Greetings from Your Friends at Chimney Rock Park!

We’d like to remind you that even though it’s February, it’s not too late to start those New Year’s resolutions. Whether you resolved to spend more time with loved ones, get healthy or pick up a new hobby, Chimney Rock Park is the place to make it happen.

The Park without Limits

Our Annual Pass can help you with all of those resolutions. For just $25, less than the cost of two regular-price adult tickets, you can visit the Park whenever you want for an entire year. Buy passes for the whole family and presto, you’re spending quality time together reconnecting with nature and each other.

All of our trails offer a great workout to help you get fit, and with an Annual Pass, you can make the Park a permanent part of your workout regime. For a real heart-pumping challenge, take the Four Seasons Trail from the Meadows; you’ll gain 400 ft. in elevation. Then, keep that heart rate up by taking the Outcroppings Trail, a series of more than 400 stairs, to the top of the Chimney where you can catch your breath as well as 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.

Our Annual Passholders get discounts on workshops and activities in the Park, making it easy for you to learn something new this year. Try your hand at a traditional Appalachian instrument during our Dulcimer Workshops. Learn how to take amazing nature photographs during the Shutterbug’s Nature Photography Clinic. Or, take an educational “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike or “Simon Says” Guided Bird Walk.

Not only do Annual Passholders receive deals in the Park, they also save at other area attractions like Biltmore and Carowinds.

Grady the Groundhog LIVE at the Park

Our mascot Grady the Groundhog will make a live appearance on his special day, Groundhog Day, Saturday, February 2 at 10am. Grady is our very own weather-predicting Punxsutawney Phil! If Grady sees his shadow, then we’re in for six more weeks of winter. But if not, then spring is on the way. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he doesn’t see his shadow.

Guest naturalist Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists presents a fun-filled program all about Grady and his groundhog friends that’s perfect for the whole family. Kids will even have a chance to pet Grady.

This program is offered at no additional cost, and to sweeten the deal, we’re offering membership in Grady’s Kids Club, the equivalent of our Annual Pass, for only $8! Yes, you read it correctly! Your child (age 6-15) can visit Chimney Rock Park all year long for just $8. Plus, kids get deals on food and beverages as well as educational programs and activities in the Park.

A Sweet Deal for Your Valentine

Treat your someone special to a day together at Chimney Rock Park - take a romantic walk in the woods, picnic at one of our many secluded spots, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the Park.

To help you celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’re offering “a honey of a deal.” Purchase one regular-price adult ticket and receive one complimentary adult ticket.

Get "Off the Beaten Path"

February’s “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike takes you on a Naked Tree ID. The Park’s trees will soon “cover up” with a new cloak of leaves, so now is a good time to inspect their peculiar features. On this hike you'll learn what details of twigs and buds can be used to identify dormant plants. Bring your favorite winter tree guide and magnifying lens if you have them.

Your Photos = Great Prizes

Thanks to all of you who sent in your photographs for our 2007 Annual Photo Contest. It was very difficult, but we’ve chosen our favorites. Our grand prize goes to Leonard Vaughan, who will win a two-night stay at Four Seasons Cottages as well as a pair of Annual Passes and other goodies. We chose Leonard’s photo because it shows Chimney Rock Park in a different, almost mysterious, light.

Second place goes to Melissa James for her photo of her children enjoying one of Chimney Rock Park’s "tucked-away" places. Hazel Sink takes third place with her dramatic image of the Park’s Skyline and Cliff Trails.

We were very impressed with the photographs that were entered in the youth category. There are some aspiring professional photographers out there! First place goes to Taylor Sturkie for his beautiful late fall photo of Chimney Rock Mountain. Our second place winner is Alexander Slipatchuk, whose photo of Hickory Nut Falls shows remarkable texture and depth.

Mark Your Calendars

Our 2008 events are up on our website, so grab your calendar and plan out the whole year. All your favorite events are back like the 53rd Annual Easter Sunrise Service (March 23), 4th Annual Bark in the Park (April 26) and 2nd Annual Race to the Rock (September 7). Of course, we’re continuing our “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hikes and “Simon Says” Guided Bird Walks.

We can’t wait to see you! ’Til next time, live it up.