May 20, 2013

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Buzz on Bees Raises Awareness of Dying Honeybees April 27

Chimney Rock, the Center for Honey Bee Research and Bee City USA offer educational family activities at 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (April 22, 2013)— This past winter left beekeepers across Western North Carolina devastated since finding half or more of their honeybee populations dead or missing, and nobody knows for certain why. The phenomenon is known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

“Losses have been steady at 30 percent, but this year it looks really bad… like 50 percent or higher across North Carolina. I’ve talked to some beekeepers that have lost two-thirds of their hives. We’re creating as many new colonies as we can to replace the honeybees, but the beekeepers won’t make it more than a year or two at these levels,” says Carl Chesick, Executive Director at the Center for Honeybee Research.

Beekeepers from the Center for Honey Bee Research, Asheville’s Bee City USA and Rutherford County Beekeepers Association will gather at the 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees on April 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. They will educate the public on current problems facing honeybees, like CCD, and what people can do to get involved and help our area’s dying bees.

Chimney Rock State Park Reopens April 20, Road Safety Work Completed

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (April 19, 2013)— Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will reopen to the public on Saturday, April 20 after being closed temporarily for road work. The N.C. 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 Park

Crews from DOT, which maintains roads within N.C. 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.

The Last of the Mohicans Returns to Chimney Rock June 15

2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows features outdoor film screening and guided hikes at Chimney Rock, film location for The Last of the Mohicans

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (2013)— It’s not often that movie fans get to watch their favorite flick where it was filmed. For the 2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Southern Outdoor Cinema and Ingles Markets will be presenting The Last of the Mohicans outdoors on a 35-foot screen on June 15, 2013, surrounded by the dramatic rock cliffs and 404-foot waterfall that appear in the epic 1992 blockbuster. The movie showing at 9 p.m. will be preceded by one-hour guided hikes at 3:15 and 4:45 p.m. to see the filming locations. Special event parking on the Meadows begins at 7:30 p.m. and is $12 per car or $8 per car for Annual Passholders. Advance discounted parking tickets are available only at nearby Ingles Market locations, including Lake Lure. More details are available on the events calendar at chimneyrockpark.com.

“Hundreds of people travel to Chimney Rock from around the world every year to see where The Last of the Mohicans was filmed. For many fans, watching their favorite movie at our park will be a dream come true,” said Matt Popowski, PR & Events Manager at Chimney Rock.

58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service March 31

Easter Service features spectacular scenery, inspiring message and bagpipes

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (March 19, 2013)— Few sights in the Blue Ridge Mountains are as spectacular as watching the sun rise over Lake Lure from Chimney Rock. Some visitors call it a spiritual experience. This year Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is hosting its 58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service, which attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. The interdenominational community celebration on March 31 includes live spiritual music by local musicians, an inspirational message and—with some cooperation from above—a beautiful sunrise with 75-mile views.

The public and media are invited to attend with free admission for the 6:30 to 7 a.m. Easter service, held rain or shine. The park gate opens 5 to 6 a.m. for the service on the top parking lot below the Chimney. Stay to enjoy the park all day, or drop in for a breakfast buffet at the Old Rock Café and return for free readmission with both your receipt and Easter program. The park’s regular hours, which begin March 23, are open daily 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the Ticket Plaza closing at 5:30 p.m.

*Photos available upon request

Survival Skills Series Kicks Off at Chimney Rock

Workshops focus on wilderness first aid, shelter- & fire-building and wild edibles

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (March 11, 2013)— If you’re looking to polish up your wilderness smarts before a hiking, camping or outdoor trip this year, check out Chimney Rock’s three-part Survival Skills Workshop series this spring. Led by local experts, the Park’s wilderness series kicks off with Basic Wilderness First Aid at 9 a.m. to noon on March 16. The workshops are designed to equip people better for outdoor adventures and short-term survival, from minor sprains and bee stings to getting stuck in the wilderness without food, warmth or shelter. Basic Wilderness First Aid costs $25 for Adults or $12 for Annual Passholders and includes day Park admission. Be sure to register in advance.

The Survival Skills series continues with Shelter & Fire-Building on April 13 and the ever-popular Wild Edibles on June 8. Register online at chimneyrockpark.com or call (828) 625-9611.

“We’re lucky to have easy access to so many outdoor adventures in the WNC mountains. With these basic survival skills and the right gear, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to overcome many challenges the great outdoors might bring your way,” said naturalist and instructor Clint Calhoun.

5th Annual Grady’s Groundhog Day Sighting February 2

Chimney Rock will host Grady’s annual shadow sighting, an educational program, kids’ crafts and family guided hikes

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (January, 21, 2013)—Grady the Groundhog, Chimney Rock’s live animal ambassador, will be making his annual prediction at the Park when he awakens from his winter slumber on Saturday, February 2. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the public is invited to an educational program and shadow sighting in the Meadows, followed by kids’ crafts and family guided hikes. If Grady sees his shadow, we can expect six more weeks of winter weather ahead—but if not, then spring should be around the corner! Cast your vote on whether he’ll see his shadow on our News page.

Reduced admission during the waterfall trail closure is $12 adult and $6 youth (ages 5-15), free for kids 4 and under. For special admission on Feb. 2, get one free youth admission with each paid adult. During February, Grady’s Kids Club memberships are on sale for only $8.

Santa on the Chimney Celebrates 20 Years December 8 and 15

Santa on the Chimney holiday event features rock climbing Santa, kids’ activities, holiday sales and a chance to win two free climbs with Santa’s helpers

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (November 28, 2012)— Watch for a man in a big red suit with a long, white beard climbing down the chimney. It’s Santa Claus, of course, but that’s no ordinary chimney. It’s Chimney Rock, one of the world’s largest natural chimneys. St. Nick practices for his big evening when he’ll climb down millions of chimneys delivering Christmas presents to little boys and girls. And he’s back again for the 20th year! Come see Santa practice climbing down Chimney Rock more than 1,000 feet above Hickory Nut Gorge from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 8 and 15, weather permitting. Chimney Rock was named one of “10 great places to catch up with Santa” by USA Today.

Between climbs, kids are invited to sit on fearless St. Nick’s lap and meet Mrs. Claus, snack on holiday cookies and hot cocoa and engage in kids’ activities. Weather permitting, you can also meet Grady the Groundhog or other live woodland critters that wouldn’t survive at the North Pole. Annual Passholders can save with a special holiday sale of 25 percent off retail on Dec. 1 to 16 at the Sky Lounge Gift Shop.

Win a Free Climb with Santa’s Elves. Each day, one lucky guest will win free two-hour rock climbing lessons for two with Santa’s professional helpers, Fox Mountain Guides. The winner of each drawing will be announced at 1:30 p.m.; you must be present to win. To learn more about Fox Mountain Guides or book a rock climbing lesson, visit foxmountainguides.com or call (888) 284-8433. There is no additional cost with paid Park admission. In case of inclement weather, check our website for the event status.

Watch Santa’s extreme stunt in a one-minute video on YouTube.

Chimney Rock’s Skyline Trail Partially Closes for Winter Improvements

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (November 26, 2012)—Chimney Rock’s Skyline trail will be closed partially for a few weeks for planned trail improvements, making Exclamation Point temporarily inaccessible. Starting Monday, November 26, there will be no public access above Devil’s Head on the Skyline trail while Park staff performs seasonal maintenance on the trail. Devil’s Head and the Opera Box will stay open, and access to the iconic Chimney will not be affected.

With winter hours in effect, the Ticket Plaza is now open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the Park closing at 6 p.m. on Friday through Tuesday. The Park will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, except between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Old Rock Café will be open 11 to 4 p.m., Friday through Tuesday. Admission rates for Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will remain at their current reduced rate of $10 adult and $6 youth (ages 6-15) with no additional discounts. Children under 6 are admitted for free.

The trail closures will not affect the Park’s annual Santa on the Chimney on December 8 and 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For the 20th year, Santa will practice climbing down the Park’s 315-foot-tall chimney before climbing down millions of chimneys around the world.

Chimney Rock's Hickory Nut Falls Trail Closed Due to Rock Slide

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (November 16, 2012)—Due to a rock slide after hours on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, the Hickory Nut Falls trail has been closed to the public until repairs can be made. The overnight rock slide brought down several trees and boulders, causing extensive damage to the footbridge and blocking access on the trail to the bottom of the 404-foot waterfall. The Park will remain open and winter admission rates of $10 adult and $6 youth (ages 6-15) will go into effect immediately. There are no discounts available with this winter rate.

Chimney Rock State Park officials are currently assessing the damage on the trail. Due to the extent of the damage, the trail could be closed for a couple months while repairs are made. The 404-foot waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River and was featured in the blockbuster movie The Last of the Mohicans.

Chimney Rock Offers Six Spectacular Ways to View Peak Fall Colors

Weekly fall color and wildflower updates on chimneyrockpark.com helps guests plan their fall visit to the park during peak colors

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (October 9, 2012)—Leaf peepers aiming to catch fall colors during their peak won’t have to look far to find it now. Weekly fall color and wildflower reports are available to help you plan your visit to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure at chimneyrockpark.com. Peak fall colors are expected to appear in Chimney Rock between mid-October and early November.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park offers six spectacular ways to view autumn foliage this year, from expert- and self-guided hikes to rock climbing and a photography workshop. The Park has been voted one of the top three Readers’ Choice “Best Scenic Views” by Southern Living magazine.

“The Blue Ridge Mountains feature one of most vibrant and longest fall color displays in America, attracting visitors from around the world. In late September to early November, from popular destinations along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, Western North Carolina is among the most beautiful places to go leaf peeping, hiking and auto touring,” said Emily Walker, Park Naturalist & Education Manager.

Chimney Rock Presents Music on the Mountain 2012 Concert Series

Tickets on sale now for Aug. 12 and Sept. 16 concerts, featuring Balsam Range, Town Mountain and Darin & Brooke Aldridge

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (August 2, 2012)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s Music on the Mountain 2012 concert series will feature some of Western North Carolina’s most talented bluegrass and string musicians on August 12 and September 16, 3:30-7:30 p.m. The family-friendly concerts will be held at the Pavilion, an intimate covered venue in the Meadows and limited to only 300 tickets per event. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park. Event will be held rain or shine. Advance concert tickets for non-passholders are on sale now at Music City Asheville. All tickets are on sale at the Old Rock Café, Chimney Rock’s Ticket Plaza, by phone at (800) 277-9611 or online at chimneyrockpark.com.

“Music on the Mountain is an opportunity to enjoy great music with friends and family in a beautiful outdoor setting like Chimney Rock. We’re sticking to our roots in the Southern Appalachian Mountains by featuring some of the best local bluegrass musicians in WNC,” said Matt Popowski, PR & Events Manager at Chimney Rock.

Chimney Rock Dedicates Reopening of Elevator inside a Mountain June 29

Access to Chimney Rock improved with modernized elevator, renovated Sky Lounge and upgraded Outcroppings hiking trail

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (June 26, 2012)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, one of the Southeast’s most popular outdoor travel destinations, will dedicate its modernized elevator and upgrades to the signature Outcroppings trail and other amenities at 11 a.m. on June 29, 2012 in Chimney Rock, N.C. The 26-story, state-of-the-art elevator provides access to the 315-foot-tall renowned Chimney for guests of all abilities and ages. The upgraded Outcroppings trail to the Chimney offers guests an easier hike, scenic views and more places to rest. Also, the Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli and Park rest rooms were renovated to be made wheelchair accessible.

Chimney Rock is the only state park in the Southeast with an elevator inside a mountain. The Park offers 75-mile scenic views overlooking Lake Lure and a 404-foot waterfall featured in The Last of the Mohicans. Admission rates are $15 adult, $7 youth (ages 6-15) and free for kids under 6.

“Nowhere else in the Southeast can you ride an elevator inside a 535-million-year-old mountain, only to step or roll out to see stunning 75-mile views of mountains and a lake. Here you can lose your breath on the views, not the hike,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Outcroppings Trail to Chimney Reopens April 14 at Chimney Rock

Trail reopens after challenging four and a half months of rebuilding stairways,
permanently restoring hiking access to the Chimney and upper mountain features.

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (April 12, 2012)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular outdoor travel destinations, is scheduled to reopen the Outcroppings trail on Saturday, April 14, 2012. The rebuilt trail offers new stunning views of the Park, increased capacity and improved comfort with more places to rest. The reopening of the Outcroppings trail, which leads from the upper parking lot to the Chimney stairs, permanently restores hiking access to the Chimney, the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Skyline trail to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the Park. The modernized elevator and Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli are expected to reopen sometime later this spring. Discounted admission rates as of April 14 will be $12/adult, $5/youth (ages 6-15) and free for kids under 6.

“The rebuilt Outcroppings trail offers new perspectives for our guests. It’s like upgrading from a mountaintop gravel road to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s an easier, more enjoyable trek for the family with new stunning views of Chimney Rock and the Gorge,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Check out photos from the Outcroppings Trail Reopening Day.

Chimney Rock Hosts 57th Annual Easter Sunrise Service April 8

Legendary annual event attracts more than 1,000 early risers from the Southeast

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (March 29, 2012)—A legendary annual community event in Western North Carolina, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s annual Easter Sunrise Service attracts more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. The free interdenominational Easter celebration features live instrumental music, spiritual songs and a spectacular sunrise ascending over Lake Lure. The Park offers free entry 5-6 a.m. for the 6:30-7 a.m. service held at the top parking lot below the Chimney on April 8, rain or shine. Guests are invited to eat at the Old Rock Café’s 7-11 a.m. breakfast buffet and may stay to enjoy the Park all day. The Ticket Plaza will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for normal business hours.

“Our annual Easter Sunrise Service is a special tradition for our guests and a memorable event for the entire family,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager at Chimney Rock. “There’s no better way to celebrate the beauty of Easter morning.”

Jaeger-Gale Honored in Governor’s “Winner’s Circle” for N.C. Tourism

Awarded for 30 years of leadership at Chimney Rock and in state tourism

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (March 26, 2012)—Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, was one of five distinguished North Carolinians inducted into the Winner’s Circle at the 2012 N.C. Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism. Governor Bev Perdue presented the awards on Monday, March 12 in Concord, N.C. Jaeger-Gale was honored for her “significant and continuing contributions to the growth and success of North Carolina's tourism industry.” Previous recipients of the Winner’s Circle Award since 2004 include Larry Wheeler, Director of the N.C. Museum of Art; Jerry Richardson, owner of the Carolina Panthers; and Hugh Morton of Grandfather Mountain.

"Mary’s been a mentor and a friend to everyone in the industry," said Governor Perdue.

"We thank these visionary leaders for their hard work and dedication to our state's tourism industry," said N.C. Dept. of Commerce Sec. Keith Crisco. "Their efforts have significantly improved the state's tourism offerings, enhancing economic development throughout the state."

Visionary Leadership. In 2011 Jaeger-Gale was honored for 30 years of service at Chimney Rock. As a member of the Park’s strategic leadership team, she helped craft an agreement with the North Carolina Division of State Parks and Recreation to form a public-private partnership to continue to manage Chimney Rock when the privately-owned attraction was sold to the state in May 2007. Jaeger-Gale is credited for her effective marketing strategies, her commitment to hospitality and her visionary leadership at Chimney Rock. She is active in organizations and serves on committees that not only promote the Park but help to forge partnerships within the state and the region. Photo credit: VisitNC.com.

Spring into Survival Mode at Chimney Rock Workshops

Workshops Focus on Basic Wilderness First Aid, Wild Edibles and Shelter-building

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (February 27, 2012)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will host a three-part workshop series on survival skills this spring to better equip people for outdoor adventures and short-term survival in the wilderness. The workshops will focus on Basic Wilderness First Aid on March 10, Wild Edibles on April 28 and Shelter Building on June 9. The Asheville Mushroom Club will share its expertise on mushrooms at the Wild Edibles workshop. Each workshop costs $27/adult, $15/Annual Passholder, $20/youth (ages 6-15) and $12/Grady’s Kids Club Members and includes Park admission for the day. Registration is required; register online at chimneyrockpark.com/events or call (828) 625-9611.

“A simple outing can turn ugly if you’re not prepared to handle potential dangers in the wilderness. Knowing some basic survival skills and carrying the proper gear can keep you out of trouble and even save lives,” said naturalist and instructor Clint Calhoun.

Grady the Groundhog to Appear Feb 2. at Chimney Rock

Public Invited to Grady’s Annual Shadow Sighting/Prediction and a Guided Hike

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (January 24, 2012)—Grady the Groundhog, the Park’s live mascot, will be making his own prediction at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park when he awakens from his winter slumber at 10:30 a.m. on February 2. A brief educational program will precede the shadow sighting on the Meadows, followed by a one-hour guided hike at 11:15 a.m. If Grady sees his shadow, it means we have six more weeks of winter weather ahead—but if not, then spring is around the corner! Cast your vote on whether he’ll see his shadow. Winter admission rates are $9/adult, $4/youth (ages 6-15) and free for kids under 6. During February, Grady’s Kids Club memberships are on sale for only $8.

“Kids can’t get enough of Grady when they get to pet him. They love Grady the Groundhog,” said Matt Popowski, PR & Events Coordinator at Chimney Rock. “We hope they leave with a better understanding of and appreciation for these woodland critters. It’s like our own Groundhog Awareness Day.”

Chimney Rock Welcomes New Retail Manager

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (January 17, 2012)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular outdoor travel destinations, is pleased to welcome Olivia Poto as the Park’s new Retail Manager/Buyer. Olivia will oversee all retail functions associated with the Park, including Cliff Dwellers Gifts, the Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli and souvenirs at the Old Rock Café. She joins the company Chimney Rock Management, LLC, which handles the marketing, management and operations for Chimney Rock State Park since the state purchased the Park in 2007.

Santa to Practice Climbing Chimney Rock December 3 and 10

Family-friendly Event Features Rappelling Santa, Mrs. Claus, Live Music & A Holiday Sale

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (November 29, 2011)— How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices, of course! From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., December 3 and 10, 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 can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities and see 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. Chimney Rock was named one of “10 great places to catch up with Santa” in 2008 by USA Today.

Chimney Rock's Outcroppings Trail to the Chimney to Undergo Improvements December 5

Park Will Remain Open Thursday-Monday with New Hours & Discounted Admission;

Elevator, Sky Lounge and Chimney to Reopen in Spring 2012

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (November 28, 2011)—To maintain Chimney Rock as one of the Southeast’s premier outdoor destinations, the developing Chimney Rock State Park will undergo construction on December 5, 2011, to improve access by upgrading one of its upper trails called the Outcroppings. The Park will remain open to visitors during the winter capital improvements and its lower trails and many points of interest will be open to the public. A new elevator, renovated Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli and the Chimney are scheduled to reopen in spring 2012. Starting Dec. 5, winter admission will be $9 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 6-15) and free for children under six. Winter hours will be Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30 p.m.

“We’re doing everything we can to limit the impact on our guests. These significant upgrades help preserve access to the Park’s 535-million-year-old natural wonder while improving the guest experience for generations to come,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager.

Outcroppings Trail Replacement. During the winter, a section of the Outcroppings trail that provides access to the Chimney will be replaced from the top parking lot level up to the bottom of the new stairs completed last April. The new, steel-framed wooden stairways will allow for easier access to the Chimney and points of interest above, such as the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point. The improved Outcroppings trail will accommodate more traffic, offer a better guest experience and help maintain access for future generations. With the park’s elevator currently undergoing a modernization, the Chimney and upper Chimney Rock Mountain will not be open to the public during the winter.

Chimney Rock is First US State Park to Offer PepsiCo's Dream Machine Recycling Initiative

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (November 7, 2011)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is the first among America’s state and national parks to offer PepsiCo’s Dream Machine recycling program. The recycling initiative, one of many eco-friendly practices at Chimney Rock, provides guests with a convenient and rewarding way to recycle their bottles and cans while on-the-go. The Dream Machine is located in the Park’s top parking lot. To learn more about the Dream Machine, visit www.facebook.com/DreamMachine. For more information on N.C. State Parks, visit www.ncparks.gov.

Veteran Benefits. For all the bottles and cans recycled in the Dream Machine kiosk at Chimney Rock – and in Dream Machine kiosks and bins across the nation – the more support PepsiCo will provide to the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV), a national program offering free experiential training in small business management to post-9/11 U.S. veterans with disabilities.

“North Carolina state parks seek to promote environmental stewardship by example, and Chimney Rock is at the forefront with innovative ideas such as the recycling initiative at Chimney Rock State Park,” said Lewis Ledford, Director of North Carolina State Parks and Recreation. “It’s part of a broad state parks effort that includes green building standards for new facilities, trash-free park areas, alternative fuels and public education.”

"Outward Hounds" Sniff Out Trails at Chimney Rock

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Pairs Volunteer Hikers with Adoptable Dogs
For Outdoor Adventures in Western North Carolina

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (October 20, 2011)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will host Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s Outward Hounds Hiking Club 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 23. Outward Hounds connects volunteer dog-lovers with adoptable canines for weekly hikes on beautiful trails throughout Western North Carolina. Brother Wolf, an Asheville-based, no-kill animal shelter, welcomes volunteers to its Outward Hounds Hiking Club, which meets every Wednesday and Sunday at 10 a.m., and Saturdays at 9 a.m., at its adoption center year-round. The club provides opportunities for social interaction and exercise for both dogs and hikers while raising the awareness of pets looking for loving homes. Visit www.bwar.org or call (828) 505-3440 for more details on Brother Wolf and how to get involved.

“Chimney Rock has incredible views and a variety of easy to moderately difficult trails for dogs and their owners. Dogs are man’s best friend—a trip to Chimney Rock wouldn’t be complete without bringing your furry family members! We’re delighted the Park is so welcoming as a pet-friendly outdoor destination,” said Denise Bitz, Executive Director of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.

Chimney Rock Offers Six Spectacular Ways to View Peak Fall Color

Weekly fall color and wildflower updates on chimneyrockpark.com
helps guests plan their visit during peak color.

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (October 12, 2011)— Leaf peepers hoping to catch fall colors during their peak won’t have to look far to find it now. Brilliant reds and yellows are appearing at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, and peak fall colors are expected in areas of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure from mid-October through early November. Guests can plan their visits with weekly fall color and wildflower reports at chimneyrockpark.com. Chimney Rock offers six spectacular ways to view autumn color this year, from expert- and self-guided hikes to a photography workshop. The Park has been voted one of the top three Readers’ Choice “Best Scenic Views” by Southern Living magazine.

Fall Color Report | October 11, 2011. Thanks to the recent streak of sunny days and cool nights, upper elevations of Chimney Rock have started to brighten with color more than a week earlier than anticipated. The sourwoods are the most brilliant now with a vibrant red! Other reds are appearing in the red maples, black gum (or tupelo) trees and Virginia creepers. Yellows are bursting onto the Park’s fall spectrum as well! Poison ivy, tulip poplar and hickory trees are starting to brighten, and the Fraser magnolia trees are taking on a greenish-yellow. Birch, walnut and basswood leaves are also just starting to turn. Meanwhile, fall wildflowers are blooming now, including the Pink Turtlehead, Golden Aster, White Wood Aster and Late Purple Aster, Snakeroot and Goldenrod.

View the Chimney Rock’s current leaf colors in our photo gallery.

Migratory Birds "Flock to the Rock" Sept. 24-25

Premier Fall Migration Event Features Birds of Prey, Local Experts, Guided Bird Walks, Family Nature Walks, Workshops and More during Prime Weekend of Bird Migration

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (September 15, 2011)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will host the region’s premier fall migration birding event, Flock to the Rock, on Saturday-Sunday, September 24-25, 2011, in Chimney Rock, NC. Special offerings include multiple Birds of Prey programs by Balsam Mountain Trust on Saturday and a $5 “Early Bird” Annual Passholder Migration Watch led by Simon Thompson, a world-traveled birding expert from Asheville, 7:30-9am on Sunday. Flock to the Rock features bird walks guided by local experts, workshops ranging from bird photography to hummingbirds, hawk watches, family nature walks and kids’ activities. There is no additional cost with paid Park admission ($12/adult, $5/youth ages 6-15, free for 5 years and under), except for the “Early Bird” Migration Watch, which requires advance registration. For more information and a schedule of activities, visit chimneyrockpark.com/events.

“Chimney Rock is one of the most spectacular locations in Western North Carolina to spot a wide range of birds throughout the year, from countless warblers and vireos to tanagers and birds of prey. Flock to the Rock is held during the peak of fall migration and draws enthusiastic birders of all levels to the Park,” said Simon Thompson, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited Asheville and Ventures Birding Tours.

5th Annual Race to the Rock on August 28

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (August 16, 2011)—Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will host its 5th 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 7th 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.

NOTE: Delayed Park opening on 8/28. Due to the race, Chimney Rock will open to the public at 10 a.m. Race spectators may enter the Park with free admission prior to the race at 7:30 a.m., but they must stay put at the Meadows, picnic areas or at the finish line during the race until the roadway is clear of racers.