Chimney Rock Park Special Events 2012

February 2, 2012: Grady’s Groundhog Day Prediction
10:30am-noon
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.

February 18, 2012: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Winter Wonderland
1-3pm
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 wintertime hikers. Enjoy the serenity of Chimney Rock during the off season and learn how to recognize trees and shrubs without their leaves. Participants will see about 30 different trees along this easy 2-hour woodland excursion.

March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2012: “Spring for Free” Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls
1-2pm
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission
Forget those winter blues and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine at Chimney Rock. Take a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast—Hickory Nut Falls. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery. Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail.

March 10, 2012: Survival Skills Workshop: Basic Wilderness First Aid (1 of 3 in series)
9am-noon
Cost: $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders for single workshop; $65 for Adults, $35 for Annual Passholders for all three workshops (includes Park admission for the day)
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. The Survival Skills Workshop series continues with Edible Plants on Sat., April 28 and Shelter-Building on Sat., June 9.

March 31, 2012: Backyard Habitats Workshop: Attracting Butterflies, Birds & Bees
9am-noon
Cost: $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders; $20 for Youth (ages 6-15), $12 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
Why are butterflies, birds and bees attracted to some plants more than others? These pollinators and feathered friends have co-evolved with specific native plants in the region and depend on them for food. Join expert Ron Hoover to learn how to identify the best host and support plants to get your backyard or butterfly garden darting and buzzing with activity.

April 1, 2012: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Early Bird Arrivals
8:30-11:30am
Cost: $23 for Adults; $6 for Annual Passholders (Includes Park admission for the day)
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 8, 2012: 57th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
Gate opens at 5am and closes at 6am for 6:30am 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 14, 2012: Alien Invaders Workshop: Identifying Native & Non-native Plants
9am-noon
Cost: $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders; $20 for Youth (ages 6-15), $12 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
Our world has been invaded by non-natives! Can you identify the alien invaders? Discover how these non-native plants affect our local biosphere and how to treat them. Explore a variety of native plants that will grow and perform better and generally require less watering, maintenance and care. Then learn how to easily incorporate them into your own landscaping at home. Includes a short hike on the Meadows and the Great Woodland Adventure trail to identify native and invasive species.

April 28, 2012: Survival Skills Workshop: Edible Plants (2 of 3 in series)
9am-noon
Cost: $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders for single workshop; $65 for Adults, $35 for Annual Passholders for all three workshops (includes Park admission for the day)
Food and water are essential to surviving if you find yourself stranded in the wilderness. Abundant and nutritious edible plants grow in western North Carolina each season, from berries, flowers and nuts to mushrooms. Learn how to recognize differences in how plants look and where they grow to distinguish between edible and non-edible plants. Also discuss methods for water purification. Be prepared to hike off the beaten path for two hours or more identifying and talking about edible plants. Bring a water bottle, wear long pants and bring a rain coat just in case. The Survival Skills Workshop series continues with Shelter-Building on Sat., June 9.

May 12-13, 2012: Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop
Cost: TBA
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 12, 2012: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Spring Wildflower Walk
1-3pm
Cost: $19 for Adults, $3 for Annual Passholders, $10 for Child (ages 6-12), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
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 will take 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. Meet our trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 1pm.

June 2, 2012: “On the Move” Family Wellness Day
11am-3pm
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 3, 2012: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Breeding Birds
8:30-11:30am
Cost: $23 for Adults; $6 for Annual Passholders (Includes Park admission for the day)
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 9, 2012: Survival Skills Workshop: Shelter-Building (3 of 3 in series)
9am-noon
Cost: $27 for Adults, $15 for Annual Passholders for single workshop; $20 for Child (ages 6-12), $12 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the woods without one of the most important means of survival—shelter. We’ll 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 no place to go. Includes practical, hands-on construction of shelters. Part 3 of the Survival Skills workshop series, this workshop is led by local naturalist Clint Calhoun.

June 15, 2012: Movies on the Meadows: The Last of the Mohicans
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
Watch The Last of the Mohicans outdoors where parts of this epic romantic adventure film starring Daniel Day-Lewis was originally filmed. Marvel at the beauty of the Hickory Nut Gorge’s towering rock cliffs, lush landscape and 404-foot waterfall on the big screen while the scenery surrounds you! Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, suspense and adventure to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the film release. Pre-show entertainment will be provided; movie starts at dusk. Read more about Asheville area film locations.

June 23-24, 2012: Great American Backyard Campout®
Cost: $32 for Adults, $10 for Annual Passholders, $15 for ages 6-12, $5 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for Saturday & Sunday).
To celebrate the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout®, they’re hosting a single 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.

July 1, 2012: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Summer Birding
8:30-11:30am
Cost: $23 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.

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2012: “Free Hike Fridays,” Guided: Hickory Nut Falls
11am-12:30pm
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
Join us for a free guided hike out to the tallest waterfall on the east coast, Hickory Nut Falls. While many recognize the falls from the movie The Last of the Mohicans, the trail guide will share with you lesser-known facts about the plant and animal found along the trail during summer, in addition to some interesting Park history. Meet the trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 11am.

August 11, 2012: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Big Basswood Adventure
11am-1pm
Cost: $19 for Adults, $3 for Annual Passholders, $10 for Child (ages 6-12), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
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 2-hour+ moderately-strenuous hike.

August 18, 2012: The Buzz on Bees
11am-3pm
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.

August 24-25, 2012: 8th Annual 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 26, 2012: 6th Annual Race to the Rock (5K run or 25-mile bike)
Registration at 6:30am
Cost: Run: $25 if registered by July 25; $35 after July 25. Bike: $30 if registered by July 25; $40 after July 25.
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 8th Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, medals are awarded in age groups.

September 8, 15 & 22, 2012: “Free Hike Saturdays,” Guided: Four Seasons
1-2pm
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
The perfect trail to witness nature’s revolving seasons, this 0.6-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike starts at the Meadows and climbs 400 feet of elevation to the top parking lot. The Four Seasons trail winds through hardwood trees and past thickets of Carolina Rhododendron, mountain laurel, abundant wildflowers and indigenous plants, including species not found along the Park's other trails. Four Seasons offers great opportunities for bird watching. You may even spot deer and wild turkeys. Meet a Trail Guide for the hike near the climbing tower on the Meadows at 1pm

September 8, 2012: State Park Stewardship Day: Year of the Bat
11am-3pm
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
Join State Park Rangers in celebrating the “Year of the Bat” with educational programs, information booths, hikes and more.

September 9, 2012: Simon Says Guided Bird Walk: Early Fall Migration
8:30-11:30am
Cost: $23 for Adults; $6 for Annual Passholders (Includes Park admission for the day)
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.

September 22, 2012: Mountain Dulcimer Workshop
10am-noon
Cost: $38 for Adults; $20 for Annual Passholders; $25 for ages 6-12; $15 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (fees include all instruction and Park admission for the day)
Learn to play the “only American instrument” using traditional strumming and flat-picking techniques in a fun and relaxed environment. Led by talented musician and recording artist Ken Schoewe of the Mountain Music School in Hendersonville. No previous musical experience is necessary. A limited number of instruments are available. Check out the afternoon Hammered Dulcimer Workshop with acclaimed dulcimer artist John Mason.

September 22, 2012: Hammered Dulcimer Workshop
1-3pm
Cost: $38 for Adults; $20 for Annual Passholders; $25 for ages 6-12; $15 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (fees include all instruction and Park admission for the day).
John Mason, acclaimed hammered dulcimer artist who has toured the Southeast for 30 years and the Park’s featured musician, will teach you all about this traditional folk instrument. John guarantees you’ll be able to play at least one full song by the end! It’s a great family-friendly activity for beginners and intermediates. A limited number of instruments are available. Check out the morning Mountain Dulcimer Workshop.

September 29-30, 2012: Flock to the Rock
Cost: No additional cost with paid Park admission.
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. Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail. Read more about Flock to the Rock.

October 6, 2012: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Fall Wildflowers
1-3pm
Pre-registration: $20 for Adults, $5 for Annual Passholders, $10 for Child (ages 6-12), $3 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
Same-day registration: $6 for Adults, $5 for Annual Passholders, $4 for Child (ages 6-12), $3 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (Park admission NOT included)
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!

October 20, 2012: “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Fall Color Ridge Hike
1-3pm
Same-day registration: $6 for Adults, $5 for Annual Passholders, $4 for Child (ages 6-12), $3 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (Park admission not included)
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 27-28, 2012: Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshops
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.

December 8 & 15, 2012: Santa on the Chimney
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.