2023 Events
September
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Wednesday, September 6
Meet a Ranger at the Old Rock Café as we clean up trash and debris along the Rocky Broad River. Prepare to get wet. Gloves and trash bags provided. No registration required.
Wednesday, September 13
Meet a Ranger at the Rumbling Bald Climbing access as we hack trough some invasive plants that threaten the biodiversity of the gorge. Tools provided. Wear sturdy boots, bring gloves, and water. No registration required.
Note: This event takes place at the Rumbling Bald park access.
Saturday, September 16 - Sunday, September 17
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. Plus, pack your tent for a chance to sleep under the stars.
Registration closes September 5 and is limited to 150 scouts. The $30 deposit per troop is non-refundable.
Wednesday, September 20
Meet a Ranger at the Eagle Rock Access as we move some dirt on the Weed Patch Mountain Trial. Tools provided. Wear sturdy boots, bring gloves, and water. No registration required.
Note: This event takes place in the Eagle Rock park access.
Friday, September 22
Enjoy the quiet of the Park after the gates have closed at this outdoor class led by Namaste in Nature. Enjoy a practice suitable for all levels of expertise as you overlook Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. You won’t find a view like this in any studio!
Saturday, September 23
To honor and celebrate the rich history of environmental stewardship at Chimney
Rock State Park, join us for an after hours sunset hike to the top of the Chimney
with one of the original stewards of the park. Along the way, we will place the
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail marker on this newly designated trail.
Note: This trail is considered difficult.
Saturday, September 23
Join us in a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and honor our volunteers. After the toast, stick around for a campfire with s’mores and ghost stories! No registration required.
Wednesday, September 27
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 23rd.
Saturday, September 30
Calling all early birds! Rise and shine and hit the trails before Flock to the Rock begins for the best chance to spot more of our feathered friends. 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 15th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might encounter during your hike.
Saturday, September 30
Break out the binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. Flock to the Rock was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! This event is held during fall migration for birds and monarch butterflies. As a spot on the NC Birding Trail and a Monarch Waystation, there’s no better place than Chimney Rock to experience these incredible natural phenomena. Bring the whole family for live raptor programs, bird and pollinator activities, intro to birding hikes, and the annual hawk watch from the Chimney. This year we’re celebrating 15 amazing years of Flock to the Rock!
Schedule of Events
10am – 3pm: Birding and Pollinator 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. Plus, meet a Chimney Rock Ranger and get an up-close look at some taxidermies.
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 – 11am: Chimney Rock’s Raptors (Live Bird Program)
Outcroppings Deck
Meet the Park’s five 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.
11 – 11:30am: Beginning Birding
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.
12 – 12:45pm: 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.
1 – 1:30pm: Beginning Birding
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.
2 – 2:45pm: 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 – 3:00pm: Beginning Birding
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.