Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Hanging Rock State Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 28. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 23 to November 2.
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Stokes County and across North Carolina.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 24): the six weeks to October 13 ran 3.9°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Hanging Rock State Park
30 to 60 minutes
2 to 3 hours
- Uwharrie National Forest85 mi · 2 hr 5 minPeak: Oct 31Status: Early color
- Blue Ridge Parkway86 mi · 2 hr 6 minVirginiaPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Pandapas Pond84 mi · 2 hr 10 minVirginiaPeak: Oct 26Status: Moderate color
- Explore Park90 mi · 2 hr 16 minVirginiaPeak: Oct 28Status: Moderate color
- Hungry Mother State Park111 mi · 2 hr 23 minVirginiaPeak: Oct 23Status: Moderate color
- Freedom Park & Little Sugar Creek Greenway112 mi · 2 hr 25 minPeak: Nov 2Status: Early color