Think outside the studio and enjoy the quiet of the Park after the gates have closed with this yoga practice for all levels of expertise. The mountains are said to be a natural vortex of spiritual energy, which makes Chimney Rock an ideal setting for connecting your spirit with nature at this outdoor class overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. 

The early bird gets the worm! Or in this case, the early bird gets the chance to spot more of our feathered friends before the excitement of Flock to the Rock. The early bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of native and migrating birds. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to the our 14th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might encounter during your hike. 

Grab your binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! Live bird demos, guided walks, activities for kids and our annual hawk watch are just a few of the reasons this event is perfect for the whole family.

Check out the full schedule below.

Flock to the Rock 2022 Schedule of Events

Saturday September 17th 

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin 

10am – 10:30am Who gives a Hoot (live bird program)

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding 

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney 

12pm – 12:45pm  Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding 

2pm – 2:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

Sunday September 18th

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin 

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding 

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

11:30am – 12:00pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding 

2pm – 2:30pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

*pre-registered event

Live music returns to the Old Rock Cafe with our new music series: Playing for our Partners. Come enjoy an evening of good food and good music on the deck overlooking the Rocky Broad River and support a good cause, too. A percentage of proceeds from each event in the series will benefit one of our local non-profit partners. The September event will feature musician Mike Pauer and support Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.

*This event is at the Old Rock Cafe, not inside the Park*

Imagine watching the sunrise over Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge with a warm cup of coffee in hand. Our annual passholders enjoy early access to the Park at this exclusive event. Savor your delicious breakfast prepared by the Old Rock Café and hit the trails after sunrise to take advantage of the quiet before the Park opens.

Join a Park naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls trail, and watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness. Do you know whether that’s a frog or a toad calling from the undergrowth? What birds and mammals prefer the dark to the daylight? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.

Chimney Rock’s Fall Homeschool Day is the perfect chance to get your students outside in the gorgeous fall weather. Hands-on seasonal programs will engage your students and inspire their interest in the outdoors. After lunch, plan to stick around and enjoy what the Park has to offer as the seasons change.

Registration closes September 23, 2022.