Winter Photo Contest: "Winter Wanderers"
2026-01-01 - 2026-02-28
This winter, take and send us your best and most creative shots of the Park for a chance to win complimentary Park access and bragging rights all year long. Each season offers something uniquely beautiful, and we cannot wait to see the photos you snap!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES
1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park.
2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park.
3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes to Chimney Rock State Park.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2026 – February 28, 2026.
The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:

E-mail: You may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to communications@chimneyrockpark.com.
Facebook: Send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Winners will be chosen by a team of Chimney Rock staff. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, email us at communications@chimneyrockpark.com.

First Day Hike
2026-01-01 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York)
Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike, or bike ride up the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants!
Cost: Free. Meet at the Park’s temporary bridge at 8am. Registration is not required.

Winter Break Animal Encounters
2026-01-01 14:00 - 2026-01-04 14:30
Join a Park Naturalist this winter and meet some of our “Wilder Teammates.” Our live Animal Ambassadors help bring the season to life while teaching about local wildlife and how they survive and adapt during the chillier months. Get some fresh air and meet us on the Outcroppings Deck daily at 2pm.
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Passholder Experience: Behind the Elevator
2026-01-22 09:00 - 11:00
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Chimney Rock’s iconic elevator? Join a staff expert on this exclusive tour of the mechanics and history of this NC landmark. The tour will include areas crucial to elevator operation that have never been open to the public. *This event is exclusive to Annual Passholders*

Cost: $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

21st Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
2026-02-02 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for one of our favorite days of the year! Chimney Rock’s hardworking woodchuck will make a prediction not only about how much more winter we will have, but who will be the Super Bowl winner.
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Naturalist Niche: Winter Birds
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:00
Discover the quiet magic of winter at Chimney Rock. Join a local Naturalist and learn about what makes winter unique here at the Rock, and what our local birds are up to this time of year. Spend the morning enjoying the calm of Hickory Nut Gorge in February.
Cost: Includes Park Admission: $25 Adult, $11 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth (ages 5-15), $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Hike With a Naturalist
2026-03-02 11:00 - 2026-03-30 12:00
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well.
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Winter Homeschool Day
2026-03-11 10:00 - 12:00
It might be cold outside, but we are always ready for a day of learning and adventure! Experience the Park during our quieter months on Chimney Rock’s Winter Homeschool Day. Morning programs seasonally focused on winter in the natural world are designed to engage students through a variety of topics and hands-on learning. Plus, plan to stay after lunch and explore the Park at your own pace.
Cost: $14 Adults (Park admission), no charge for Adult Annual Passholder; $16 Youth (ages 5-15)

Naturalist Niche: Spring Ephemerals
2026-03-21 09:00 - 11:00
Experience Hickory Nut Gorge coming alive with early spring wildflowers on this moderate hike. The route follows the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and continues down the Four Seasons Trail, where you’ll learn to identify some of the season’s most stunning blooms. Transportation back to the top lot is included.

Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Spring Photo Contest: "Wilderness in Bloom"
2026-04-01 - 2026-05-31
Grab your camera and explore the Park, capturing budding wildflowers, busy birds, and anything else you encounter. Don’t be shy – you may even win a prize!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES
1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park.
2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park.
3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park.

CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between April 1, 2026– May 31, 2026.
The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:

E-mail: Email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to communications@chimneyrockpark.com.
Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Winners will be chosen by a team of Chimney Rock staff. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at communications@chimneyrockpark.com.

70th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
2026-04-05 05:30 - 07:15
Celebrate the glory of Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s nondenominational Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in Western North Carolina. The event is free but reservations are required.
Schedule of Events:
5:30-6:15 am – Gate open for visitors with a reserved parking pass
6:15 am – Gate closes for admittance
6:45-7:15 am – Easter Sunrise Service

Please Note: The parking is limited, so attendees will be required to reserve a parking pass in advance in order to attend the service. The parking pass is complimentary and will be available on our website starting on January 15, 2026. Carpooling is recommended. Vehicles can be no larger than a 16-passenger van. **Registration is per vehicle — not per person.

Naturalist Niche: Signs of Spring
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00
From emerging wildflowers and blooming trees to the calls of returning birds and frogs, spring has so much to offer. Join a naturalist on a moderate hike to discover the often-overlooked “Signs of Spring.”

Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Spring Homeschool Day
2026-05-06 09:30 - 12:30
Chimney Rock’s Spring Homeschool Day is the perfect way to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the beauty of the season! Join our team for hands-on programs created to engage your student’s interest in the natural world. After morning activities conclude, hang out for an afternoon in the Park with plenty of ways to expand your experience.

Cost: $14 Adults (Park admission), no charge for Adult Annual Passholder; $14 Youth (ages 5-15), $8 Youth Annual Passholder.

Naturalist Niche: Spring Birding
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00
Enjoy an intimate spring birding walk led by a local bird expert and soak in the beauty of the park during this lively season. Discover our year-round resident birds and the migratory species that visit as the weather warms.

Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Passholder Experience: Birding by Ear
2026-05-27 08:00 - 10:00
Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify the songs in nature’s symphony? Join us for a moderate hike during which you will learn the sounds of some of the birds who call the Park home this time of year.
Cost: $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Summer Animal Encounters
2026-06-01 14:00 - 2026-08-14 14:30
Join a Park Naturalist and meet some of our “Wilder Teammates.” Our live Animal Ambassadors are amazing educators, and they love to help teach about the types of wildlife in the area and their roles in the ecosystem. Join us for some fun in the sun every weekday at 2pm on the Outcroppings Deck.

National Trails Day
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:00
Hit the trails and celebrate this national holiday! Join naturalists throughout the day to learn more about the park’s history, flora, and fauna.

Cost: Included with Park admission.

Naturalist Niche: Geology of the Gorge
2026-06-13 09:00 - 23:00
Join local experts on a guided hike to discover the geologic history of the Rock. This “gneiss” opportunity invites you to explore the unique geology of Chimney Rock State Park and the Hickory Nut Gorge.

Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

National Get Outdoors Day
2026-06-13 10:00 - 15:00
This national holiday celebrates our favorite thing to do… get outdoors! Look for our discovery stations as you hike and learn some cool trail information and history from our naturalists.

Juneteenth
2026-06-19
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth! Join a Park Ranger to learn more about this holiday, and make a craft.

Nature at Night Hike
2026-06-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-08-22 19:30 - 21:30
Do you ever wonder what goes on in the Park after dark? Join a naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and learn who comes out when the sun goes down. This unique hike is the perfect time to learn about some of the Park’s rarely-seen residents
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Summer Photo Contest: "Summer Fun in the Sun"
2026-07-01 - 2026-08-31
Summer is our busiest hiking season of the year for, it’s the perfect time to explore and capture the scenery. Share your best summer trail photos—you could win a prize!
GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES
1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park.
2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive one annual pass to Chimney Rock State Park.
3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes to Chimney Rock State Park.
CONTEST RULES:

There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between June 27, 2025 – September 22, 2025.
The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:

E-mail: You may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to communications@chimneyrockpark.com.
Facebook: Send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.

Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
Winners will be chosen by a team of Chimney Rock staff. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, email us at communications@chimneyrockpark.com.

Naturalist Niche: History of Chimney Rock
2026-07-11 09:00 - 11:00
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, and 110 years of Chimney Rock by joining us on this special hike to learn more about the Park’s unique history!
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

What a Ranger Does Storywalk®
2026-07-25 - 2026-08-01
Come celebrate “World Ranger Day” as you take a walk and read “What a Park Ranger Does” written by Joseph Hiatt, a former Chimney Rock State Park Ranger. Begin at the Great Woodland Adventure Trailhead and follow the pages as you explore the trail!
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier Vermont. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

World Ranger Day
2026-07-31 10:00 - 12:00
Join us as we celebrate World Ranger Day! Our Park Rangers work hard to keep our parks and public lands open,safe,and accessible for all. Did you know that many rangers are also firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and more? Meet a Park Ranger and learn about the many hats a Park Ranger wears.

Cost: Included with Park admission.

Naturalist Niche: Marvelous Mycology
2026-08-15 09:00 - 12:00
Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock are home to many species of fabulous fungi. Whether you’re a mycology expert or a casual observer of these mysterious mushrooms, there’s a lot to learn on this guided hike with a naturalist as you investigate some terrific toadstools!

Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Race to the Rock
2026-08-16 07:00 - 10:00
Are you up for the challenge? The final event of the Lake Lure Olympiad takes place right here in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. Run or jog up the 3.2-mile park road and be rewarded with a stunning view of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge foothills.

More information and registration at lakelureolympiad.org

Passholder Experience: Smartphone Photography Class
2026-08-19 09:00 - 11:00
Learn how to utilize your phone to take pictures of the Park’s beautiful scenery. You will learn the fundamentals of photography, and gain an eye for the “perfect shot.” Photographers at any level are welcome to join, we look forward to seeing what you capture!
Cost: $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Fall Girl Scout Day & Campout
2026-09-12 09:30 - 2026-09-13 13:30
Nothing says fall like a weekend at Chimney Rock. Round up your troop for a chance to meet new friends, explore the Park and learn more about the world around us through hands-on programs for all ages. Want to stay longer? Pack your tent for the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars.

Cost: $19 per scout, $14 per adult, $6 additional youth. Camping is $10 per person. Specific details on program and afternoon activities TBD.

Registration closes September 4th and is limited to 150 scouts.
