Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park ROCKS
/
Want to find an easy way to inspire creativity while reducing anxiety and stress? Taking a walk in the woods and reconnecting with nature is just what the doctor ordered!
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is the perfect place to spend quality time unplugging and immersing yourself in nature. And September is a lovely time to get outdoors and explore all the Park has to offer. Grab your camera and take some photos as you spend quality time with your family and take in the wonderful sights of nature. Chimney Rock’s 2019 Summer Fun Photo Contest ends September 22 so submit your photos of your family hiking, sunlight making its way through the trees or of the fantastic views that make Chimney Rock so special.
And good news! If you miss the Summer Photo Contest, you still have a chance to enter and win. You can take all your fabulous photos and enter the Fall Contest running from Sept 30 - December 20.
They will use the winning entries on their website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes too! Just remember, photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park and there’s no cost to enter.
Between Saturday August 31 and Monday September 2nd, you can enjoy the last holiday weekend of summer experiencing what makes Chimney Rock the ideal place to play. Hike on one of the Park’s many trails or join Fox Mountain Guides for a real rock climbing experience.
And be sure to join one of Western North Carolina’s most popular Annual events, The 11th Annual Flock to the Rock on Saturday, September 14th from 11:00 am -3:00 pm. Originally created to help folks understand why Hickory Nut Gorge is such a premier birding location, this event has grown in size and popularity every year.
You don’t have to be an avid birder to find something of interest at this event, but it may just be the reason you become one. Guided bird walks, raptor flight shows, live bird demos and workshops are a few of the ways you’ll discover that Chimney Rock isn’t just for the birds
Love to travel with your grandchildren? There’s really nothing like it. So save the dates for the Grandparents Day weekend, Saturday, September 7th – Sunday September 8th. What better way to get quality time together than at Chimney Rock? Coupons for free child admission with the purchase of one regularly-priced adult ticket are downloadable from the Chimney Rock website.
Whether you’re interested in taking an in-depth look at the unique flora and fauna of the Park during one of our guided hikes, learning all about wildlife in our Family Animal Encounters or enjoying a spectacular sunrise over Lake Lure at an early morning Annual Passholder breakfast, Chimney Rock is the perfect place for you and your family to reconnect with nature.
New in September!
Rock to Farm Tour Package
Itinerary:
8am - 9am - Breakfast at the Old Rock Café
Start your day off with a hearty breakfast at the award-winning Old Rock Café, which prominently features a back deck that overlooks the Rocky Broad River and Riverwalk. Breakfast includes an entrée of your choice and a beverage.
9:30am - 11am - Guided hike at Chimney Rock State Park
Partake in a guided adventure on the Hickory Nut Falls trail to the base of one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. This 404-foot natural wonder was highlighted in the epic film, “The Last of the Mohicans.” At the conclusion of this moderate, 1.4-mile roundtrip excursion, feel free to explore the many vantage points of the iconic Chimney Rock, which can be accessed via the Outcroppings trail or the state-of-the-art 26-story elevator.
1pm - 2pm - Lunch at Hickory Nut Gap Farms. Enjoy a scenic, 20-30-minute drive up the Hickory Nut Gorge to Hickory Nut Gap Farms. At 1pm, you’ll be offered a true farm-to-fork experience. Order lunch off of their new chef-inspired BBQ menu featuring 100% grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork and chicken and locally-sourced fresh produce.
2pm - 3pm - Guided tour of the Farm
A guide will escort you on a walking tour throughout the property to explore the 80 acres of working farmland. You’ll head to the top of UFO hill for a spectacular view, walk alongside the creek through old forest, see the grazing animals on pasture, and learn about regenerative agriculture. Learn about the farm's 100-year-old history and current farming practices.
3pm - 4pm - Fall festival at HNG Farms
Finish the day off by enjoying the many activities of the weekday fall festival happening throughout the month of September. Visit baby farm animals, pick apples in the u-pick apple orchard, slide down the culvert slides, take a trip around the adult-sized trike track, participate in a farm scavenger hunt, and find your way through the meadow maze.
Additional Information
This day trip will include moderate-to-strenuous walking distances and terrain. You will want to wear comfortable hiking boots or shoes. Hydration is key, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Don’t forget your camera to commemorate your experience!
The guided hikes have mandatory start times of 9:30am at Chimney Rock State Park and 1pm at Hickory Nut Gap Farms, so please make sure you are at the rendezvous point for the tours at least 5-10 minutes beforehand. Transportation is not included. This tour package has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 15 people. Guests may book as individuals, but if the minimum is not met within 24 hours prior, the tour will be canceled. We will inform you in advance if that is the case.
For more info on fabulous September events, visit the Chimney Rock website.
We hope you’ll join us in celebration!