Celebrate the 10th annual National Get Outdoors Day by bringing your family to explore one of Western North Carolina’s most iconic places. Join Park Naturalist and other area partners to learn more about how to experience the great outdoors from many different angles. Guided hikes will be offered at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to Hickory Nut Falls. At 1 p.m. a special family guided hike will take place on the Great Woodland Adventure trail. At 2 p.m. an Animal Encounter Program will be held at the Animal Discovery Den. The Park’s climbing tower will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day for park guests to enjoy.
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Family Animal Encounters
Daily, June through August
Chimney Rock is home to incredible wildlife, and we are lucky to have Animal Educators to help us spread the word on the important roles they play in the Park. Join one of our Park Naturalists for an informal program where your family will love meeting some of our wilder teammates! Kids of all ages are sure to take home some fun facts and special memories. Then, grab a Track Trail brochure at Grady’s Animal Discovery Den and round out the day with a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 education stations. Don’t forget your camera!
- March, 9
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Memorial Day Weekend Family Fun
Memorial Day is often thought of as the kickoff to summer fun, and Chimney Rock has all the activities to make that happen. Saturday through Monday your family can enjoy exploring the Park’s trails and visiting with our Animal Educators in the Animal Discovery Den.
Cost: Included with Park admission.
- March, 9
- 17
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Annual Passholder Spring Sunrise Breakfast
Gate opens 5am for 6:30am sunrise
Few sights in Western North Carolina are as spectacular as watching the sun rise over Lake Lure! Weather permitting, the Park opens early for Annual Passholders with a tasty continental breakfast and the best seats in the area. We’ll be serving up fruit, pastries, juice and hot coffee. Bring your camera or smartphone and upload your sunrise pictures to our Facebook page. Check out area accommodations on our website if you plan to stay overnight.
To RSVP, please call 800-277-9611 by Tuesday, May 3.
- March, 9
- 11
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Naturalist Niche Series: Treemendous
Explore a special area of Chimney Rock State Park’s old growth forest, otherwise inaccessible to the public, with canopy members over a century old, some likely 200 to 300 years of age. Improve your tree identification skills and see our largest known Chestnut Oak in the park on this moderate off the beaten path hike with a naturalist. 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!
Treemendous 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.
- March, 9
- 11
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Mother’s Day Weekend Admission Special
Moms will do anything for their children. Why not return the love by treating your mom to a beautiful day at Chimney Rock to enjoy a wonderful hike with stunning views?
Cost: Buy one regular-price adult ticket and mom or grandma receives one free with our online coupon.
Coupon required; download one at chimneyrockpark.com and present it (in print or on your mobile device) at the Ticket Plaza at time of purchase. Valid May 11-12, 2019.
- March, 9
- 13
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Earth Day Celebration
Cost: Free
Join Chimney Rock State Park rangers, biologists and other environmental educators to learn about the incredible work being done to protect our beautiful landscape. Education stations will be located in Chimney Rock Village behind the Old Rock Café along the Rocky Broad Riverwalk. Kids will have the chance to earn a Grady’s Kids Club Annual Pass to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. Fun for the whole family!
- March, 9
- 13
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Springtime Kids’ Rock Climb (7-15yrs)
Get a taste of rock climbing and experience Chimney Rock from a new perspective with the Southeast’s leader in rock climbing education, Fox Mountain Guides. Kids (ages 7-15) climb for half price with 20-minute “tasters” on Vista Rock at this fun, family-friendly event, weather permitting. Convenient, walk-up access to climbing for the whole family to try! Beginners welcome, and no experience is necessary. All equipment is provided.
Kids can earn prizes by participating in additional fun activities such as a climb on our Climbing Tower and hikes with their families to the Hickory Nut Falls and the top of Chimney Rock. Visit our information table across from Cliff Dwellers Gifts to get started! (Prizes will be awarded by participating in at least two of four activities, including the Kids’ Rock Climb, Climbing Tower, a hike to the top of Chimney Rock and a hike to the Hickory Nut Falls. Must be at least 50 lbs to climb the Climbing Tower.)
Book a 2-hour or longer climbing lesson anytime with Fox Mountain Guides at (888) 284-8433.
- March, 9
- 8
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Naturalist Niche Series: Spring Wildflowers
Hickory Nut Gorge is known for its beautiful wildflower display each spring and fall. This special hike will take participants into areas of the Park with the most species in bloom and discuss what makes this area an exceptional place for them to grow. Bring your mom to have a Mother’s Day treat she won’t forget.
Space is limited to 15, and advance registration is required, so call 800-277-9611 today to reserve your spot.
Cost includes park admission: $22 Adult, $7 Annual Passholder, $12 Youth (ages 5-15), $5 Grady’s Kids Club Member. Advance registration required.
- March, 9
- 6
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Spring Homeschool Day (Registration required)
Check-in by 9:30am; programs begin promptly at 9:45am. Programs are planned to conclude by 12:15pm. Enjoy lunch on your own, either in one of our lovely picnic areas or in Chimney Rock Village, where you can eat at our Old Rock Café or one of several other restaurants. Times of afternoon activities will vary; see below for details.
- March, 9
- 7
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