Our Fall Homeschool Day is a wonderful way to learn about our unique WNC ecosystem as well as meet other homeschool families.  Programs are designed to meet the curriculum needs and interests of your students. Morning Programs are from 9:30am – 12:30pm; some afternoon times will also be available and may vary based on demand. Program details can be found online.

Pre-registration for this event is required. Book your spot below. Registration closes October 11.

It’s during this time of year that the mountains explode with autumn color. Capture photos of the fall season and enter them into our “Contrasting Colors” Photo Contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken inside Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between October 15, 2021 – November 15, 2021.
   The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
   • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
   • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected].
3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

This event has been canceled for this year.

Come experience a unique, guided night hike that is fun for the whole family. Tales of the Trail is a non-scary, fall event that introduces you to woodland creatures and how they live. Groups will be led along a lighted, half-mile loop trail to meet costumed animal characters and receive fun giveaways. This festive event will also include storytelling, games, live owl demonstrations, a campfire with s’mores and other festival fun.

*Note: This event will be held in the Meadows area of the Park. No access will be given to the Chimney area.

There’s really nothing like watching the sunrise over Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge, so we’re opening for an early special event just for our Annual Passholders. We’ll also serve up a yummy breakfast and hot coffee from the Old Rock Cafe. Afterward, guests are welcome to head out on the trails and take some photos of the waterfall or the views from Peregrine’s Point.

Advance registration required. Reserve your spot below.

Events are subject to change; weather could cause cancellations.

The Hickory Nut Gorge has some of the most beautiful fall colors in WNC.  From gold to red, the hues will pop as you hike along the trail.  Join a naturalist and learn about native flora and fauna as you take in the sights.  This hike is considered moderately strenuous. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Book your spot below.

Events are subject to change; weather could cause cancellations.