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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spring Break Family Fun: Family Animal Encounters
Meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s woodland friends or possibly our birds of prey, a Red-tailed hawk and Great Horned Owl, at our daily 2pm Family Animal Encounters! A Park naturalist will explain each animal’s role in our ecosystem, how they came to live at the park and lessons on what we can do to help protect wildlife. Meet at Grady’s Animal Discovery Den for weekday Family Animal Encounters Mon-Fri and at the Outdoor Classroom Sat-Sun. 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 interactive education stations. Don’t forget your camera!
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Annual Easter Sunrise Service
****** Gate opens 5-6am for 7am service; no one can be admitted through gate after 6am.
Celebrate the glory of Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s annual Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in WNC, attracting more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. This nondenominational event features live music and an inspirational message.
Please note that due to the large number of guests who attend the sunrise service, we must close the gate at 6am so everyone is able to be at the service by 7. No one can be admitted through the gate after 6am.
Guests are invited to eat breakfast at the Old Rock Café and stay to enjoy the Park all day. Admission to the sunrise service is free. Guests who would like to return to the Park after eating breakfast can show their bulletin at the Ticket Plaza to receive free admission for Sunday, March 27. Cost for the Old Rock’s breakfast buffet is $9.99 for adults and $5.99 for children under 10; drinks are not included.
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Waynesville Historic Farmers Market (Summer Market)
Summer Market operates May – October on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00am – 12:00 pm.
Winter Market operates every Saturday in November from 10:00am – 1:00pm
YOU’RE INVITED to experience the hometown mountain atmosphere of Western North Carolina’s second largest farmers’ market!! Conveniently located in downtown Waynesville, you’ll enjoy interaction with the area’s premier farmers and other vendors. Monthly “special event” days often feature complimentary lunch/refreshments prepared with seasonal produce. Local musicians volunteer their time to entertain you on Saturdays.
Seasonal fruits & vegetables
Herbs
Artisan & value added products
Mushrooms
Meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat)
Seafood
Baked goods
Fresh eggs
Honey
Landscaping plants
Cut flowers
Medicinal remedies
Compost & garden supplies
Home & body products
Mountain heritage crafts
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Parents’ Night Out to Benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation Trailblaze Challenge (2-9yrs)
Date Night? Shopping & Errands? Evening Hike or Stroll in the Park? …Go For It! We’ve got you covered.
We welcome children ages 2 years to 9 years old.
Minimum donation is $25 for 5 hours of care, $10 for additional siblings. Cash, check or credit card accepted. You can pay in advance or at the door. Contact Sarah or Kate for advance donation options. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish foundation.
Pizza, snacks and drinks will be provided. Crafts, games and activities will be available for children, as well.
What is the Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge? Click this link to find out more http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/
Questions or Concerns? Please contact Sarah at smhartnett77@gmail.com
Thank you for your support and generosity in this endeavor.
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Independent Preschooler Drop-In program (3-5yrs)
There is no pre-registration required and no commitment to a particular class. Each class has a set price and you can come as often or as little as you would like.
Mondays @ 4:30pm & 5:30pm
Tuesdays @ 4:30pm & 5:30pm
Wednesdays @ 4:30pm & 5:30pm
Thursdays @ 4:30pm
Fridays @ 11:15am
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Independent Preschooler Drop-In program (3-5yrs)
There is no pre-registration required and no commitment to a particular class. Each class has a set price and you can come as often or as little as you would like.
Mondays @ 4:30pm & 5:30pm
Tuesdays @ 4:30pm & 5:30pm
Wednesdays @ 4:30pm & 5:30pm
Thursdays @ 4:30pm
Fridays @ 11:15am
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