Prepare to be Elevated
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock offers the best of the Carolina mountains in one place. Marvel at spectacular 75-mile views
of Lake Lure, NC and the Blue Ridge Foothills, or let your cares fade away in the cool mist of the 404-foot
Hickory Nut Falls. It’s time to reconnect with nature. Our ancient geological features, unique hiking trails,
rock climbing and stunning scenery attract visitors from around the world. Chimney Rock has been
recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years.
We’re only 40 minutes from Asheville and less than 2 hours west of Charlotte, N.C.
Best of the Mountains
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Hike the Ultimate Stairmaster. The 499-stair hike up the Outcroppings trail to the Chimney climbs
315 feet past incredible views of the Park. The stairways were rebuilt over two winters (completed
in April 2012) with four helicopter airlift operations and zip lines and offer wide steps and
comfortable landings every 12 feet, making the 25-minute trek easier for most.
404-Foot Waterfall. One of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River, the 404foot Hickory Nut Falls was featured in the 1992 release of The Last of the Mohicans.
Rock Climbing. Novices and experienced climbers alike can see the Park from a whole new
perspective with two-hour clinics on rappelling and climbing through Fox Mountain Guides, the
Southeast’s leader in climber education. Climbing is by reservation only; call 888-284-8433.
Fun for the Whole Family
 Hike with a Naturalist. Hit the trail with an expert naturalist to learn about mushrooms, plants,
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wildlife, survival skills, birds, geology and more. Programs and hikes vary by date; see
www.chimneyrockpark.com for details.
Grady’s Animal Discovery Den. Visit our adorable Park animal educator, Grady the Groundhog,
and his friends Greta the Groundhog, Fionna the opossum and Scurry, an albino chipmunk! The
Great Woodland Adventure trail, a half-mile trail next to Grady’s, features 12 Discovery Stations
and sculptures created by local artisans. Grady and his friends are the stars of the show in our
Family Animal Encounters, daily June-August and on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day
weekends.
2016 Events. For a complete list of 2016 events, go to chimneyrockpark.com.
CONTACT: Shannon Quinn, PR & Promotions, 828-243-2019,
[email protected]
Events with a Twist
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Special Centennial Celebrations. We’re celebrating NC State Parks’ Centennial all year long with
activities and programs, including a special flag raising ceremony on the morning of July 4th, when
the United States and NC State flags will be raised atop Chimney Rock. The NC State Flag will be
retired afterward.
Grady’s Groundhog Day. Grady the Groundhog, our animal ambassador and local celebrity, will
awaken from hibernation for his 11th annual shadow sighting on Feb. 2, 2016. Can he outwit
Punxsutawney Phil again to correctly predict the weather? Join us for an educational program on
groundhogs while waiting eagerly to see if Grady’s shadow appears!
Movie on the Meadows / National Get Outdoors Day. On June 11, we’re promoting active
adventures in the great outdoors throughout the day with special family-friendly activities and
animal encounters, followed by an outdoor showing of The Last of the Mohicans on a 35-foot
screen that evening.
10th Annual Race to the Rock. The grueling 5K run and 25-mile bike races on August 14 climb 900
feet in the last 3 miles. This is the ONLY time you can run or bike up to Chimney Rock! A featured
race in the Lake Lure Olympiad: www.lakelureolympiad.com.
Rappelling Santa. Every December, Santa practices for his big night by rappelling down Chimney
Rock. Families can enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and kids’ crafts and visit with Santa in between his
daring descents. December 3 & 10.
Progress in the Park
 Subway, Grotto and Pulpit Rock. These popular features were reopened on Memorial Day
weekend 2015 after being renovated to meet NC State Parks construction standards. The
incredible views at these points of interest on our Outcroppings trail will amaze you!
 See the top of Hickory Nut Falls. NC State Parks is beginning work on a portion of the Skyline trail
that will lead to stunning views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the top of Hickory Nut Falls. We
anticipate completion of this project in 2016; check in at chimneyrockpark.com for updates.
Chimney Rock in the News
Redbook, “Plan an Awesome Family Vacation,” March 2015
Yahoo Travel, “Waterfalls, Caves, and Lakes — 50 Hidden Gems Across
America,“ July 2015
Thrillist, “Best State Park in NC,” December 2015
Yahoo Travel, “Here Comes Santa Claus … Down a Rock: Strangest Places to See
St. Nick,” December 2014
Blue Ridge Country’s Best of the SE Mountains reader poll, four platinum:
“Favorite State Park, Best Beautiful Fall Foliage Spot, Best Hike to Take the Dog
Along and Best Birding Area”; three golds: “Best Hiking Trail, Best Scenic Photo
Op and Best Waterfall,” 2013
Location, hours & rates: chimneyrockpark.com or (800) 277-9611
Follow us on Facebook (Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park), Twitter (@ChimneyRockPark) and
Instagram (chimneyrocknc). Take a virtual tour on Google Maps: Chimney Rock State Park
CONTACT: Shannon Quinn, PR & Promotions, 828-243-2019,
[email protected]