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Naturalist Niche Series
Join an expert naturalist on park trails once a month March – December to learn about birding, old growth trees, ancient geology and other fascinating outdoor topics.
We love our visitor’s furry friends, but we do understand that some hike participants may consider animals a distraction on the trail. Pets are not allowed on Naturalist Niche hikes because of this.
Cost: Includes Park admission: $23 Adult, $8 Annual Passholder, $13 Youth (ages 5-15), $6 Rockin’ Discovery Passholder. Advance registration required.
2018 SCHEDULE:
MARCH 31st … Ridge Hike … The trails of Chimney Rock are amazing, but a guided hike off-the-beaten-path can lead you to places you never knew existed! Join us for this early spring venture on one of our most popular excursions. You’ll discover seasonal changes along your trek that will introduce you to a whole new perspective of the Park. This hike is considered moderately-strenuous.
APRIL 14th … Spring Wildflowers … This walk is a great way to explore some of our more moderate hiking options while learning about our colorful spring flowers. You’ll be surprised to find such a variety of plants within such a small area of the Park. Along the way, we’ll also touch on other local flora and fauna. This hike is considered moderate. You will descend the Four Seasons Trail from the top lot, but you won’t have to hike back up. Transportation will be provided.
MAY 5th 9:00am… Spring Migration Bird Walk … Spring is for the birds! Dozens of species migrate through our area every spring as they head north. Join us to find how many different species you can see and hear that are making their way home. Don’t forget your binoculars. A Park bird list can be found here. This hike is considered easy- to- moderate.
JUNE 2nd 9:30am … Fall Creek Exploration … Hickory Nut Falls is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. A common question we often get from Park guests is “where does the water come from.” This hike offers the rare opportunity to explore the origination of the feeder creek, Fall Creek, and follow it as it leads to the upper cascades of this beautiful waterfall. This hike is considered strenuous.
JULY 14th 9:00am … Old Growth Forest Frolic … Old-growth stands can be found in rare pockets throughout the Blue Ridge and the Smoky Mountains. One of those small areas is right here in Chimney Rock State Park. This moderate hike rambles through an area typically not open to the public in order to introduce participants to characteristics of old growth forests and native trees.
AUGUST 11th 9:00am … Top of the Mountain Trek … This naturalist-led hike explores the top of Chimney Rock Mountain where you’ll discover a much different world than in the main portion of the Park. Learn about the fascinating history of this area and more about the wildlife that can be found utilizing this unique habitat. This hike is considered moderate -to-strenuous.
SEPT 15th 7:00am … Fall Migration Bird Walk … The early bird gets…to see and hear early birds! This special bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of birds. Taking place during fall migration also enhances the number of species expected to be in our area. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to our 10th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am.
OCT 20th 7:30pm … Nature at Night … After the sun goes down, the fun begins! From hoots to howls you never know what you’ll hear or see during one of our nighttime naturalist programs. The guided night hike and owl prowl will keep the entire family intrigued during this non-scary fall adventure. All activities are considered easy –to- moderate so the entire family can attend.
NOV 24th 9:00am … Ecology of Chimney Rock … Of course, we are known for our amazing views, but some of the most incredible aspects of this area are often overlooked. Local naturalist Clint Calhoun has spent decades researching and studying what makes the ecology of Chimney Rock State Park and Hickory Nut Gorge so unique. Join him for this moderate hike to learn so much more about what makes our area so special.
DEC 29th 10:30am … Winter Tree ID … It’s no surprise that recognizing trees without their leaves can be tricky! Bark, twigs and buds are your best tools when familiarizing yourself with our woody friends this time of year. Join naturalist and author Ron Lance to demystify the art of knowing your trees no matter the season. This hike is considered moderate.
12th Annual Lake Lure Olympiad
This 3-day family sports festival showcases the beautiful scenery of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Compete in a sprint triathlon, junior Olympiad, 10K Dam run, Race to the Rock and a 2-Mile Open Water Championship. Try 3 races in 3 days! Plus there’s plenty to do and see for families and non-athletes, including games, a beach BBQ, free water ski show and fireworks display.
Naturalist Niche Series: Big Basswood Hike
Up and down a bit of slope, between a few boulders and shrubs and weaving beneath tall trees, hikers will be led into a hidden cove where the state’s largest basswood tree lives. Several other large trees are its neighbors, and wildflowers carpet the forest floor. This is a moderately-strenuous hike. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required, so call 800-277-9611 today to reserve your spot.
Big Basswood Hike is part of our Naturalist Niche series. Join an expert naturalist on park trails once a month March – December to learn about birding, old growth trees, ancient geology and other fascinating outdoor topics.
July 4th Weekend Family Fun
11am-4pm: Climbing Tower open
2pm daily: Family Animal Encounters
2pm daily: Family Animal Encounters
Cost: Included with Park Admission
July 4th is the ultimate summer holiday to spend with family and friends and Chimney Rock is the perfect place to do it. June 30 – July 4 you can challenge yourself on our 32-foot climbing tower, take in the different views on one of our many trails and even get up-close to some of our wilder staff at the 2pm Family Animal Encounters program. Details on family activities can be found on our website.
Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café
Jul 1st – Jul 2nd, Jul 9th, Jul 16th, Jul 23rd, Jul 30th
Relax outdoors to the beat of bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues or other genres while enjoying a regional craft brew or glass of wine on our riverside deck. Talented local musicians and singer-songwriters liven the scene on Friday & Saturday evenings in July at this popular burger joint in Chimney Rock Village. The Old Rock Café features one of the 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-try Burgers across the Country” with Hickory Nut Gap Meats’ 100% grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.
National Pollinator Week
We all know honeybees are pollinators, but how about bats? And did you know that birds are attracted to pollinate red flowers more than other kinds of colors? Join a Park naturalist to take a walk through our pollinator garden at Grady’s Animal Discovery Den to learn why pollinators are so important to our world and what we can do to protect them.
Celebrate Father’s Day at Chimney Rock
Time: Park hours
Cost: Buy one regular-price adult admission and Dad or Grandpa receives one free with coupon
Celebrate dad and all he’s done for you with a getaway to Chimney Rock to enjoy incredible views and scenic hiking with the family. We’ll even make it easy for you–buy one regular-price adult admission and dad’s or granddad’s admission is free with our online coupon. Download the coupon from chimneyrockpark.com and present it (in print or on your mobile device) at the Ticket Plaza at time of purchase. Valid June 15-16, 2018 only.
After a day of hiking, stop by Old Rock Cafe for a late lunch followed by a wine tasting at Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro – Chimney Rock. Just show them your Park receipt and you’ll receive a wine tasting for free with the purchase of a regularly-priced wine tasting.
Offers valid June 15-June 16, 2019.
Naturalist Niche Series: Summer Birding
During the summer, dozens of species of warblers breed in Chimney Rock. A Park naturalist will lead a moderate hike to see and hear our summertime feathered friends, including Worm-eating, Swainson’s, Black-and-white, Hooded and Yellow-throated Warblers. The summer-resident Scarlet Tanagers and Wood Thrushes will likely be singing and establishing their territories. Dress appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required, so call 800-277-9611 today to reserve your spot.
Summer Birding is part of our Naturalist Niche series. Join an expert naturalist on park trails once a month March – December to learn about birding, old growth trees, ancient geology and other fascinating outdoor topics.
5th Annual Movie on the Meadows: The Last of the Mohicans
Gate opens at 7:30pm, Movie begins at 9pm
Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with a day of family-friendly outdoor activities, then join us for America’s favorite pastime to watch The Last of the Mohicans on a giant outdoor movie screen surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and under a canopy of stars. Don’t forget to pack a blanket or camping chair and a flashlight.
Concessions will be available for purchase.
