Visit Your Favorite Park FREE this Saturday

September 24 is National Public Lands Day, when entrance fees are waived at America’s national parks.

Start out by heading to FindYourPark.com to discover what's around you — including national parks and other public lands — and check out the exciting events being held across the country. Then, call some friends, get ready for an adventure, and enjoy your public lands free of charge.

Get links and information for dozens of NC Mountains Parks and Forests on our NC Parks Guide.

Boy Scout Day at Chimney Rock State Park

November 14, 2015    Fall Boy Scout Day at Chimney Rock State Park   Chimney Rock’s Fall Scout Days are among the Park’s most popular annual events. Fall is a beautiful time to seek adventure outdoors and learn more about our natural world.

With ever-changing programs and expert presenters, Park naturalists continue to offer new programs to meet your scouting needs. Scouts will also have the opportunity to earn a patch specific to Chimney Rock State Park by becoming Junior Rangers. Advance registration required. 

What to do this Weekend: Cradle of Forestry Presents the Outdoor Drama The Legend of Tommy Hodges

October 24 - 25, 2014   The Legend of Tommy Hodges outdoor drama at the Cradle of Forestry    Enjoy this legendary mystery about the disappearance of a 1906 Biltmore Forest School student. The Cradle of Forestry will present this outdoor drama along the paved, one-mile Biltmore Campus Trail. As the audience walks the trail from scene to scene it meets characters from the historic Pink Beds community and hears stories, some based on the diaries of students who attended the Biltmore Forest School from 1903-1907.

Warm clothing, walking shoes and flashlights are recommended.

Get links for local lodging, dining and attractions on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide.

 

Last Chance to Participate in the Grandfather Mountain Attraction Sustainability Survey

Attraction Sustainability Survey, a project of the Center for Sustainability at East Carolina University in partnership with Grandfather Mountain.

If you have not yet completed the brief survey, there is still time. As a reminder, one respondent will be selected to receive four complimentary admission tickets to Grandfather Mountain.

This survey is being conducted to learn about how visitors select attractions to visit and if being a green attraction plays a role in that choice. The survey can be accessed at the link provided below.

Please give a few minutes of your time to share your opinions. Your opinions will provide Grandfather Mountain with valuable information to help in sustaining this incredible NC Park.

CLICK HERE to take the survey 

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 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.

KidFest Today at Grandfather Mountain

September 8   KidFest at Grandfather Mountain A day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. The events are free with park admission.

Grandfather Mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and is operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.

The Mile High Swinging Bridge was one of the original features of the attraction giving visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Today, there are dozens of of things to do and events offered including walking and hiking trails; Naturalist programs; the Nature Museum; birding and geology; wildlife habitats; Mildred's Grill and The Fudge Shop. Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville NC.

Hungar Games Fan Tours this Weekend

Date: August 24-26   Hunger Games Fan Tour   Explore DuPont State Forest and see The Hunger Games movie locations. Learn basic survival skills: orienteering, camouflage, and shelter building. Lunch will be provided in Hunger Games style. Shuttle service, DuPont State Recreational Forest permit, light Hunger Games lunch and guides provided. Pre-registration required. Cost is $79 per person.

 

DuPont State Forest One of North Carolina's newer parks. DuPont offers more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and 10 waterfalls and is located in Cedar Falls NC between Brevard and Hendersonville North Carolina. You can enjoy the trails by foot, bike or horse or bring the fishing gear and picnic basket. For a link and current Park conditions visit the NC Parks Visitor Guide..

DuPont State Forest is located in Transylvania County near Brevard and Cedar Mountain NC.

Hunger Games Fan Tour this Weekend in Dupont State Forest

Date: June 8-10   Hunger Games Fan Tour Explore DuPont State Forest and see The Hunger Games movie locations. Learn basic survival skills: orienteering, camouflage, and shelter building. Lunch will be provided in Hunger Games style.

Shuttle service, DuPont State Recreational Forest permit, light Hunger Games lunch and guides are provided. Pre-registration required. Cost is $79 per person.  Additional dates:
June 22 – 24 (85% sold out)
July 27 – 29 (SOLD OUT)
August 24-26 (40% sold out)
September 21 – 23 (45% sold out)

DuPont State Forest One of North Carolina's newer parks, DuPont offers more than 10,000 acres of forest, trails, and 10 waterfalls and is located in Cedar Falls NC between Brevard and Hendersonville North Carolina. You can enjoy the trails by foot, bike or horse or bring the fishing gear oand picnic basket. For current Park conditions CLICK HERE.

Get trail and waterfall maps from the Friends of DuPont Forest.
DuPont State Forest is located in Transylvania County near Brevard and Cedar Mountain.

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.

Go Fish: Panthertown Valley a Favorite Spot

The headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckaseigee River and twenty miles of native brook trout streams, including Panthertown, Greenland, and Flat Creeks, wind through Panthertown Valley, making it ideal for catch-and-release fishing. The streams are stained brown with tannic acid from leaves that fall into the water. Primitive overnight camping is permitted and anglers come from around the world to visit these prized waters.

All waters in Panthertown are designated as Catch and Release, Artificial Flies Only Waters by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission.. A fishing license from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is required to fish in Panthertown Valley.


These Regulations include:

• Season is open year-round
• No fish may be harvested or possessed
• Only artificial flies having one single hook may be used
• It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
• It is unlawful to use more than one line per person
• It is unlawful to fish from one-half hour after sunset, to one-half hour before sunrise on any Catch and Release stream located on Game Lands
• It is unlawful to take fish bait or bait fish from "Catch and Release Waters"
• It is unlawful to move wild fish from one stream to another on game lands without prior written authorization from the NCWRC
  

Panthertown Creek is on the Western North Carolina Fly-Fishing Trail, the first and only fly fishing trail in the United States, featuring some of the best trout waters in the Great Smoky Mountains. Get more information about the WNC Fly Fishing Trail and NC Fishing HERE.

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: The Birds of Paddy's Creek at lake James Park

February  26   The Birds of Paddy's Creek  Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver and hike to identify birds found around Paddy’s Creek and Lake James. Easy hike, 1 mile. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek bridge parking lot of Lake James State Park at 10 a.m. For more information, call 828-584-7728.

Take a Hike: Hike Paddy's Creek Trail in Lake James Park

February 25   Hike the Paddy's Creek Trail   Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver for a nature hike on the Paddy’s Creek Trail. Moderate hike, 2 miles roundtrip. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office of Lake James State Park at 10 AM. For more information, call 828-584-7728.

Get a link for this hike and more Marion NC area events HERE

Christmas Event: Christmas at Connemara this weekend in Flat Rock

December 10    Christmas at Connemara -  The Carl Sandburg Home, National Historic Site is decorated in the same manner  the Sandburg's did with traditional decorations, holiday music and programs. This free festive celebration will honor Carl Sandburg and the family holiday tradition of music. Take a leisurely stroll of the grounds and have fun with a visit the goat barn.

Musicians and storytellers will perform traditional holiday stories and music. Hot cider and cookies will be served.  Young visitors will find many opportunities for participation in storytelling, sing-a-longs and a vintage ornament activity station. The house will be decorated with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2012.

Get a link for Christmas at Connemara and other
Flat Rock NC events, attractions and visitor information HERE

Star light, Star bright - how many stars can you see tonight?

September 30  Astronomy Star Party at Lake James Park.  Telescopes and binoculars provided for viewing the night sky, but bring your own if you have them. Folding chairs also recommended. Meet in the field next to campground parking lot at the Catawba River Area of Lake James State Park at 7:00 p.m. Park gates close at 8 p.m. Register by calling the park office at 828-584-7728. Free event.

Lake James State Park is located in Nebo NC, a few minutes from Marion. Get lodging and area information HERE.

Boat Tours in Lake James State Park

Sept 26    Wildlife of Lake James Boat Tour   Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey for an interpretive boat tour in search of wildlife along the shores of Lake James. Participants are limited and must be age 7 or older. Please call the Park Office at (828) 584-7728 to register. Suggested items to bring include water,  sunscreen, binoculars and a towel or cushion for seating. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office, 2 PM

Sept 29    Lake James Canoe Excursion   Join Park Ranger Nora Coffey for a leisurely afternoon paddle along the shores of Lake James. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided. Participants limited and paddlers must be age 7 or older. Pre-registration is required. Call the park office at (828) 584-7728 and meet at the new Paddy’s Creek Area office at 5 p.m. Free.

Lake James State Park  is an NC State Park tucked away in rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge, just outside Marion NC. Lake James is a 6,510-acre lake and  the centerpiece of Lake James State Park. Scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains and a variety of recreational  and educational activities are offered. 

Get a Buzz at Chimney Rock Park

August 20 Chimney Rock Park hosts  Get the "Buzz on Bees".  More than one third of the world's food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honeybees for pollination. Even your home garden and flowers wouldn't make it without them! Learn more about how our survival depends on honeybees, why they are disappearing and how you can help by joining us at the Park  from 11am-3pm.

Observe enclosed live bee hives, learn the basics of beekeeping and bee-friendly backyards, dress up to win the bee costume contest and bring home a variety of local honey products! Kids' activities will be offered too. No additional charge with paid admission.

New Interactive Climate & Weather Exhibit at Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain recently installed its first interactive exhibit since opening the Nature Museum in 1990. Made possible by a partnership between NASA, Appalachian State University and Grandfather Mountain, the exhibit focuses on weather and climate.

Guests use touch screens to view a presentation on the weather-related science behind the earth’s climate. The presentation provides information on current conditions on Grandfather and on the Mountain's weather records. It also allows visitors access to the NASA Climate Kids website, EPA website, and an ASU climate quiz.

The new exhibit is part of a large-scale effort by Appalachian State University and Grandfather Mountain to conduct educational programs centered on climate curriculum.

Grandfather Mountain   is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet. The Mountain is now owned by a nonprofit Stewardship Foundation and operated as a scenic travel attraction and a world-class nature preserve.