Chimney Rock Park Re-opens Today after Road Safety Improvements

April 20, 2013 - Chimney Rock Park has announced that it will re-open today with road safety improvements completed. The NC Department of Transportation removed a large boulder that was identified as a safety hazard hanging over the main road.

“The safety of our guests and Park associates is of utmost importance. Now that the boulder has been dropped and cleared away, we’re happy to be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the Park’s spring scenery and many wildflowers in full bloom. Our Carolina rhododendron, flowering dogwood and Silverbell trees are spectacular,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State ParkCrews from DOT, which maintains roads within NC state parks, worked to break off a 4 to 5 ton section of a massive boulder that partially protruded over the road halfway between the Meadows and top parking lot. They used a combination of methods to remove the rock, including drilling holes to insert an expansion agent to crack the rock and blasting with explosives.

Special events will be held as planned. Guests can meet a State Park Ranger at State Parks Stewardship Day today from 11 AM - 3 PM on the Riverwalk behind the Old Rock Café in Chimney Rock Village. A guided spring wildflower walk by wildflower photographer Stephen Faucette will be offered to Park guests with advance registration from 1-3 PM.

The 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees will offer fun, educational activities about honeybees next Saturday, April 27, from 11 AM - 3 PM. For additional information on the Park, the latest report on what’s blooming and more upcoming events, visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has been one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years. Beyond its stunning 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, Chimney Rock offers scenic hiking, rock climbing, Grady’s Animal Discovery Den and educational events year around. Chimney Rock Park is the only state park in the Southeast with an elevator inside a mountain. The park was featured in the classic movie, The Last of the Mohicans, which will be shown on a large outdoor screen at the 2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows on June 15.

Chimney Rock Park is located only 40 minutes southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74 A in Chimney Rock NC.

Chimney Rock Park Homeschool Day

October 24   Fall Homeschool Day  at Chimney Rock Park is the favorite Homeschool event of the year and includes education specialists for fun, interactive programs in a 1000-acre outdoor classroom where learning comes alive. The entire family will enjoy the events and programs.

Arrive by 9:30 AM for the 10 AM-12:15 PM programs, which include Skins, Skulls, Tracks and Traces; Basically Bat; and Radical Raptors.  There are plenty of areas where you can plan to picnic directly after programs conclude. Participants may also  leave for lunch and return to explore the Park in the afternoon - jjust check back in with the Ticket Plaza staff. 

This year free guided hikes are offered to folks who attend the morning programs. Be sure to sign up for the hikes during registration. Hikes will begin at 2 PM. The hikes will take place on the moderate Hickory Nut Falls trail.

Chimney Rock Park Music on the Mountain Concerts

Music on the Mountain will feature some of Western North Carolina’s most talented bluegrass and string musicians at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. The concerts will be held at the Pavilion, an intimate covered venue in the Meadows, and are  limited to only 300 tickets each.

Sunday, August 12, 3:30-7:30pm – Balsam Range from Haywood County, IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year nominees in 2010 Nd 2011, headline with The Harris Brothers from Lenoir, NC.

Sunday, Sept. 16, 3:30-7:30pm – Features Asheville’s Town Mountain, 2011 Official Showcase Artists at IBMA, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge, the “Sweethearts of Bluegrass” from Cherryville, NC, nominated IBMA Emerging Artist of the Year and SPBGMA gospel group, album, song and female vocalist of the year.

TICKET SALES: Advance tickets for Annual Passholders on sale July 24; non-passholder tickets on sale August 1. Tickets on sale online, by phone at 800-277-9611 and in-person at the Ticket Plaza. Cost per ticket: $22 advance, $25 at gate; youth (ages 6-15): $12 advance, $15 at gate. Both concerts (adults): $40. Includes a complimentary one-day Park admission.  Annual Passholders: $12 advance, $15 at gate, Both concerts (adults): $20; Grady’s Kids Club Members: $7. A portion of every concert ticket will be donated to the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park. Event will be held rain or shine.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international tourist attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, NC.  (800) 277-9611

Learn more about Chimney Rock on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide

Chimney Rock Park Hosts Family Wellness Day

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 the 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.

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

Chimney Rock's Outcropping Trail Re-opening a Big Hit with Visitors

Chimney Rock Park just reopened the Outcroppings trail on April 14 and the elevator grand reopening should be in the next couple months. There are countless wildflowers and plants in bloom, brightening the lush green Park with vibrant orange, red, blue and violet. Spring is one a beautiful time of the year at the Park, enhanced this year by the   new and improved amenities.

Outcroppings Trail Reopening: Park guests have marveled at and hiked the rebuilt Outcroppings Trail for the first time. Some of the comments are that it's more user- and dog-friendly, easier to hike and has even better views. There are lots of smiles, hikers catching their breath (for the views, of course), families having fun and even a couple victory shouts from the top of the Chimney. Once again visitors can  stretch their legs and admire views of the Gorge  from 2,480 feet at Exclamation Point, some 1,350 feet above the valley floor.

Chimney Rock Park has extended their thanks to NC State Parks, its supporters and the contractors, engineers, etc., who have been working hard on these improvements for years, from planning to execution.  They are also  'relieved' to announce that the rest rooms are completed and open again for use. They are now all handicap accessible and have new water-conserving fixtures. The Park muralist Clive Haynes returned last week to touch up the elaborate murals on the interior walls, and they're looking great.
The modernized elevator and Sky Lounge Gift Shop and; Deli are expected to reopen sometime in the next couple months.  If you want to be one of the first to ride the elevator, enter the Get Elevated (Again) contest, now with an extended deadline to May 16.  Win Annual Passes for your family, $200 in gift certificates and an "official first ride" on the elevator. The Park is looking for a family with a multi-generational connection to Chimney Rock to be among the first folks to ride our elevator when it officially reopens. A child, parent, grandparent – and even great-grandparent – from the winning family will be invited to ride the elevator at our grand reopening ceremony later this spring. The lucky family will also receive $200 in gift certificates for dining and retail in the Park and a free Annual Pass or one-year renewal for each immediate family member! Visit the Contest page to learn more and enter to win!

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

Chimney Rock Park Spring Homeschool Campout

April 21-22   Spring Homeschool Campout  Enjoy a field day then camp out under the stars, share stories and s’mores ‘round the campfire and learn about critters that come out at night. Join education specialists for fun, interactive programs in a 1000-acre classroom where learning comes alive. All programs are designed to meet NC and SC curriculum standards.

Chimney Rock Park Announces Get Elevated (again) Contest

Win a "first ride" on the elevator, Annual Passes for your family and $200 in gift certificates!

1940s postcard

Is your love for Chimney Rock genetic? Have your grandparents or great-grandparents been bringing your family to Chimney Rock for 40, 50 or even 60 years? Have a historical photo to prove it? Then Chimney Rock Park wants to hear from you! The incredible rock formations in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park have been in existence 535 million years and families have been visiting the natural wonder for generations. The Park is looking for a family with a generational connection to Chimney Rock to be among the first folks to ride the chimney elevator when it reopens.

"Opera Box" 40s postcard

A child, parent, grandparent – and even great-grandparent – from the winning family will be invited to ride the elevator at the grand reopening ceremony later this spring. The lucky family will also receive a $100 gift certificate for retail in the Sky Lounge or Cliff Dwellers Gift Shops, a $100 gift certificate for the Old Rock Café and a free Annual Pass or one-year renewal for each immediate family member.

Get a link for contest details and submission requirements on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Chimney Rock Park Capital Improvements Updates

The stairways on the Outcroppings trail to and from the Chimney are being rebuilt at a surprising pace. The helicopter returned for its most recent trip February 27-28 to airlift more construction materials and steel support beams. The excitement continued that Monday with a WLOS reporter visiting to check out the progress and several military transport planes flying through Hickory Nut Gorge on training runs. It looked like an air show at the Rock!

Currently, the Outcroppings trail is on schedule to reopen in spring. The elevator and Sky Lounge projects are making good progress as well. All the hard work the general contractors have been doing over the last year to improve the Park is evident. A special thanks is extended to the NC State Parks and the dedicated Chimney Rock State Park staff for their exceptional cooperation.

The Old Rock Café's reopening has been rescheduled for mid-March. The restaurant's winter hours will be Thursday-Monday, 11 AM to 4 PM. A few surprises and new features are planned for the Old Rock including recurring live entertainment and a famous American recipe debuting  later this year.

Get a link for more Chimney Rock Park information HERE.

Santa on Chimney Rock - the Movie

Happy Holidays from Chimney Rock – Santa on the Chimney from For All Audiences Productions on Vimeo.

Santa's Secret Revealed at Chimney Rock Park

How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice Practice! For Carnegie Hall you head to the Big Apple, but for the biggest, baddest Chimney, the NC mountains are the obvious choice - at least that's what Santa thinks.
December 3 and 10 from 11 AM to 2 PM visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park to see Santa practice 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. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com. More information on current Capital Improvement projects at chimneyrockpark.com/progress or by calling 800-277-9611.

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

NC Leaf Report: Chimney Rock Prediction

"The Blue Ridge Mountain range features one of most colorful and longest leaf color displays in the US, attracting visitors from around the world. Many areas in the Western North Carolina Mountains have experienced a cool spring and ample moisture through July.  Throughout August and September there was a fairly dry pattern that, if continued, will be beneficial for good fall colors," said Ron Lance, Naturalist, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

While it's beautiful year-round in Chimney Rock and the Hickory Nut Gorge, if you are planning a trip around the Fall leaf season.  Park officials predict peak colors to occur between late October and the first week of November. It's important to note that there are many factors that influence when leaves change color and any prediction is nothing more than a best guess. Please check back often--as the weather changes our forecast may change as well.

Chimney Rock Park offers one of the nations most unique natural wonders. 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.  Get information about Chimney Rock NC and cabin rentals and lodging here.