Grandfather Mountain's Guided Hike Season

Four Featured Hikes headline Grandfather Mountain's 2012 Guided Hike Season. The Guided Hike Series, now in its second year, has four pre-planned hikes to showcase the wonderful scenery and wildlife of the mountain. The hikes are scheduled for May, June, July and August and offer opportunities to explore Grandfather’s backcountry while learning about the ecology and history of the Mountain.
The Series begins with the half day “Spring to MacRae” hike over 0.9 miles, using cables and seven ladders to gain almost 600 feet in elevation. The second hike, the “Ridgeline of Diversity”, is 2.4 miles, traversing large boulders, climbing ladders and gaining 700 feet in elevation. The “Grandfather’s Attic” hike is a challenging endeavor involving a trek to Attic Window Peak and Indian House Cave over the most rugged terrain on the mountain. The Series concludes with the “Nature on the Edge” hike, showcasing the resiliency of plants and animals in the adverse conditions of the mountain. Throughout the journey, interpretive rangers will discuss the needs for habitat and point out signs of survival.

Get more details about Grandfather Mountain's Hike Series and other mountain events HERE.

Santa Climbs the Chimney Rock this weekend

December 3 and 10 from 11 AM to 2 PM visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park to see Santa climbing on one of the world’s largest chimneys at 315 feet tall. Guests also have an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities and see the Park's live critters.

Annual Passholders are invited to a special holiday sale with 25% off their total retail purchase both days at Cliff Dwellers Gifts which will be providing entertainment, artist demonstrations and refreshments. There is no additional cost with paid Park admission. Guests who upgrade their admissions to Annual Passes are also eligible. In case of inclement weather, check chimneyrockpark.com for the event’s status.

“Santa has a challenging job climbing down millions of chimneys Christmas Eve, so he practices to be ready for it,” said Matt Popowski, PR and Events Coordinator, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. “It’s just as entertaining as it sounds and a fun way to kick off your holiday traditions for kids and adults!”

 

Details of Santa's Climb:  Mr. Claus will rappel from the top of Chimney Rock about every 30-45 minutes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while spectators gather in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for live holiday music, refreshments and kids’ activities. Between noon and 1:30 p.m., Santa will be available in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts for photo opportunities and to meet the children. Mrs. Claus will be present also, serving delicious cookies and hot cocoa while visiting with children. Park mascot Grady the Groundhog or other live critters will make an appearance for kids, and an educational display of animal skins and skulls will be on display by a State Park Ranger.

On December 3, live music will be provided by Joe Collins, award-winning vocalist, songwriter and national champion mountain dulcimer performer. John Mason, who has toured the Southeast for 30 years playing the hammered dulcimer and is the Park’s featured musician, will be performing on December 10. The event is being co-sponsored by Coffee on the Rocks in Chimney Rock Village.

 

Hours, Admission & Trail Changes: Current seasonal hours are daily 8:30 AM to 6 PM. with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30 PM. Park admission is $12 for adults, $5 for youth ages 6-15 and free for ages 5 and under. On December 5, winter hours go into effect. The Park will be open Thursday – Monday, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30 p.m. Winter admission, effective Dec. 5, will be $9 for adults and $4 for youth ages six through 15. Children under six are admitted free.

Starting Dec. 5, due to winter capital improvements, the Outcroppings and Skyline trails, Chimney and points of interest above, such as the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point, will be closed to the public.

 

Adult Annual Passes, a great stocking stuffer for family and friends, will be available for $20 during a holiday special November 25 to December 24, 2011. Guests who visit the Park during discounted winter admission rates can save money by upgrading their admission tickets to Annual Passes for only $11 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 6-15) within 30 days of purchase. Buy your upgrade online, call 800-277-9611 or show your receipt at the Ticket Plaza on your next visit within 30 days.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international outdoor destination located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular travel destinations. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock offers guests 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the state’s most significant centers of biodiversity, is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species, and the second highest waterfall of its kind in the eastern United States. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps.

Get Chimney Rock NC visitor information for lodging and other attractions HERE

Chimney Rock Park hosts 5th Annual Race to the Rock

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will host its 5^th annual Race to the Rock at the Park on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Race to the Rock climbs the steep, winding Park road and finishes in the top parking lot with breathtaking 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. The 25-mile bike race starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K run starts at 7:45 a.m.
Race to the Rock is part of the 7^th Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, a three-day, family sports festival, and is professionally managed by Set Up Events. Registration is $35 in advance online or $40 walk-up. For more information or to register, visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com or call 828-429-9011.

“Race to the Rock is a bold challenge for the adventurous runner or cyclist. Everyone who finishes this race will have accomplished an incredible feat and gets to enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Lure and the Gorge at the finish line,” said Matt Popowski, PR & Events Coordinator at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.
Race Information.The 5k run starts in Chimney Rock Village, climbs the 7% grade of the Park road and finishes in the top parking lot below the Rock. The bike race, formerly a 7k course, has been extended to 25 miles. It starts in the Village in a time trial format every 15 seconds, heads east on Hwy 64 and loops back to finish on the Park road just below the Rock. This is the only time anyone can run or bike up to Chimney Rock. All cyclists must be inside the Park (about 22 miles into the course) by 9:30 a.m. to finish the race. Cyclists who do not enter the park by 9:30 a.m. will not be able to finish. Also, cyclists will NOT be allowed to ride down the mountain this year after the race. Shuttles will provide transportation up and down the Park road. Medals for top finishers are awarded in all age groups.

Registration. Registration is $35 in advance online or $40 walk-up. On-line registration closes on August 25 at 7:30 a.m. Walk-up registration begins at 6 a.m. on race day at the Old Rock Café in Chimney Rock Village. Race to the Rock is the final competition in the 3 Races in 3 Days challenge. Proceeds benefit non-profit, community organizations in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com for more info.

Delayed Park Opening. Due to Race to the Rock and the bike race’s extended length, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will open to the public at 10 a.m. However, spectators of Race to the Rock will be allowed to enter the Park with free admission prior to the race at 7:30 a.m.
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international outdoor destination located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular travel destinations. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock offers guests 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the state’s most significant centers of biodiversity, is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species, and the second highest waterfall of its kind in the eastern United States. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps.

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.

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Grandfather Mountain Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble

Grandfather Mountain begins its  Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble on Memorial Day, May 30, and continues the Ramble through June 12. The event is one of Grandfather Mountain's special activities with staff naturalists designed to help you get the most out of the memorable siege of the Catawba Rhododendron at Grandfather.

Programs will occur daily at 1 PM and last for approximately one hour. See the Naturalist Information Board when you arrive to learn where that day's program will begin. Free with Park admission.  For details, phone 800-468-7325.

A weekend of Tours in the NC Mountains

May 7 - 8   East of Asheville Studio Tour The studio tour takes place twice a year - Spring and Fall. Everyone is welcome to visit any or all of the studios during the tour, whether they are serious art patrons or just browsers of beautiful and interesting works. Black Mountain NC.
May 7 - 8    Tour de Falls    DuPont State Forest, 9:00AM-3:00PM, buses will be available at the High Falls parking lot on DuPont/Staton Rd. to take visitors to High Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia, donation of $10 per person, sponsored by Friends of DuPont Forest. Brevard NC
May 7-8     Weaverville Art Safari   The Spring Weaverville Art Safari features self-guided tours of various artists' studios, tucked away in the countryside communities of Weaverville, Barnardsville, and Alexander. The tours are free and open to the public, and some artists' studios are open year-round by appointment. Weaverville NC.

Mothers visit Chimney Rock Park Free this weekend

May 7 - 8  Moms FREE Chimney Rock Park Admission Give mom what she really wants for Mother's Day - time with her family in one of the most beautiful settings in the mountains. Bring mom to the Park Mother's Day weekend and her ticket is on us! Buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and receive the same for free.

Chimney Rock Park  was developed around 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 Hickory Nut Falls. Chimney Rock Park is  one of the "must sees" for any NC Mountain visit. The Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville North Carolina, offers hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

Chimney Rock Continues Winter Rates until March 31

Although the first official day of spring is March 20, winter hours and rates will continue through March 31 at Chimney Rock Park. 

Beginning April 1, the Park will once again be open 7 days a week, weather permitting, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Ticket Plaza will be open from 8:30am-5:30pm EDT and the Park will remain open until 7pm.

March 26 - Ranger-led Turtle Program. North Carolina State Parks is celebrating the "Year of the Turtle." Join a Park Ranger on an informative hike as we look for the box turtle and talk about the different habitats where the turtles live.

This Weekend's Nature Center and Park Events

March 12   Eco-Explorers: Tracking   Who made those tracks? What is scat? What bird left that feather? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we explore the exciting world of animal tracking. Ages 8-13. 

March 12   Turtle Fans  aAquick and easy turtle craft for kids. Meet at the Catawba River Area office (old office) of Lake James State Park at 1:00 p.m. Supplies are limited so register by calling the park office at 828-652-5047. Free.  

March 12   2nd Saturday Program at the Heritage Museum   The History of Transylvania - American Chestnut: Don Surrette 

March 13   Go Fly a Kite at FENCE   It is a sure sign of spring when the kites are flying on Hawk's Ridge at FENCE. This wonderful annual event is for kids of all ages. Free kites to the first 200 kids.

March 13   Red Fox, Grey Fox, Which is Which?   Join Park Ranger Nora Coffey for a hike on the Fox Den Loop trail to learn about the two foxes found around Lake James. Moderate level hike of about 2 miles. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the Catawba River Area office (old office) of Lake James State Park at 2:00 p.m. Free

  

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcomes Spring

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced its spring opening schedule for Park
facilities and availability of services with a majority of campgrounds and secondary roads opening
on Friday, March 11. The Parks Opening Schedule includes:


Roads – The secondary roads that are set to open on March 11 include: Little Greenbrier, Rich
Mountain, Straight Fork/Round Bottom, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Clingmans Dome Road is
set to open on April 1 and the Heintooga Ridge and Balsam Mountain Roads will open on May 13. Forge
Creek and Parson Branch Roads will have a delayed opening due to unseasonable wet weather. The roads
are expected to open early spring.

Operating Hours for Visitor Centers – The three visitor centers are open daily and the
operating hours through March are as follows: Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN, 8 a.m.-5
p.m., Cades Cove Visitor Center, near Townsend, TN, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
near Cherokee, NC, hours will be 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.


Reservations may now be made ONLINE for many federally managed recreation areas, including National Park Service areas, all across the U.S. The Park now has five of its 10 developed campgrounds on the reservation system. Cataloochee campground was added this year in addition to Elkmont, Cades Cove, Smokemont, and some sites at Cosby. The system allows campers to reserve specific campsites and to make reservations 6 months in advance. Group campsites and picnic pavilions can be reserved up to 12 months in advance. Alternatively, book reservations by calling 877-444-6777.


Campgrounds open on a staggered basis starting March 11. (See the following schedule for
exact dates.) For the five campgrounds on Recreation.gov, reservations are required at Cades Cove,
Elkmont, and Smokemont for the period from May 15-October 31 (for other dates the three campgrounds
are first come, first serve); Cataloochee Campground--all sites must be reserved throughout its season;
and Cosby Campground, which has mostly first-come, first-served campsites, has a limited number of
reservable sites during its season. Camping fees range from $14 to $23 per site/night.

Campers have an opportunity to camp in “generator free” campsites at three campgrounds: Cades
Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont campgrounds. Campers can reserve a site in the generator-free loop
sections of Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont campgrounds.


Group Camping will be available at seven campgrounds (see schedule for opening dates) and
reservations must be made through Recreation.gov. Group camping is available at Big Creek,
Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Cades Cove, and Smokemont. The cost for group camping
ranges from $26 to $65 per site/night.


Horse Camps at Anthony Creek, Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Towstring will
open April 1 and reservations are only available through Recreation.gov. The horse site fees are $20 at all
horse camps except for Big Creek where it is $25.  Horseback Riding - The opening dates for the three horseback concessions located on the Tennessee side of the Park are: Smoky Mountain Riding Stable on March 4; Sugarlands Riding Stable on March 11; and Cades Cove is scheduled on March 13. In addition to horseback rides which cost $25 per horse per rider, Cades Cove Riding Stable will offer their customary carriage rides and hay rides, and wheelchair accessible carriage and hay rides. The Smokemont Riding Stable in North Carolina will open March 26 and will provide visitors with a chance to experience a horse-drawn wagon ride along the route of the historic Oconaluftee Turnpike.


Picnic Areas – There are 10 first-come, first-serve picnic areas. Open all year are Big Creek,
Cades Cove, Chimney Tops, Cosby, Greenbrier, Deep Creek, and Metcalf Bottoms. Collins Creek Picnic
Area will open on March 11 and Heintooga and Look Rock are scheduled to open on May 13. The Park’s
largest picnic pavilion at Twin Creeks opens on April 1 and reservations are required through
Recreation.gov only. Twin Creeks fees range from $35-$75 depending on the number of people. In
addition, picnickers can reserve five other picnic pavilions on Recreation.gov. They are located at Collins
Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Metcalf Bottoms, and Greenbrier picnic areas. The cost is $20, except at
Greenbrier where it is $10.

LeConte Lodge, accessible only by trail, will open on March 21. Reservations are required and
can be made by calling 865/429-5704, fax 865/774-0045 or e:mail reservations@lecontelodge.com. One
night at the lodge costs $116 per adult and $85 for children 10 and under (tax not included). The price
includes two meals--dinner and breakfast. Day hikers and backpackers can purchase a prepared bag or
dining room lunch and snacks/beverages at the lodge. Reservations are required for the dining room
lunch.

Spring Opening 2011-three Campground Concessions – The Cades Cove Campground Store will open March 5. The store provides groceries, camping supplies, firewood, ice, vending, limited food service, souvenirs, and bike rentals. The Cades Cove Store has multi-speed comfort or mountain bikes available for rent, in addition to single speed cruisers. The Elkmont Campground concession will open March 11. The concession provides firewood, ice, limited camper convenience items, and vending of soft drinks, newspapers, and snacks.

NC Valentine's Special Events: Romance at the Rock

February 9 - 15  find affordable (not to mention healthy) Romance at Chimney Rock Park with Buy One Get One FREE regularly priced adult tickets. Go for a refreshing hike to the base of Hickory Nut Falls. Top off the perfect day with a tasty lunch at the Old Rock Cafe.


CHIMNEY ROCK PARK  is a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors to the Park 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 Hickory Nut Falls and the beautiful Hickory Nut Falls.  Chimney Rock Park is a "must see" for  any trip to the mountains.

New Service - Get Smokies Road Status via Texts or Twitter

On February 2 the Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced that Park visitors and local travelers may now sign-up to receive status updates about the Park’s most frequently used roads via text message or the Internet. In the past, travelers had to place phone calls to the Park to determine the status of the roads which can change frequently with changing weather conditions.

“I am excited that visitors and park travelers with cell phones or access to the Internet can now obtain information on road status changes immediately,” said Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent, Dale Ditmanson. “While better serving the public, we can also reduce the workload to the Park’s Communications Center.” The Park’s recorded information line receives more than 1,000 calls per day during the severe winter weather from people inquiring about road conditions. When all of the incoming lines are in-use, the calls rollover to the park’s Communications Center staff, often resulting in more than 600 calls to be answered, hampering the staff from responding to calls requesting park information and emergency assistance.

Those who wish to be notified of the status of the Park’s four most popular roads - Newfound Gap (U.S. 441), Little River Road, Laurel Creek Road, and Cades Cove Loop Road – can opt to get text messages to their cell phones by texting: follow smokiesroadsnps to 40404. To stop receiving the text message alerts, text stop smokiesroadsnps to the same number. Standard text rates will apply.

The public can get that same information via the Internet by going to: www.twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps to read recent road notification postings. This is a Twitter website maintained by the Park, but anybody can access it at any time, without having to establish a Twitter account. Anyone having a Twitter account can go an extra step and choose to have updates set to them by going to the site listed above and clicking the “follow” button to see the updates on their own account page and receive the notifications in the manner they specify.

In addition to notifications of winter road conditions, Park officials plan to notify travelers throughout the year of road openings and closings due to rock slides, fallen trees, and accidents. Anytime the status of one of the listed roads changes, a message will be sent. As the National Park Service prepares for its 2016 centennial celebration, officials are increasingly utilizing technology to connect the American people to their national parks.

For more information go to  Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Information on all of the roads in the Park as well as other Park information may be obtained by calling the park’s information line at (865) 436-1200 and follow the prompts.

Star Light Star Bright - lots of Stars to see this night!

Nov 19   Head for NEBO NC (near Marion and Linville) for the Astronomy Monthly Star Party. Telescopes and binoculars will be set up for viewing the night sky, but feel free to bring your own. Members of the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club and the Cleveland County Astronomical Society will be there also. Call the Lake James State Park Office at (828) 652-5047 for program registration. Meet in the Paddy's Creek Area main parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Park gates are locked at 10:00 p.m. and remain locked for the duration of the program.

Grandfather Mountain's 5th Annual Winter Weather Contest

Make Your Winter Weather Prediction And WIN! Enter the E-Club Winter Weather Contest and WIN a day at Grandfather Mountain for your family! The person who comes closest to predicting the actual 2010-2011 winter temperature and snowfall totals will receive a day pass for six to Grandfather Mountain with lunch at Mildred's Grill included. So get out your crystal ball and make your prediction today! Read more about it.

Labor Day Weekend at Chimney Rock Park

Sept 4 - 6  Labor Day at Chimney Rock Park  includes a cookout on the Sky Lounge patio where you can pick up a hotdog, chips and a beverage for just $5 (tax included). John Mason,  featured entertainer and hammered dulcimer player extraordinaire, will serenade you with tunes both catchy and beautiful. 

Chimney Rock, the 535-million-year-old monolith for which the Park is named, is considered one of the most iconic sites in North Carolina. The view from the top is 75-mile panorama of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Park features mountain hiking trails for all ages and abilities. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is located in Chimney Rock Village near Lake Lure in the NC mountains. Just 25 miles southeast of Asheville, NC, the Park is nestled in Hickory Nut Gorge adjacent to the towns of Lake Lure and Bat Cave. The Park welcomes leashed and vaccinated pets.

One Week Left to Vote for your Favorite Park

As part of its Live Positively promotion, Coca-Cola is offering a $100,000 grant in an effort to promote national and state parks. Until Aug. 31, you can help support America ’s parks by simply voting for your favorite. The national or state park with the most votes will receive a $100,000 grant from Coca-Cola. Vote as many times as you like. Get more information or VOTE NOW.  There is also a link to vote on the National Parks Foundation Site as well as other information about supporting our National Parks.

As of 8-24-10 Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in SECOND place. YOUR VOTE IS NEEDED! Other eligible NC mountain parks are not shown on the "first"page so you must do a search by state to find them. Here's the list :
Blue Ridge Parkway
Pilot Mountain State Park 
Hanging Rock State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
New River State Park
Chimney Rock State Park
Gorges State Park
Lake James State Park
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

A Night Under the Stars at Chimney Rock

June 26, Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock north Carolina. As part of our ongoing Naturalist Series, we are joining the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 26. This is the only time we're able to offer camping to the public, so it's truly a unique opportunity. We'll have a Nature at Night program which includes a guided night hike, a campfire (as long as no burning ban is in effect) and of course, lots of fun. Plus, a partial lunar eclipse will occur this evening, so we'll do plenty of sky-gazing. Call us at 800-277-9611 or sign up online to reserve your spot.

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music

April 16- 18  Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina.   Hammered Dulcimer Music with John Mason Chimney Rock's featured entertainer, John Mason, plays the hammered dulcimer. Learn more about this unique instrument and listen to John's beautiful music and funny stories.

Dupont Forest Road and Trail Closures

Dupont State Forest, Cedar Mountain North Carolina. March 6 until further notice:  As a result of this winter's extreme wet, cold and snow many of the DuPont State Forest roads and trails are in very bad shape. There is ice storm debris littering many trails with clean up of the debris delayed by additional snow and freezing weather. For these reasons the Forest Supervisor has ordered that some trails be closed until conditions improve. Click here for a list of trail closures. The list will be updated on a weekly basis as conditions change.

All forest visitors are asked to abide by the posted trail closures. Many trails that are not closed will have debris in them, so use the trails at your own risk.

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