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Greetings from your friends at Chimney Rock Park! There was a bit of doom and gloom surrounding fall color predictions this year, but Mother Nature decided to be kind to Chimney Rock Park and the Hickory Nut Gorge. October brought a bit of much-needed rain. That coupled with cool nights has boded well for autumn’s annual show. So, don’t delay – visit the Park soon and you’ll catch the show just in time. During early to mid-November, fall color should advance to the point where red maples, sourwoods, dogwoods and blackgums are about halfway to their brightest display. Yellow-colored hickories and poplars will be starting, with some reaching their peaks, according to Park Naturalist Ron Lance.Happy Thanksgiving, Y'allWe want to wish all of you, and your loved ones, a Happy Thanksgiving. This year, and every year, we’re thankful to be able to share this amazing place with people from all around the world. What better way to walk off some of those extra holiday calories than an invigorating hike at Chimney Rock Park? We’re open the day after Thanksgiving at 8:30am, so get up and get moving.Get Off the Beaten PathNovember’s "Off the Beaten Path" Guided Hike with Ron Lance is scheduled for Saturday, November 17 from 9-11am. Ron will take you off-trail into the Old Growth Forest area of the Park where trees have reached ages of over 200 years and heights over 130 feet. You’ll visit at least one state champion tree and one tree with a trunk over 13 feet in circumference. Learn what defines an old-growth forest and discover how it differs from most woodlands we see today. This hike is moderately strenuous, so be sure to wear good walking shoes. Advanced registration is required; give us a call at 800-277-9611 and we’ll save your spot. $20 for adults includes Park admission, $5 for Annual Passholders, $10 for ages 6-15, $3 for Grady’s Kids Club Members. No-stress HolidaysIt’s also time to start thinking about the quickly-approaching holiday season, but don’t let the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year get you stressed. Instead, trade the holiday rush for the holiday hush. Winter hiking at the Park offers uninterrupted views across the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, and it’s the perfect cure for that inevitable cabin fever that comes along with short days and cold temperatures. Gifts for Everyone on Your ListThese days it can be tough to find a unique gift, so this year, say "no" to the same old tired presents. Our Annual Pass is the gift that keeps on giving. Now through December 24, 2007, for just $20, your someone special can visit the Park time and time again for an entire year. And, those children on your list who have been good all year can be rewarded with Grady's Kids Club Memberships for only $8! Plus, Annual Passholders receive exclusive deals on workshops, guided hikes and bird walks as well as discounts in our restaurants and gift shops. And speaking of our gift shops, both Cliffdwellers Gift Shop and the Sky Lounge carry distinctive gifts. For kids, how about a frog walking stick or wildlife puzzle? For a girlfriend, why not a piece of pottery or a guide book to North Carolina hiking? And for the guys, perhaps a trio of locally-made jams and jellies or a mountain music CD? If, by slim chance, you can’t find the perfect gift at one of our shops, check out the quaint shops in Chimney Rock Village. Believe us, you’ll feel worlds away from those crowded shopping malls.Holiday Parties that ROCKIf you’re looking for a holiday party that will blow their socks off, then look no further. Our Old Rock Café is a great place for your holiday get-together. We’ll take care of everything for you – food, beverages, decorations, and of course, an amazing view. Check out our menu options. Want something a little more adventurous? We can arrange a guided hike or special program with a Park naturalist just for your group. You’ll find all the information about our group offerings by clicking here.Fall Memories WinnerCongratulations to Laurie Lane of Evans, GA. Laurie submitted her favorite fall memories of Chimney Rock Park and will receive a fun prize package from us. Here’s what she had to say: Being a Georgia native, I have been coming to Hickory Nut Gorge, Bat Cave and Chimney Rock Park for 47 years, and I am 47! My parents honeymooned at the Falls Motel in Chimney Rock in 1949, and returned each fall and spring to the beloved mountains of Hickory Nut Gorge, taking their 3 children, sharing with them a love of the mountains and especially the beautiful autumn leaves. I grew up in those beloved mountains and they became a second home. When I married, my husband and I honeymooned at Esmeralda Inn and the most special place we discovered was Inspiration Point in mid-October. We've continued the autumn trek tradition almost every year....we actually become depressed when we leave our mountains behind. But, as the circle goes, when I retire in two years, we will once again travel to our beloved mountains, this time to stay, in our dream cabin...and it can't come soon enough!Holiday Happenings in the Gorge
And finally...We’ve extended our Annual Photo Contest, so you still have time to submit your photos and win a weekend for two in the Hickory Nut Gorge, or another fabulous prize. 'Til next month, live it up!
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Chimney Rock Park | Highway 64/74A |
PO Box 39 | Chimney Rock, NC 28720 1-800-277-9611 | visit@chimneyrockpark.com |
