Summer is officially here, and we have a full calendar of events to celebrate the season! Visit the Park soon to hike any of our six unique trails and enjoy beautiful panoramic views from the Chimney. The Park is open seven days a week for whenever adventure calls. Make the most of your experience at the Rock this season, and year-round, by purchasing an Annual Pass today!
Here in the Park, we’re looking forward to outdoor fun. Our Summer Animal Encounters will continue every weekday at 2pm through August 14th. Join us on the Outcroppings Deck for these short, engaging programs with a Park Naturalist and our Western North Carolina native animal ambassadors. It’s a fantastic way to rest and cool down after hitting the trails, plus you just might learn something!
While you’re here don’t forget to document your summer fun in the sun! Enter your best Chimney Rock State Park shots in our photo contest for a chance to win complimentary Park access for a year, and bragging rights forever! Photos must be taken at Chimney Rock State Park between July 1st – August 31st. Email up to 3 submissions to communications@chimneyrockpark.com
Speaking of summer fun in the sun… make sure to join us this Independence Day to celebrate 250 years of America! Spend a weekend full of educational programming, hiking, and live music with us. Learn more about our nation’s history, and the role that North Carolina has played in it. Finish off a weekend of fun by joining us from 6:00 – 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 5th as we retire the iconic Chimney Rock State Park flag.
Not only are we celebrating 250 years of America, we’re also celebrating 110 years of Chimney Rock this year! Want to learn more about the Park’s history, its creation, and how it’s grown and changed over the years? Join us Saturday, July 11th for our next Naturalist Niche installment, History of Chimney Rock, this guided hike will take you on a journey up the incredible Outcroppings Trail stairs. Enjoy the view from the top, and make sure to grab some ice cream as a reward for your effort! To register visit our website ChimneyRockPark.com
Finally, round out the month with us as we celebrate World Ranger Day on July 31st. Our Park Rangers work hard everyday to keep our parks and public lands open, safe, and accessible for all. Did you know that many rangers are also firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and more? We are incredibly grateful for all they do! Stop by the Park, and meet some of our Park Rangers and learn about the many hats they wear.
Enjoy stunning views of Lake Lure from the Chimney, hike to the waterfall, and make sure to join us for an animal encounter this summer. We hope to see you on the trails soon!