Take a Hike: Naturalist Niche Series - Wild Edibles at Chimney Rock State Park

August 22, 2015     Naturalist Niche Series: Wild Edibles    ‘Wild edibles’ is always a popular topic among naturalists and enthusiasts. Let the Chimney Rock State Park team help you identify some local edibles that you might even find in your backyard. 

This hike will be moderate-to-strenuous. Important: collecting or removing mushrooms and plants from Chimney Rock and all NC State Parks is NOT allowed without a permit. Advance registration is required by calling 800-277-9611; limit first 20 hikers. 

Get links for more local information on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide. 

Chimney Rock State Park Offers Family Discovery Programs throughout August

August 1-31, 2015  daily at 2 PM    Family Discovery Programs    Meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s woodland friends or possibly the birds of prey, a Red-tailed hawk and Great Horned Owl. These resident animal ambassadors are the stars of the family-friendly programs every day at 2 PM which 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. 

Chimney Rock State Park  -   Standing atop the Chimney Rock, a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge, visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The state-owned park, located in Chimney Rock North Carolina, encompasses 1,000 acres, including the Chimney itself  and the beautiful Hickory Nut Falls.  Chimney Rock Park is a "must see" for  any trip to the mountains.  

 

Live Music, Beer and Burgers this Weekend in Chimney Rock

July 17 - 18, 2015    Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café.   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 the scene on Friday and Saturday evenings in July 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% grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.

The Old Rock Cafe is located at 431 Main Street in downtown Chimney Rock NC. For more local dining, cabin rentals and attractions see the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.



 

Easter Weekend Events: 60th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock State Park

April 5, 2015     60th Annual Easter Sunrise Service   Celebrate Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s annual Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in WNC, attracting more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. 

photo courtesy of Chimney Rock State Park

This free, non-denominational Easter celebration features live instrumental music, spiritual songs and breathtaking scenery. The 60th annual inter-denominational community worship service is a special tradition and a memorable event for the entire family.

Guests are invited to eat breakfast at the Old Rock Café and stay to enjoy the Park all day.

Flock to the Rock at Chimney Rock Park State Park

September 20 - 21, 2014   6th Annual Flock to the Rock at Chimney Rock State Park   (No additional cost with paid Park admission but “Early Bird” Watch is extra)  The region’s premier fall migration birding event held at Chimney Rock, a birder’s paradise and official site on the NC Birding Trail.
 
The event features live Birds of Prey programs with a Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl, this weekend includes bird walks guided by local experts, workshops ranging from bird photography to hummingbirds and family nature walks. Kids can get in on the fun too, dissecting owl pellets to see what these birds of prey eat. 

Find links for lodging, dining and attractions on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.  

 

Chimney Rock State Park Guided Walks

September 19, 2014  Wild Mushroom Walks in Chimney Rock Park   Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the summer and early fall, especially after rainfall. Enjoy a casual Friday hike seeking a variety of fascinating fungi along the Four Seasons or Great Woodland Adventure trail. Meet by Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows - limited to 20 participants, first come basis. This event is included with the Park admission.

Chimney Rock State Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

Get links for local lodging, dining and information on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide 

Chimney Rock State Park Hosts Springtime Kid's Climb

March 29   Springtime Kid's Climb   Get a taste of rock climbing and experience Chimney Rock from a new perspective with the Southeast’s leader in rock climbing education, Fox Mountain Guides. Kids (ages 7-15) climb for half price with 20-minute “tasters” on Vista Rock at this fun, family-friendly event, weather permitting. 

Enjoy convenient, walk-up access to climbing for the whole family to try. Beginners welcome, and no experience is necessary. All equipment is provided. Book a 2-hour or longer climbing lesson anytime with Fox Mountain Guides at (888) 284-8433. Admission: $10 for a kids' taster climb (half price!) or $20 per adult, plus Park regular admission. 

Chimney Rock State Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

Get complete local visitor information on the  Chimney Rock NC Guide 

Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock

February 2   Grady's Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock State Park. What will Grady predict for the remaining winter weather forecast? Come to Chimney Rock Park and find out while enjoying an educational program on the lives of groundhogs and other woodland critters. Guided family hikes on the Great Woodland Adventure trail will follow the program at noon and 12:30 PM. Kid’s Groundhog Day crafts will be offered from noon-1 PM. You may also visit the Park website any time to cast your vote on whether or not Grady will see his shadow.

FInd local lodging and visitor information on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

 

See Santa Climb Chimney Rock Today

December 7   Santa on the Chimney    How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices, of course. Witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys in Chimney Rock State Park (315 feet tall).

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities and see live critters. See why Chimney Rock was named one of “10 great places to catch up with Santa” by USA Today,

New this year: Win a Free Climb with Santa’s Elves! Each day, one lucky guest will win FREE two-hour rock climbing lessons for two with Santa’s professional helpers, Fox Mountain Guides. You must be present to win the drawing. Learn more about rock climbing in Chimney Rock with Fox Mountain Guides.

 
Learn more about Chimney Rock State Park
and Chimney Rock NC HERE

Wildlife of WNC Program at Chimney Rock State Park

October 19-20   Grady's Wildlife of WNC at Chimney Rock State Park    Come meet some of Grady the Groundhog's live woodland friends and learn about their natural habitats. Or marvel at our Birds of Prey, including a Red-tailed Hawk and Great Horned Owl. The family-friendly Grady’s Wildlife of WNC programs vary and are offered at 2 PM at the Outdoor Classroom on the Meadows. Best of all, the programs are included with your Park admission. All you need to bring are your kids and their curiosity about the natural world.

Get more local information on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Camp at Chimney Rock Park this Weekend

June 22 - 23   Chimney Rock Park's Great American Backyard Campout®  To celebrate the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout®, Chimney Rock Park hosts an annual campout at Chimney Rock limited to 40 guests.

Don’t miss this special night of camping out under the stars with a bonfire and s’mores. After a taste of rock climbing, we’ll take a night hike with our Park naturalist to see what goes bump, or howl or screech in the dark. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun.

Chimney Rock Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

Learn more about Chimney Rock Park, local rentals and visitor information at Chimney Rock NC

Father's Day Weekend Event: Chimney Rock Park FREE Tickets for Dads

June 15 -16   Father's Day Celebration at Chimney Rock Park  Buy one get one FREE Tickets. Make Dad's day special by bringing him to Chimney Rock for a day of scenic hiking or even guided rock climbing. Download the special coupon. Coupon must be presented to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase. Valid June 15-16, 2013.

Chimney Rock Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.  

Learn more about Chimney Rock NC HERE

Chimney Rock Park Hosts 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees

April 27   3rd Annual Buzz on Bees at Chimney Rock Park   Did you know that more than one-third of the world’s food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honey bees for pollination? Head for Chimney Rock Park to observe enclosed live bee hives, chat with local beekeeping experts, learn about the basics of beekeeping and honey production and bring home local honey and beeswax products.

Kids can enjoy “busy bee” crafts and activities, and a costume prize is awarded to the “best dressed” bee. Learn more about how our survival depends on honey bees, why they are disappearing and what you can do to help.

Get links for Chimney Rock NC cabins, inns, attractions and complete visitor information HERE. 

Chimney Rock Park hosts Dulcimer Workshop

September 22    Hammered Dulcimer Workshop at Chimney Rock Park   Learn to play the “only American instrument” using traditional strumming and flat-picking techniques in a fun and relaxed environment. John Mason, acclaimed hammered dulcimer artist who has toured the Southeast for 30 years and been the Park’s featured musician, will teach you all about this traditional folk instrument.

John guarantees you’ll be able to play at least one full song by the end of the workshop. It’s a great family-friendly activity for beginners and intermediates. A limited number of instruments are available.k for the Dulcimer

Get a link for the dulcimer workshop and other Chimney Rock Park events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Guided Bird Walk Today at Chimney Rock Park

photo by Christopher L. Wood

July 1   Simon Says Guided Bird Walk Join world-traveled birding expert Simon Thompson to see and hear our feathered friends, including Worm-eating, Swainson's, Black-and-white, Hooded and Yellow-throated Warblers. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail and hosts the region’s premier fall migration birding event, Flock to the Rock.

Family Wellness Today at Chimney Rock Park

June 2  "On the Move" Family Wellness Day   For decades Chimney Rock Park has promoted hiking as a great way to stay fit and connect with nature. During 2nd annual Family Wellness Day both adults and children are encouraged to get “On the Move” at Chimney Rock and learn how to establish a healthier exercise routine and diet.

In conjunction with National Trails Day (June 2) there will be guided hikes, health screenings and lots of information on healthy living from many community partners.