September

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Sunday, September 15

Do you love fishing? Are you new to it or curious about learning how? Come fishing with Chimney Rock Park Rangers on Lake Lure at Morse Park and learn how to tie knots, cast, and start fishing. Please note that we are limited to loaner 20 poles. Feel free to bring your own tackle and poles as long as it is in good working order.

Meet at Morse Park in Lake Lure. Parking available at the Lake Lure Marina and public parking in Lake Lure. Admission to the Chimney Rock State Park is not required for this event.

Register by emailing Ranger Townsend at [email protected] or call the park office at 828-625-1823.

Saturday, September 21

Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Time: 7:30 am - 10:00 am
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Adult Annual Passholder, $15 Youth, $9 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance registration required.

You know what they say about early birds… but what about early birders? Hit the park before the gates open for the best birding environment of the day. This slow-paced guided walk with a naturalist is the perfect way to kick off Flock to the Rock and start a great weekend of bird activities.

Saturday, September 21

16th Annual Flock to the Rock
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: Included with Park admission.

Break out the binoculars! Our annual feathered frenzy returns. Join us for a day in the park celebrating fall bird and butterfly migration with bird and pollinator family activities, live on-the-glove raptor demonstrations, beginner bird walks, the hawk watch, and more! This is our biggest birding event of the year and whether you’re a lifelong birder or just bird-curious, you won’t want to miss it. 

 

Activity Schedule

 

10am–3pm | Birding and Monarch Activities

Top Parking Lot

Measure your wingspan against some of our local raptors, get creative with a bird-themed craft, and learn about the magic of monarch migration with these family-friendly activities throughout the day.

 

10am–3pm | Hawk Watch

Top of the Chimney

Join us to see how many raptors you can spot over Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains.

 

10–10:30am | Chimney Rock Raptors (Live Bird Program)

Outcroppings Deck

Meet the Park’s feathered ambassadors and learn about the vital role raptors play in the ecosystem. Plus, find out which of them might be hanging out in your backyard.

 

11am–12pm | Beginning Birding Guided Hike

Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts

This family-friendly bird walk led by a naturalist is the perfect way to get everyone outdoors, no matter your birding experience level.

 

11:30am–12:15pm | Birds of Prey (Live Bird Program)

Outcroppings Deck

Meet raptors of all shapes and sizes in this program presented by Wings to S.O.A.R, a non-profit that cares for non-releasable birds of prey.

 

1–2pm | Beginning Birding Guided Hike

Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts

This family-friendly bird walk led by a naturalist is the perfect way to get everyone outdoors, no matter your birding experience level.

 

1–1:45pm | Birds of Prey (Live Bird Program)

Outcroppings Deck

Meet raptors of all shapes and sizes in this program presented by Wings to S.O.A.R, a non-profit that cares for non-releasable birds of prey.

 

2:30–3pm | Owls of Chimney Rock (Live Bird Program)

Outcroppings Deck

Get up close with native owl species and discover their unique behaviors and habitats. Learn about the essential roles these nocturnal birds play in our ecosystem.

Thursday, September 26

Fall Homeschool Day *RESCHEDULED*
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm, afternoon options begin at 1:30pm
Cost: $14 Adult (Park admission), no charge for Adult Annual Passholders; $16 Youth (ages 5-15), $10 Youth Annual Passholder. Advance registration required.

Note: Due to inclement weather, this event has been rescheduled to Thursday, Sept. 26.

There’s nothing like fall at Chimney Rock. Bring your homeschool students to the park and enjoy a day of learning, exploration, and fantastic fall weather. Hands-on programs will keep your students moving and learning more about our natural world. Stick around after lunch and explore the park with your family! Click to see the fall 2024 itinerary.

Saturday, September 28 - Sunday, September 29

Fall Girl Scout Day and Campout *RESCHEDULED*
Time: 9:30am Saturday- 9am Sunday
Cost: $19 Scout, $14 Adult, $6 additional youth. Camping is $10 per person.

This event is rescheduled to November 16th and 17th.

Nothing says fall like camping out under the stars at Chimney Rock. Join us for a weekend of hands-on programs and activities that will get your scouts outdoors and engaging with the natural world. Explore the park in the afternoon, and then pitch a tent in the Meadows for our optional campout. Registration is limited to 150 scouts and closes on September 20. One reservation per Girl Scout Troop at $30 to reserve. Troop leaders are asked to provide an estimated number in attendance. Invoices will go out on September 20.

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