Chimney Rock announces Spring Photo Contest Winners

Shots from Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s Spring Photo Contest prove that a picture really is worth a thousand words.

Among the entries, there were photos of children gleefully celebrating, guests enjoying sweet treats and anoles sunning themselves on warm rocks.

Needless to say, picking the winners of spring’s contest was tough for the Park’s seasoned panel of judges. Luckily, the public helped make their job a little easier.

From Thursday, June 1, to Wednesday, June 7, the Park’s Facebook followers had the chance to like the photo that they thought deserved to win the People’s Choice Award. More than 200 individuals voted during this time, choosing Vaughn Loeffler’s photo “A Shot of Hickory Nut Falls”.

The image captures the sun glinting over the top of Hickory Nut Falls and shining through the leaves of trees located near the bottom of the 404-foot waterfall.

Loeffler will receive lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate from Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village for his win.

When it came to choosing a first prize and second prize winner, judges chose two photos showing kiddos enjoying the Park.

Cathy de Siva’s photo called “Brooklyn in a Cave in Chimney Rock NC” was spring’s first-prize winner.

De Siva’s photo shows her granddaughter cooling off and exploring Gneiss Cave while enjoying a frozen treat.

For her win, she will receive an overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, brunch for two at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and two tickets for Lake Lure Boat Tours.

The contest’s second-prize winner was Mark Kilm.

His photo “Success in making it to the top for spring break 2017” shows his children Riley and Abigail celebrating at the top of the Chimney.

For his win he will receive a Chimney Rock prize package including two passes to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and two tickets to Lake Lure Boat Tours.

Shutterbugs that missed out on spring’s photo contest needn’t worry. The Park will continue its Seasons of Chimney Rock Photo Contest this summer. Entries for the contest will be accepted through Thursday, Aug. 31. Official contest rules and entry details can be found at chimneyrockpark.com under the “events” tab.