There's really nothing we love more than hearing about our guests' adventures at Chimney Rock. That's why we have a photo contest each year as well as our Share Your Favorite Moments campaign which encourages visitors to share their most special memories.

The third place winner of our 2009 photo contest was Scott Rigdon. Scott is a big fan of Chimney Rock and posted this blog entry about his win, his love for our Park, and most importantly, his love for his kids (and their dogs). Check it out.

WLOS, the ABC affiliate out of Asheville, recently featured a story on the impact of this winter's wild weather on Chimney Rock. Click here to watch the video.

And boy how the winter weather and its lingering issues has affected us. But, on the bright side, the elevator is up and running and while some trails remain closed for guest safety, we're at discounted rates of $9 for adults and $5 for kids. If you're planning a trip, it's probably best to call ahead for updated conditions at (828) 625-9611.

We're excited to announce the winners of our 2009 photo contest. Nearly 100 entries were received for the “Share Your Favorite Moments” themed contest.

“Our guests always surprise and delight us with their creative and fun photos making choosing the winners really tough,” said Meghan Rogers, public relations and events manager.

Click here to view all the winners and read about their favorite moments at Chimney Rock.

Recently, Jamarcus Gaston from WSPA's Scene on 7 featured Chimney Rock's ornithologist Simon Thompson in the "Cool Jobs Series." Check it out below.

Due to lingering snow and ice from recent storms and bitter cold temperatures, some of our trails may remain closed for guest safety. It's best to call ahead to check for current conditions. You can reach us at 828-625-9611 or visit@chimneyrockpark.com.

Recently Jamarcus Gaston from WSPA News Channel 7 featured our director of climbing, Tyler Parker, it his "cool jobs series" on the station's Scene on 7 show. Check out the video below.

With heavy hearts we announce that former Park owner, Lucius B. Morse III, has passed away in St. Louis.

Morse's great-uncle, Dr. Lucius B. Morse, founded Chimney Rock Park in 1902 with the support of his brothers Hiram and Asahel. The Park was family-owned until 2007 when it was acquired by the state of North Carolina as the focal point of the greater Chimney Rock State Park.

In the 1980s, Lu became involved in the management of Chimney Rock, and his son Todd served as president of the company until 2007.

Mary Jaeger-Gale, who worked with Lu in her early days at Chimney Rock, says, "Not only did Lu continue to carry out his family's dedication to providing access and enjoyment for guests to his beloved Chimney Rock, he also put a greater emphasis on the preservation of plants and wildlife in Hickory Nut Gorge. Due to his interest and enthusiasm for all things natural, he opened the Park to botany, geology and other natural science students and professors. Their findings among others provide visitors a better understanding of the rich natural diversity of the area."

With a passion for preserving park lands, Lu was a founding member of the Missouri State Park Foundation and served on the board of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, Mo. 63166; or to the Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, D.C. 20077.

Lu will be missed by all who knew him and share his love for this special place.

The trails out to the top of the waterfall REMAIN CLOSED for improvements, but the portion of the Skyline trail up to Exclamation Point, the highest lookout in the Park, has been reopened.

A rock slide on Interstate 40 near the North Carolina/Tennessee border has caused the interstate to be shut down in both directions. However, Chimney Rock and the Western North Carolina mountains remain accessible from the west via detours.

Express Route via Scenic Interstate Byway
The NC Department of Transportation advises I-40 travelers from the west to take I-81 north to Johnson City, then I-26 east to Asheville. The I-26 route adds roughly 50 minutes to the travel time and is one of the nation’s only interstate Scenic Byways. I-26 takes motorists through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering scenic observation points, a welcome center and stunning views of the highest peaks in the East.

Detour Option via Dixie Highway
Travelers coming from the west on I-40 may also take exit 432-B for US-25/US-70 toward Newport. After Newport, TN, 25/70 becomes the Dixie Highway. Follow signs to stay on 25/70. Shortly after entering North Carolina, you will pass through the town of Hot Springs. Continue until you reach I-26. Take I-26 east to get to Asheville. This route adds roughly 30 minutes to the travel time and is a beautiful scenic mountain highway. Passenger vehicles only are permitted on this road (i.e. motorcoaches, RVs or dual-axle vehicles) – it is not a commercial travel route. Please consider possible weather and traffic congestion issues on this winding two-lane road.

Click here for more information.

The Associated Press and ABC News recently including Chimney Rock's Hickory Nut Falls as one of the best places in North Carolina to see fall foliage and waterfalls. We're thrilled to be part of this list of beautiful places in Western North Carolina. Click here to check out the story.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park today announced that the portion of the Skyline trail up to Exclamation Point has been reopened. The trails out to the top of the waterfall still remain closed for improvements. The trail ascends from the Chimney approximately .7 mile past the Opera Box and Devil’s Head lookout points to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the Park at an elevation of 2,480 ft.

“We’re thrilled to bring guests back to Exclamation Point. This viewpoint offers simply spectacular panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and the walk along the trail to the summit offers guests an invigorating workout,” says Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock Management, LLC.

The project took approximately 11 months to complete and was a collaboration of state parks system staff, contractors, Chimney Rock Management, LLC trail staff, and a work crew with the Isothermal Youth Summer Work Project Planning Crew.

Improvements began by removing some boardwalks and stairways so that they could be replaced with more natural trail elements. Then, a retaining wall ranging in height from one to four feet was built and the trail was filled in with gravel. A new wood and cable fence was also installed along the trail and at Exclamation Point.

“The biggest challenge in a project of this scope is the location of trail work,” said Donnie Tessneer, trails supervisor for Chimney Rock. Work crews transported all construction materials, including more than 125 timbers and 25 tons of gravel, to the work site using motorized wheelbarrows and an off-road utility vehicle.

A master plan to guide long-term development at Chimney Rock State Park is being developed by the NC Division of Parks and Recreation and its planning consultant, Greenways Inc. That plan will assess the existing trails at Chimney Rock as part of a comprehensive trails system for the park.

Chimney Rock is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville in Hickory Nut Gorge on Highway 64/74-A. The Park is the focal point of the developing Chimney Rock State Park. Admission for 2009 is $14 for adults and $6 for youth ages six through 15. Children under six are admitted free. For a full list of events and activities, visit www.chimneyrockpark.com or call 800-277-9611.

Click here to see some pictures of the breathtaking views you'll see when you reach Exclamation Point.

Our former Naturalist Clint Calhoun recently captured a timber rattlesnake courtship dance. This ritual is rarely seen by humans. Many thanks to Clint for allowing us to share this video with you.

The above video was shot in the Hickory Nut Gorge area and shows two males competing for a nearby female. The males do not injure each other, rather continue to writhe around trying to dominate until one finally gives up.

Here's more information about timber rattlesnake young from the very knowledgeable folks at the St. Louis Zoo:

The female gives birth to live young in late summer or early fall. A litter may have anywhere from five to 14 snakelings, with eight being the average. Newborns are about 10 to 13 inches long, and are somewhat lighter in color than adults.

Babies are born with a single tiny rattle segment (called a button) on their tail. Each time the skin is shed, a new segment is added to the base of the tail. You'd think this means the rattle will grow longer and longer throughout a snake's lifetime. But no! As the rattle becomes longer, the end pieces become weak and break off.

Female timber rattlesnakes, and some other pit vipers, keep close watch over their young, a trait that's rather unusual among snakes. Female timber rattlers even lay scent trails to help their offspring find winter dens.

Source St. Louis Zoo website.

Our first Music on the Mountain event with the Rutherford County Arts Council, held Saturday, August 15, was a big success. The event featured Phil and Gaye Johnson and The Dowden Sisters. A big thanks to all of you who came out for the event. Check out the pictures below.

We're excited to be one of the North Carolina locations featured in National Geographic Traveler's "Family Vacation Planner." The magazine posted on its website the best places across the nation to take a family with children.

Here's how they describe the Family Vacation Planner: Spice up your family’s travels with this comprehensive collection of memorable local attractions from every state and the District of Columbia. These family-friendly sights and activities were chosen by National Geographic Traveler for their authenticity and lasting value. You’ll find entries grouped by states and by categories of interest—adventure, animals, culture, entertainment, history, nature, and science. Whether they’re in your own backyard or across the country, you’re sure to find a wealth of attractions—many of them free—that your whole family will enjoy.

Click here to see the Chimney Rock listing.

Jack Betts, an associate editor with the Charlotte Observer, recently named Chimney Rock as one of the "best places to stand in North Carolina." Click here to view the full list.

On Monday, July 13, the WOKR Antique Car Club visited Chimney Rock. Check out the slideshow of images below.

Budget Travel picked its favorite eight lake towns across the country and Lake Lure and Chimney Rock made the cut. Click here to check out the article. Be sure to click on the slide show for more pictures.

The Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop is currently closed while these improvements are made. We've begun work on the portion of the Skyline trail leading to Exclamation Point. Click here for more information and to see pictures of the project. Please note: At this time, just the portion of the trail leading to Exclamation Point is being worked on. The remainder of the Skyline-Cliff trail loop will be part of the state park's master plan for Chimney Rock State Park.

The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources has announced that Greenways, Inc. will develop the master plan for Chimney Rock State Park. Click here to read the press release.

Not to worry! You can still access our most popular features – 315’ Chimney Rock, 404’ Hickory Nut Falls and our 26-story elevator inside the mountain, as well as the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Moonshiner’s Cave.

All other trails remain open. From high atop the Chimney, take in 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Stroll along the Hickory Nut Falls trail winding through hardwood forest to the bottom of the waterfall – the most spectacular spot to view the dramatic drop. Often overlooked, the Four Seasons trail begins near the Meadows and takes you through beautiful deciduous forest and boulder fields up to the Hickory Nut Falls trail. Families won’t want to miss the Great Woodland Adventure trail, featuring 12 discovery stations that educate kids (and parents!) about the animals that call the Park home. Stop by Grady the Groundhog’s Discovery Den and pick up a Scavenger Hunt sheet. Admission is $14 for adults and $6 for kids ages 6-15.

This link to the NC Parks & Recreation website page will keep you updated on the status of our trail improvements. You can also share your comments here.

MORGANTON, NC – The ridge, summit and slopes of Cane Creek Mountain are now part of the developing Chimney Rock State Park thanks to two acquisitions totaling 330 acres secured by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina on behalf of the North Carolina state parks system.

Cane Creek Mountain extends the new state park northeast from “Worlds Edge” and offers outstanding views of Chimney Rock, the Pool Creek watershed and Lake Lure. The mountain is also part of the stunning view looking south from Lake Lure and east from Chimney Rock.

Foothills Conservancy negotiated the first purchase agreement a year-and-a-half ago with landowners Bob and Anne Washburn for a pristine 174-acre wilderness tract which was purchased by the state parks system in December. The purchase of 156 adjoining acres from John and Alan Moore was made by Foothills in February, using a loan from The Conservation Fund.

The state completed the acquisition of both tracts last week for addition to Chimney Rock State Park. Funding awards to state parks in 2007 and 2008 by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the N.C. Natural Heritage Trust Fund made the $6.5 million needed for the purchases possible.

“Lasting protection of Cane Creek Mountain represents another milestone in safeguarding the scenic views and nationally significant natural heritage of Hickory Nut Gorge,” said Tom Kenney, Foothills Conservancy’s land protection director. “We are very grateful for these landowners’ careful stewardship of the land over many years and their wishes to achieve conservation with these sales.”

The federally endangered White irisette plant and a number of other rare plants and animals find shelter on Cane Creek Mountain, part of a nationally significant natural area. The acquisition also protects a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Wildlife Action Plan priority habitat – forested rock outcrop complex.

Foothills Conservancy has worked closely in western Rutherford County with the state parks system and other conservation partners since 2004 to secure support for and create a new state park in the Hickory Nut Gorge by acquiring priority tracts, including Chimney Rock Park and Cane Creek Mountain.

“Our longstanding partnership with Foothills Conservancy has yielded many benefits both in the Hickory Nut Gorge and elsewhere in western North Carolina,” said Lewis Ledford, state parks director. “Targeted, high quality land acquisitions such as these result in very effective conservation as well as the creation of a world-class state park.”

To date, 4,320 acres have been set aside for the park, with acquisitions supported by the three state conservation trust funds, the N.C. General Assembly and private donors. Foothills Conservancy continues to work with the owners of other tracts that are strategic to this new park.

The only current public access is at Chimney Rock, the former 1,000-acre tourist destination. The state parks system is developing a master plan to guide long-term conservation efforts and development of facilities and access throughout the state park, and public input will be a part of that process.

Foothills Conservancy is a non-profit regional land trust working to protect significant natural areas and open spaces, including watersheds, farms and forests, along the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the Foothills in Rutherford, McDowell, Burke, Caldwell, Alexander, Catawba, Lincoln and Cleveland counties. Find more information about Foothills Conservancy on the web at www.foothillsconservancy.org or by calling 828-437-9930. Foothills Conservancy is also a participant in “Blue Ridge Forever,” a campaign to protect 50,000 acres in the Southern Blue Ridge by 2010.

In a recent survey of Southern Living Magazine readers from Delaware to Texas, Chimney Rock was named number three for best scenic views.

Click here to view other winners. Thanks Southern Living readers!

We're excited to be on this very exclusive top ten list from USA Today! Check out the complete article here.

Chimney Rock was recently featured on the Our State program on UNC- TV. To view the segment, click here.

If you enter Chimney Rock after 4pm, your ticket is good for the next day too! Just hold on to your ticket reciept and present it at the Ticket Plaza.