Grab your binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skillsets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest-growing hobbies – bird watching! Live bird demos, guided walks, activities for kids and our annual hawk watch are just a few of the reasons this event is perfect for the whole family.

Schedule of events:

7:30am – Early Bird Walk– Pre-registered $

The early bird gets the worm! Or, in this case, the early riser spots the most birds. Join a local naturalist and bird expert on an early morning birding adventure before the hustle and bustle of the day. You never know what you might see.

10am – Birding Activities begin

Make your way up to the top parking lot for our family-friendly feathered festivities. Measure your wingspan against some of our local raptors, get creative with a bird-themed craft, and meet a Chimney Rock State Park Ranger to get an up-close look at some taxidermies.

10am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

There are few ways to improve the view from Chimney Rock, but fall migration is one of them! Join our annual hawk watch throughout the day to see how many raptors you can spot taking flight over Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains. Our resident Red-tailed Hawk, Ghost, will be stopping by to help out.

10:00am – 10:30am Whooo Gives a Hoot?

Whooo is out there in our yards at night? Whooo is living in the hollowed out trees near the river, or sounding their calls in the early morning? Stop by the Outcroppings Deck to meet some live ambassadors of our nocturnal neighbors, owls!

10:30am – 11:00am Family Intro to Birding

Looking for ways to get the kids out of the house? Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies in America, and it’s a great way to get the whole family outdoors. This beginner-level bird walk with a naturalist is no extra charge and is a great way to get started.

11:30am – 12:15pm – Wings to S.O.A.R presentation

Can’t get enough of our live bird demonstrations? Meet raptors of all shapes and sizes and learn about their importance in our ecosystem at this presentation by Wings to S.O.A.R, a local environmental non-profit that cares for non-releasable birds of prey.

12:30pm – 1:00pm – Family Intro to Birding

Looking for ways to get the kids out of the house? Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies in America, and it’s a great way to get the whole family outdoors. This beginner-level bird walk with a naturalist is no extra charge and is a great way to get started.

1:00pm – 1:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation

Can’t get enough of our live bird demonstrations? Meet raptors of all shapes and sizes and learn more about their importance in our ecosystem at this presentation by Wings to S.O.A.R, a local environmental non-profit that cares for non-releasable birds of prey.

2:30pm – 3:00pm Whooo Gives a Hoot?

Whooo is out there in our yards at night? Whooo is living in the hollowed out trees near the river, or sounding their calls in the early morning? Stop by the Outcroppings Deck to meet some live ambassadors of our nocturnal neighbors, owls!

Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.