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.

Chimney Rock State Park Weekend Events

October 12   Old Growth Forest “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike at Chimney Rock State Park   Learn what is special about a forest with canopy members over a century old, some even 200 to 300 years old. See the largest known Chestnut Oak in the Park among other prime specimens of their kinds on this moderate 1-hour hike. No additional cost with paid admission! Meet at Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows.

October 12   Park in the Dark at Chimney Rock State Park   Learn about the sights and sounds of owls and more of Grady’s quirky nocturnal wildlife friends living in Chimney Rock. Arrive by five to hike the Park’s scenic trails on your own and grab a bite at the Sky Lounge Deli, then gather by 7 PM in the Meadows for the fun, family-oriented birds of prey program. Afterward, enjoy an adventurous, kid-friendly one-hour night hike led by Ron Lance, an internationally renowned naturalist and nature lover. Registration and additional fee.

October 12 - 13   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 links for these and other Chimney Rock State Park Events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Chimney Rock State Park Hosts Wild Mushroom Walks

August 9   Wild Mushroom Walks in Chimney Rock State 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.

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.  A variety of nature programs and guided hikes are offered throughout the year.

Get complete local visitor information on the Chimney Rock NC 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

Chimney Rock Park Hosts Spring Girl Scout Day and Camp-out

May 18 - 19   Spring Girl Scout Day and Optional Camp-out   The annual spring program not only has a day of fun and educational programs but also the rare opportunity to camp beneath the stars at Chimney Rock Park.

Scouts can participate in a variety of education and enjoyable nature programs including Wildflower Watercolor, Wilderness First Aid, Spectacular Spiders and Touch-Me-Not , an introduction to some of the misunderstood and often unknown threats that can be found lurking in the forest or our own backyards.

The Park will also be opening the 32-foot Climbing Tower exclusively to Girl Scouts from 1:30-3:30 PM.  The cost is $2 per person (all ages) to attempt the32-foot Climbing Tower; be sure you sign up when you register. A reservation time will be given to each troop prior to the event.

Price and Registration Info:

Day Program
- Scouts: $14 includes admission, all programs and one patch per scout. This rate has been reduced due to the closure of the Hickory Nut Falls trail. 
- Parents: 1 adult per 10 scouts is required and admitted at no cost; $10 per additional adult when registered with the group; otherwise adults are $12 each. 
- Additional Youth (ages 5–15): $4.50 per youth when registered with group; otherwise $6 each.

Overnight Option  
- Scouts/Additional Youth (ages 5 to 15): $8 each 
- Adults: One adult per 10 youth is required and camps at no cost; additional adults $8 each 
Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents and all camping supplies. We provide rock fire rings and firewood. For more information on camping, please email education@chimneyrockpark.com.

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. 

Easter Event: Chimney Rock Easter Sunrise Service

March 31 -  58th 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. 

This free non-denominational Easter celebration features live instrumental music, spiritual songs and breathtaking scenery. The 58th 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.

Get a link for the Chimney Rock Sunrise Service and other NC Easter Weekend Events on the NC Event Calendar.

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.

 

Valentine's Day Special at Chimney Rock Park

Date: February 15 - 19   Valentine's Day Special at Chimney Rock Park   Say "I love you" the natural way with a romantic day at Chimney Rock. Buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and get one free during the Park's Valentine's Day special. Rekindle your love where the romantic adventure The Last of the Mohicans was filmed, and gaze at our 75-mile views overlooking Lake Lure where Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey fell in love on the set of Dirty Dancing.

NC Holiday Events: Santa Climbs Chimney Rock Today

December 8  and 15 -  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 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. 11AM - 2 PM

Get a link for Santa on the Chimney and more information about Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide. 

Fall Leaf Color Lingers in Chimney Rock Park

November 7, 2012 at Chimney Rock Park - Not ready for winter yet? Though the NC fall color is past peak or gone in the High Country, there are still many yellows, golds, oranges and a few reds to be seen throughout the Park. The most vibrant colors are in the northern red oaks and golden hickories in the lower elevations.

Fall foliage is beautiful down around Lake Lure, making the 75-mile views from atop the Chimney even more breathtaking. The colorful drive up the Park road, from the Village to the Ticket Plaza, looks great right now. Although trees in the higher elevations have lost their leaves, leaf peepers should still be able to find reasonably good color in lower elevations of Hickory Nut Gorge through mid-November, weather permitting. For the latest updates, check out our Weekly Fall Color Reports and Photo Gallery.

Get lodging information and local details on the Chimney Rock Visitor Guide.

Take a Hike - in Chimney Rock Park

September 15   Saturdays at Four Seasons Guided Hikes at Chimney Rock Park   A complimentary guided hike (with paid Park admission) on the Four Seasons trail. Witness nature’s changing seasons on this 0.6-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike starts at the Meadows and climbs 400 feet of elevation to the top parking lot. Not recommended for children under 12.

This trail winds through hardwood trees and past thickets of Carolina Rhododendron, mountain laurel, abundant wildflowers and indigenous plants. Same-day signup at Cliff Dwellers; limited to 20 people. Meet for the hike near the climbing tower on the Meadows at 1 PM.

Chimney Rock Park is a favorite hiking destination for locals and visitors alike. Get more information about Chimney Rock Park trails on the
NC Mountain Trail Guide.

Learn About Bees at Chimney Rock Park

August 18   The Buzz on Bees at Chimney Rock Park  More than 1/3 of the world’s food supply depends on honey bees for pollination. Now the bee population is in trouble—learn why and what you can do to help. Chat with local beekeeping experts, observe enclosed live bee hives, learn about the basics of beekeeping and honey production and bring home local honey and beeswax products. Kids’ activities will be offered and a prize will be awarded to the winner of the bee costume contest. 11 AM - 3 PM.

Get a link and learn more about Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

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.

April 28     Survival Skills Workshop:  Wild Edibles - Series part 2 of 3  at Chimney Rock Park.  Food and water are essential to wilderness survival. Abundant, nutritious edible plants grow in Western North Carolina each season, from berries and flowers to nuts and mushrooms. Be prepared to hike off the beaten path for about two hours identifying and learning about wild edibles.

Then Sheila Dunn, a longtime member of the Asheville Mushroom Club and a Buncombe County Master Gardener, will whet your appetite with a presentation on favorite edible fungi, such as chanterelles, morels and chicken of the woods. Listen closely when she discusses the few poisonous mushrooms that lurk in our hills! Bring a water bottle, wear long pants and bring a rain coat just in case. This is one workshop you won’t want to miss! The Survival Skills Workshop series continues with Shelter-Building on Sat., June 9

Get a link for the Survival Skills Workshop and other local information on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor guide.

Backyard Habitats Workshop Today at Chimney Rock

March 31  Backyard Habitats Workshop: Attracting Butterflies, Birds & Bees Why are butterflies, birds and bees attracted to some plants more than others? Can you believe that native plants are up to four times more attractive to bees than non-natives? These pollinators and feathered friends have co-evolved with specific native plants in the region and depend on them for food.

Join expert Ron Hoover to learn how to identify the best host and support plants to get your backyard or butterfly garden darting and buzzing with activity! Appropriate for all ages (6+) and levels of experience. $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders; $20 for Youth (ages 6-15), $12 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)

Get more local information on the Chimney Rock Visitor Guide

Chimney Rock's 57th Annual Easter Sunrise Service

April   8   57th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock   Celebrate Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise appears 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.

This free non-denominational Easter celebration features live instrumental music, spiritual songs, and breathtaking scenery. The event is now in its 57th year, and a number of locals have not missed any since the first event in 1955! This is one of the few times each year that residents and guests can see the sun rise over Lake Lure from high atop Chimney Rock Mountain. FREE and open to the public.

Take a Hike: Guided Hike at Chimney Rock Park

March 31  Spring for Free Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls   Forget those winter blues and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine at Chimney Rock. Free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast, Hickory Nut Falls, at an incredible 404 feet.

Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery.  Meet the trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 1 PM. Get more information about Chimney Rock Park events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Chimney Rock Park Getting Ready for Spring

Chimney Rock Park is getting closer to reopening the elevator and Sky Lounge. With this year's capital improvements nearing completion there are  many exciting happenings at Chimney Rock in 2012. The Survival Skills Workshop Series kicks off Saturday, March 10 with Basic Wilderness First Aid.
There will be a series called "Spring into action" every Saturday in March from 1-2 PM. The series is  a fun, low-cost activity to get you and your family outdoors this spring.  You;ll enjoy the  fresh air, sunshine and beautiful scenery on a guided hike to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Hickory Nut Falls,  an incredible 404 feet. The  Spring for Free guided hikes are included in the cost of admission.  Along the trail to the Falls, you'll see how spring's approach is changing the Park's diverse landscape. No registration required. Meet a Park naturalist for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts by 1 PM.

The Park is  looking forward to celebrating the reopening of the new Outcroppings trail to the Chimney in April, restoring access by foot only to the upper mountain. For a link to Chimney Rock Park and more information click HERE.

Survival Skills Workshop offered by Chimney Rock Park

March 10    Survival Skills Workshop: Basic Wilderness First Aid (1 of 3 in series) at Chimney Rock Park.   Don’t get caught in the wild without knowing basic first aid skills. In part 1 of the Survival Skills Workshop series, learn how to avoid and treat exposure to hypothermia, heat exhaustion, poison ivy, burns, blisters and more.

Understand the basics of splinting a sprained ankle and treating snake bites, bee stings and chiggers. Don’t let minor incidents stop you in your tracks – keep moving in the great outdoors with these essential first aid skills taught by local naturalist Clint Calhoun.  $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders for single workshop; $65 for Adults, $35 for Annual Passholders for all three workshops (includes Park admission for the day) 

Get a link for this and other Chimney Rock Park Events HERE

Take a Hike: Spring for Free Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock Park

March 3  -  Spring for Free Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls    Forget those winter blues and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine at Chimney Rock.  Enjoy a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast, Hickory Nut Falls, at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery.

Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail. Meet the trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 1 PM.  Get information for Chimney Rock NC HERE