vickie H — Google review
First time in the shop. What a nice variety of wood products. Purchased a beautiful lamp that fits nicely chairside. Mr Bowman the artist and owner works on site and is happy to provide answers to questions about the items he sells.
Just J — Google review
Doug is an amazing local artist! Beautiful work and will be back for another lamp very soon!
Joshua L — Google review
Beautifully done work. I wound up purchasing two lamps and am very pleased with my purchases.
Andrea C — Google review
This is a really neat shop, especially if you are in to handcrafted goods. If you visit Chimney Rock make sure you stop in here
Michael H — Google review
Best-of categories in Chimney Rock
Restaurants
Attractions
Kid-friendly attractions

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