Greetings from Your Friends at Chimney Rock Park!

Last month, our very own weather-predicting Park mascot Grady the Groundhog told us we had six more weeks of winter. If he’s right, and he usually is, that means spring is a mere two weeks away.

The State of the State

As you probably already know, legislation was passed after the State acquired Chimney Rock Park to change the name of the entire state park that is being developed in Hickory Nut Gorge to Chimney Rock State Park.

The greater Chimney Rock State Park is still in the land acquisition phase and so far includes about 3,500 acres on both north and south sides of the gorge. Expansion efforts continue to bring more of the gorge’s rich natural resources into conservation. Currently, what we all know as Chimney Rock is the only public access within the greater Chimney Rock State Park. However, the NC Division of Parks and Recreation will eventually develop other areas of the state park with more traditional park facilities and recreation.

We’ll continue to manage the “Rock” the best way we know how – much like the Morse family managed the Park for 105 years. Entry fees will offset the cost of operating our portion of the State Park.

We’ve got good news. Two of our Chimney Rock State Park partners have been named. Adrienne Wallace (pictured at right) comes to us from Mayo River State Park in Rockingham County as the superintendent of Chimney Rock State Park (CRSP). She will assist in developing a management strategy and master plan for CRSP as well as staffing, visitor information and natural resources protection. Adrienne graduated from NC State University with a degree in parks, recreation and tourism management and has been an employee of the Division of State Parks for 10 years.

Easter at the Park - a Tradition Continues

Join us for the 53rd Annual Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, March 23. We’ll be celebrating the glory of Easter as we watch the sun rise over Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This non-denominational worship service includes scripture, song and music by our featured entertainer John Mason.

Gates will be open from 5:30-6:30am for the 7am service. No admission will be charged for the Easter Sunrise Service and those who attend are invited to stay in the Park for the remainder of the day as our guests.

Our Old Rock Café, located next to the Park entrance in Chimney Rock Village, will be serving breakfast at the conclusion of the service. Adults can partake for only $8.25; kids 12 and under eat for just $5.25, and those prices include your choice of soft drink, tea or coffee. Hang onto your receipt from the breakfast buffet – it will serve as your “ticket” for returning to the Park after you've eaten.

Get "Off the Beaten Path"

On Saturday, March 15, Park Naturalist Ron Lance takes you on a “Rock Hop.” You’ll hop from rock to rock while winding your way up one of the Park’s stony ravines. Ron will be sure to teach you lots about all the plants, trees and wildlife you see along the way. This is a moderately strenuous hike, so be sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring water.

April’s hike is “Gorge-Us with Wildflowers” and takes place on Saturday, April 26. Join Ron Lance to see what’s blooming. Also, check our website for blooming schedules as spring nears.

Spotlight on April

April is a busy, busy month for Chimney Rock Park. Look for special programs and displays each weekend as we celebrate Earth Day all month long.

Our popular Dulcimer Workshops are set for Saturday, April 5. Join renowned musicians John Mason and Ken Schoewe to learn how to play this traditional instrument. John teaches hammered dulcimer while Ken shows you the mountain dulcimer. Workshops are available individually or in combination. Sign up today to be sure there’s a spot for you!

Simon Thompson’s “Simon Says” Guided Bird Walks are back! On Sunday, April 13, Simon takes you on the hunt for “Early Arrivals” like Black-throated Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Blue-headed Vireos. Go ahead and sign up today.

April also plays host to our 4th Annual Bark in the Park – sure to be a doggone good time for pets and people alike. The event is Saturday, April 26 from 11am-3pm and will feature agility demonstrations, contests, adoption info and whole lot more.

Your Chance to Lure the Dragons

On Saturday, May 10, dragon boat racing is coming to Lake Lure. The Hickory Nut Gorge is excited to host the inaugural Lure of the Dragons. This celebration will be a sight to see as Chinese-style boats grace the lake with community and corporate teams at the oars. The event will also feature cross-cultural music, dancing, food and more!

Chimney Rock Park is sponsoring a boat and we're looking to YOU – our Annual Passholders – to help us take home the prize, but more importantly, raise lots of money to support local children's charities. If you think you've got what it takes to "lure the dragons," tell us why. Be sure to include your contact information. We're looking for up to eight paddlers to take the challenge and make this one-of-a-kind event a celebration to remember.

Spring Training

Start training this spring for our 2nd Annual Race to the Rock, part of the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, slated for Sunday, September 8. The 4th Annual Olympiad will be held September 4-8. We’ll also be hosting a rock climbing speed challenge on Saturday.

’Til next time, live it up!