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 February 2, 2013: Grady’s Groundhog Day Prediction
11 AM-1 PM
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
Will Grady give the same prediction as Punxsutawney Phil? Or will he daringly give his own prediction about winter’s claim on the weather? Enjoy an educational program on groundhogs and other woodland critters while waiting eagerly to see Grady’s shadow.
March 2, 2013: Climbin' the Chimney
Cost: $20 per person per climb, plus Park admission
11 AM-3 PM
Experience Chimney Rock from a new vantage point—from the end of a rope! Whether you’re experienced or it’s your first time, come climb with the Southeast’s leader in rock climbing education, Fox Mountain Guides. If you’ve always wanted to try rock climbing but never had the chance or courage, Fox Mountain Guides will get you climbing within your comfort limits in no time. All equipment is provided.
March 2, 2013: Off the Beaten Path Guided Hike: Tree ID
1-3 PM
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
The Park’s beauty changes with each season. Bare tree branches sparkle with frost and clear views reward hikers this time of year. Enjoy the serenity of Chimney Rock in winter and learn how to recognize trees and shrubs without their leaves. Participants will see more than a dozen different trees along this easy 2-hour woodland excursion.
March 16, 2013: Survival Skills Workshop: Basic Wilderness First Aid (1 of 3 in series)
9 AM-12 Noon
Cost:
$25 for Adults, $12 for Annual Passholders (includes Park admission); Entire series: $65 for Adults, $35 for Annual Passholders
Don’t get caught in the wild without knowing basic first aid skills! In part 1 of their Survival Skills Workshop series, learn how to avoid and treat exposure to hypothermia, heat exhaustion, poison ivy, burns, blisters and more. Understand the basics of splinting a sprained ankle and treating snake bites, bee stings and chiggers. Don’t let minor incidents stop you in your tracks – keep moving in the great outdoors with these essential first aid skills taught by local naturalist Clint Calhoun.
March 31, 2013: 58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
Gate opens at 5 AM and closes at 6 AM for 6:30 AM service.
Cost: Free admission and open to the public
Come join in celebrating Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise appears over Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. The 57th annual inter-denominational community worship service is a special tradition and a memorable event for the entire family. John Mason, the Park’s featured hammered dulcimer player, will perform live. Remember to arrive early, dress warm and bring a flashlight. Read more about Chimney Rock Easter Sunrise Service.
April 13, 2013: Survival Skills Workshop: Shelter Building & Fire Making (2 of 3 in series)
9 AM-12 Noon
Cost:
$30 for Adults, $16 for Annual Passholders; $20 Youth (ages 5-15), $12 Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission). Hiker’s lunch available for extra cost. Entire series: $65 for Adults, $35 for Annual Passholders
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the woods without two of the most important means of survival—fire and shelter. This workshop will cover the importance of fire in survival, fire safety, modern methods and fire-starting materials. We’ll also look in-depth at various types of primitive shelters and how to construct them out of materials readily found available when you’re caught outside with nowhere to go. Includes practical, hands-on construction of shelters. Lunch can be provided for an additional cost. The Survival Skills Workshop series continues with Shelter-Building on Sat., June 8
 April 14, 2013: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Spring Birding
8:45 AM-12 Noon
Cost: $20 for Adults; $6 for Annual Passholders (includes Park admission)
Many breeding birds are singing and wildflowers are starting to bloom now. Join world-traveled birding expert Simon Thompson in seeking out American Redstarts and Hooded Warblers along the Hickory Nut Falls trail, where several pairs of Scarlet Tanagers and Wood Thrushes nest every year. It’s the perfect time to learn bird songs that will help you identify these feathered friends. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail and hosts the region’s premier fall migration birding event, Flock to the Rock.
April 20, 2013: Passholder Spring Sunrise Breakfast
6:50 AM, gate opens 5:45 AM
Cost:
$5 for Adult Annual Passholders and Grady’s Kids Club Members; kids under five are admitted free
There are few sights in Western North Carolina as spectacular as watching the sun rise over Lake Lure! Due to the popularity of our sunrise breakfast in the fall, we’re adding another sunrise viewing in the spring just for our Annual Passholders. We’ll be serving up a tasty continental breakfast with fruit, pastries, juice and hot coffee. Bring your camera or smartphone and upload your sunrise pictures to our Facebook page. To RSVP, please call 800-277-9611 by April 17.
April 20, 2013: State Park Stewardship Day: Year of the Wildflower
11AM-3 PM
Join State Park Rangers in celebrating the “Year of the Wildflower” with educational programs, information booths and hikes. It’s perfect for kids, families or individuals looking to learn more about the wonders of our natural world.
April 20, 2013: Spring Wildflower Walk
1-3 PM
Cost: $18 for Adults, $3 for Annual Passholders; $9 for Child (ages 5-15), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission)
The Park is often abundant with blooming wildflowers in the spring, including Trillium, violets and flame azalea. On a quest to see a dazzling variety of native wildflowers, this hike will take you along the Four Seasons trail. Be prepared to walk 1-2 miles with frequent stops to study in detail some of the Park’s 700+ species of known plants. Led by wildflower photographer Steven Faucette.
April 27, 2013: Buzz on Bees
11 AM-3 PM
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
Did you know more than one-third of the world’s food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honey bees for pollination? Even your home garden and flowers wouldn’t survive without them! Observe enclosed live bee hives, chat with local beekeeping experts, learn about the basics of beekeeping and honey production and bring home local honey and beeswax products.
April 27-28, 2013: Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop
Cost: $160 non-passholder; $135 Annual Passholder. *Save $10 off full price if you register by March 31
Capture spring wildflowers, 75-mile views and a 404-foot waterfall with your camera at Chimney Rock! The instructor, Les Saucier, has led nature photography workshops for more than 26 years, participates in many juried shows and has had his work published in numerous books and magazines, including National Geographic. This 2-day workshop includes classroom time, field time and critique.
May 11, 2013: Mother's Day Guided Wildflower Walk
11 AM-12 Noon
Cost:
$16 for Adults, $3 for Annual Passholders, $8 for Child (ages 5-15), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission)
Celebrate Mother’s Day surrounded by blooming wildflowers on a beautiful spring hike. Bring your daughters, girl friends or the whole family! On a quest to see a dazzling variety of Park wildflowers, this hike takes you sightseeing along multiple trails. Be prepared to walk up to three miles with frequent stops to study in detail some of the Park’s 700+ species of known plants.
 May 11, 2013: Music on the Mountain
12 Noon-3 PM
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
Chimney Rock’s Music on the Mountain 2013 concert series kicks off on Mother’s Day weekend with live music by local musicians at the Pavilion—an intimate, covered venue in the Meadows. Enjoy an outdoor concert in the Park flanked by towering rock cliffs and the iconic Chimney Rock. Genres may include a variety of folk, country, bluegrass, Americana and acoustic and should appeal to couples and families of all ages.
June 1, 2013: “On the Move” Family Wellness Day
11 AM-3 PM
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
Your health is important, and hiking is a great way to stay fit and connect with nature. Get “On the Move” at Chimney Rock and learn how to establish a healthier exercise routine and diet. In conjunction with National Trails Day, they’ll have guided hikes, health screenings and lots of information on healthy living from many community partners.
June 8, 2013: Survival Skills Workshop: Wild Edibles (3 of 3 in series)
9 AM-12 Noon
Cost: $27 for Adults, $14 for Annual Passholders (includes Park admission)
Food and water are essential to wilderness survival. Abundant, nutritious edible plants grow in Western North Carolina each season, from berries and flowers to nuts and mushrooms. Be prepared to hike “off the beaten path” for a couple hours identifying and learning about a variety of wild edibles, including a few you wouldn’t expect. Bring a water bottle, wear long pants and bring a rain coat just in case. This workshop usually fills quickly.
 June 15, 2013: Movie on the Meadows, The Last of the Mohicans
7:30-11 PM, movie starts 9 PM
Cost: $12 per car, $8 per car Annual Passholders
Watch The Last of the Mohicans on a huge outdoor screen where the last 17 minutes of this epic romantic adventure movie starring Daniel Day-Lewis were originally filmed. Marvel at the beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge’s towering rock cliffs, lush landscape and 404-foot waterfall on the big screen while the scenery surrounds you! Bring a blanket or chair and a flashlight. Moviegoers should arrive from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Pre-show entertainment, concessions and movie merchandise will be offered. A guided hike to see filming locations will be offered at 3:15 and 4:45 PM. Sign-up is first-come, first-serve starting at 1 PM Saturday at the Park's Sky Lounge Gift Shop, where the hike begins. Limited to the first 15 people; no additional cost with paid Park admission. Brochures are available for self-guided hikes as well. Read more about Asheville area film locations.
June 23, 2013: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Breeding Birds
8:30-12 Noon
Cost: TBA
It's a time of frenzied activity for many resident birds. World-traveled expert Simon Thompson will identify several local woodpeckers including Downy, Hairy and Pileated. Some are already nesting and may be feeding their young. Meanwhile, songs of Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos can be heard throughout the Park. You might spot one of their camouflaged hanging nests. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail and hosts the region’s premier fall migration birding event, Flock to the Rock.
June 22-23, 2013: Great American Backyard Campout®
5 PM-8 AM
Cost: $32 for Adults, $10 for Annual Passholders, $15 for Youth (ages 5-15), $5 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for Saturday & Sunday)
To celebrate the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout®, join this special night of camping for guests. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to join in for a campfire, s’mores and star gazing. After a taste of rock climbing, take a night walk with a Park naturalist to see what goes bump, or howl or screech in the night.
 June 23, 2013: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Summer Birding
8:30-11:30 AM
Cost: $20 for Adults; $6 for Annual Passholders (Includes Park admission for the day)
During the summer, dozens of species of warblers breed in the Park. Join world-traveled expert Simon Thompson to see and hear these 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. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail and hosts the region’s premier fall migration birding event, Flock to the Rock.
July 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2013: Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café
6-8 PM
Cost: Free
The Old Rock is rockin' on July weekend nights! Join us for Beats, Burgers & Brews with live music performances by local artists in Chimney Rock Village after a day of hiking in the Park. While we recommend the Old Rock’s delicious burgers and local brews, we’ll be serving the full menu. Enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine while relaxing outdoors on our riverside deck
July 27, 2012: “Off the Beaten Path:” Wild Mushrooms Walk
9:30 AM- Noon
Cost: $25 for Adults, $10 for Annual Passholders (includes Park admission)
Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the summer, especially after rainfall. Join Dr. Coleman McCleneghan, renowned mycologist for the Asheville Mushroom Club and professor of Biology at Appalachian State University, in learning about and searching for a variety of fungi. Whet your appetite with an overview of edible and non-edible mushrooms. Then we’ll hike up to two hours along Park trails or “off the beaten path” looking for a dozen or two of the estimated 1,000 species of fungi that could be growing in the Park. Limited to 20 people.
August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2013: Wild Mushrooms Walk
11 AM-Noon
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the summer, especially after rainfall. Join a casual Friday hike seeking a variety of fascinating fungi along the Four Seasons or Great Woodland Adventure trail. Try to find some of the estimated 1,000 species of mushrooms that could be growing in the Park. Led by Karen Johnson, member of the Asheville Mushroom Club, and limited to 20 people. Meet by Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows.
August 10, 2013: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Big Basswood Adventure
11 AM-1 PM
Cost: $18 for Adults (includes Park admission), $3 for Annual Passholders
Up and down a bit of slope, between a few boulders and shrubs and weaving beneath tall trees, you’ll be led into a hidden cove where the state’s largest basswood tree lives. It has an impressive circumference of more than 13 feet! Several other large trees are its neighbors and wildflowers carpet the forest floor. This is a 2-hour-plus moderately-strenuous hike not for children under 12. Meet at the restrooms in the Meadows at 11 AM.
August 11, 2013: Music on the Mountain 2013 concert series
Noon-3 PM
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
Chimney Rock’s Music on the Mountain 2013 concert series continues this summer with live music by local musicians. Enjoy an outdoor concert in the Park flanked by towering rock cliffs and the iconic Chimney Rock. Genres may include a variety of folk, country, bluegrass, Americana and acoustic and should appeal to couples and families of all ages. Check out the last concert on September 14.
 August 23-25, 2013: Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad
Event times vary
This three-day sport and community festival features dozens of events and activities for people of all athletic abilities. The festival kicks off with a golf tournament, beach BBQ, free water ski show, ice cream sundaes and fireworks show. For the hardcore athlete, there’s the sprint triathlon, junior Olympiad, Race to the Rock (see below) and 10K Dam run. Or challenge yourself to the 3 Races in 3 Days. There’s also a tennis tournament, dragon boat races, corn hold toss, family games and more! You’ll find plenty to do for families, non-athletes and kids.
August 25, 2013: Race to the Rock (5K run or 25-mile bike)
Registration at 6:30 AM, Bike at 7:30 AM, Run at 8 AM
Cost: Run : $25 early registration, $35 in Aug. Bike: $30 early registration, $40 in Aug.
Take the challenge! The Park’s winding entrance road climbs uphill an average of 7-9%, but the breathtaking 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge at the finish line are well worth the effort. This is the ONLY TIME ever you can run or bike up to Chimney Rock. Part of the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, medals are awarded in age groups.
September 6, 20 & 27, 2013: Wild Mushrooms Walk
11 AM-Noon
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the fall, especially after rainfall. Join a casual Friday hike seeking a variety of fascinating fungi along the Four Seasons or Great Woodland Adventure trail. Try to find some of the estimated 1,000 species of mushrooms that could be growing in the Park. Led by Karen Johnson, member of the Asheville Mushroom Club, and limited to 20 people. Meet up by Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows.
 September 7, 2013: Movie on the Meadows:
7-10 PM, movie starts 8 PM
Cost: $12 per car, $8 per car Annual Passholders
Watch on a huge outdoor screen Bring a blanket or chair and a flashlight. Moviegoers should arrive from 7 to 7:45 PM; pre-show entertainment at 7:45. Concessions and movie merchandise available.
September 14, 2013: “Off the Beaten Path” Wild Mushrooms Walk
9:30 AM-Noon
Cost: $20 for Adults (includes Park admission), $5 for Annual Passholders
Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the early fall, especially after rainfall. Join Charlotte Caplan, former president of the Asheville Mushroom Club, in learning about and searching for a variety of fascinating and beautiful fungi. Whet your appetite with an overview of edible and non-edible mushrooms. Then hike up to two hours along Park trails or “off the beaten path” looking for a dozen or two of the estimated 1,000 species of fungi that could be growing in the Park. Limited to 20 people.
September 14, 2013: Music on the Mountain 2013 Concert Series
Noon-3 PM
ost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
Chimney Rock’s concert series continues with live music by local musicians performing at the base of Chimney Rock. Enjoy an outdoor concert in the Park flanked by towering rock cliffs and spectacular 75-mile views of Lake Lure.
September 21-22, 2013: Flock to the Rock
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.9 AM-2 PM (Sat), 7:30 AM-2 PM (Sun)
Flock to the Rock is the region’s premier fall migration birding event. Featuring live Birds of Prey programs, this weekend of birding events includes bird walks guided by local experts, workshops ranging from bird photography to hummingbirds, hawk watches, family nature walks and kids’ activities. Chimney Rock is home to more than 130 species of birds throughout the year, including over 25 warblers, vireos, tanagers, woodpeckers, thrushes, owls and a wide selection of birds of prey, including the Peregrine Falcon. Additional Sunday early bird watch at 7:30 AM for additional charge. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail. Read more about Flock to the Rock.
September 28, 2013: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Fall Wildflowers
1-3 PM
Cost: $20 for Adults, $5 for Annual Passholders, includes park admission
Beat the leaf peeping crowd by seeking magnificent fall flowers along our trails with Ron Lance, an internationally renowned and published naturalist. Many folks think spring is the peak wildflower season, but at Chimney Rock flowers are blooming much of the year. Expect to see blooming beauties such as asters, Pink Turtlehead, boneset and more!
September 29, 2013: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Early Fall Migration
8:45 AM-12 Noon
Join world-traveled expert Simon Thompson in seeking out the many southbound migrant birds that pass along the ridges and valleys of Hickory Nut Gorge. Mixed flocks of tanagers, warblers and vireos move through the woods on their journey to warmer climates in Central and South America. Grab your binoculars and let Simon teach you how to identify all kinds of birds in these often fast-moving flocks. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail and hosts the region’s premier fall migration birding event, Flock to the Rock.
October 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, 2013: Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café
Fridays & Saturdays, 6-8 PM
Cost: Free
The Old Rock is rockin' on October weekend nights! Join us for Beats, Burgers & Brews with live music performances by local artists, delicious burgers and local brews. Relax outdoors on the riverside deck.
October 5, 2013: Annual Passholder Sunrise Breakfast
7:30 AM, gate opens 6:15 AM
Cost: $5 for Adult Annual Passholders and Grady’s Kids Club Members; kids under five are admitted free
There are few sights in Western North Carolina as spectacular as watching the sun rise over Lake Lure. Enjoy a tasty continental breakfast with fruit, pastries, juice and hot coffee. Bring your camera or smartphone and upload your sunrise pictures to our Facebook page or submit them to the fall photo contest! To RSVP, please call 800-277-9611 by Oct. 2.
October 12, 2013: Dark in the Park
7-9 PM
Cost: TBA
What goes bump and screech in the night? Learn about the sights & sounds of owls and other nocturnal critters in Chimney Rock during these fun, family-oriented night programs and a guided hike led by Park naturalists.
October 19, 2013: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Fall Color Ridge Hike
10 AM-1 PM
Cost: $20 for Adults (includes Park admission), $5 for Annual Passholders
From high atop the ridges of Chimney Rock Mountain, enjoy dramatic views while surrounded in a sea of color, from deep red and maroon to fiery yellow and orange. Led by internationally renowned and published naturalist Ron Lance, soak up Western NC’s legendary fall colors while hiking more than 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Bring your camera—this is our most scenic hike all year long! The 2-hour hike is moderately strenuous.
 October 26-27, 2013: Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshops
8:30 AM-4 PM
Cost: TBA
Capture vibrant fall leaf colors, 75-mile views and a 404-foot waterfall with your camera at Chimney Rock. Jeff Miller, an award-winning photographer published in regional, state and national publications with work exhibited throughout North Carolina, leads both of these one-day, comprehensive workshops tailored to individual levels of experience. Thoroughly learn the basics on day one or explore more advanced concepts on day two —or for both to make large strides in your photography skills! Learn or refine your techniques to best shoot scenes from wide-angle to telephoto, including traditional flower portraits, intimate landscapes and vistas.
November 9: Chimney Challenge
Cost: TBA
You’re tougher than you might think. Show your strength, speed and smarts as you compete in the Chimney Challenge! Test your physical skills and fitness in climbing and rappelling, as well as stair climbing, throwing and more for a day of fun challenges. Winners will be awarded in multiple categories
December 7 & 14, 2013: Santa on the Chimney
11 AM-2 PM
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
How is Santa able to climb down millions of chimneys around the world in a single night? He practices, of course. Witness Santa’s daring stunt as he practices on one of the world’s largest chimneys at 315 feet tall! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy live holiday music, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ activities and see live critters. Come see why Chimney Rock was named one of “10 great places to catch up with Santa” by USA Today! Read more about Santa on the Chimney.
For more about the Park, see our Chimney Rock Park Guide. |
