Grand Prize Winner - Leonard Vaughan Second Place - Melissa James

Third Place - Hazel Sink

2007 Photo Contest Winners Announced

Thanks to all of you who sent in your photographs for our 2007 Annual Photo Contest. It wasn't easy, but our panel of judges has chosen these great pictures from among the hundreds of entries. Our heartiest congratulations - and some really nice prize packages - go out to our winners. Check out the guidelines for entry in our 2008 Annual Photo Contest. It's already underway, so grab your camera and head out to the Park!

Grand Prize goes to Leonard Vaughan of Lexington, SC for his photo of Chimney Rock in a different, almost mysterious, light. The entire group of judges were struck by the tranquil beauty of the Rock shrouded in its hazy lavender glow of near-sunset. For his successful effort, Leonard wins a 2-night stay in Hickory Nut Gorge at the Four Seasons Cottages, along with a pair of Annual Passes, a fun shopping spree at our Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli and lunch for two at our Old Rock Cafe in Chimney Rock Village.

Our second prize goes to Melissa James of Cowpens, SC for the shot of her children enjoying one of the "tucked-away" places in the Park. We always love to see pictures of kids having fun at Chimney Rock Park. Melissa's photo is evidence that this is a great place to bring the whole family.

Hazel Sink of Winston-Salem, NC is our third place winner for her great shot of the Park's Skyline and Cliff Trails. Look closely and you can see the hikers on the lower trail. We chose Hazel's photo because it shows folks enjoying a hike as well as the dramatic grandeur of the mountain as their backdrop. Hazel really has a great "eye" for framing a wonderful panorama.

In the Youth category, our first place goes to Taylor Sturkie of Hilton Head Island, SC, for his beautiful late fall photo of Chimney Rock Mountain. Our second place winning photo was taken by Alexander Slipatchuk of Greer, SC. His shot of Hickory Nut Falls shows remarkable texture and depth and interesting light play. Based on the work of these kids, it just goes to show that talent can develop at any age!

              First Place Youth - Taylor Sturkie

          Second Place Youth - Alexander Slipatchuk