Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

National Trails Day
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

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.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

Summer Animal Encounters
2026-07-01 00:00 - 2026-08-14 00:00, 2026-08-01 00:00 - 2026-08-14 00:00
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.

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.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

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.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

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.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

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.

World Water Monitoring Day
2026-09-18 11:00 - 14:00
Join us to learn about water monitoring and conservation efforts here in the Park. This naturalist-led exhibit at the base of Hickory Nut Falls will give you a chance to learn about the Hickory Nut Gorge watershed, and how to be better stewards of it!

Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
2026-09-19 07:30 - 10:00
You know what they say about early birds… but what about early birders? Hit the Park before gates open for the best birding environment of the day. This slow paced guided walk with a Naturalist is the perfect way to start your day.
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth (ages 5-15), $9 Annual Passholder.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

18th Annual Flock to the Rock
2026-09-19 10:00 - 15:00
Break out the 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! Bring the whole family for live raptor programs, birding activities, intro to birding hikes, and the annual hawk watch from the Chimney. This year we’re celebrating 18 amazing years of Flock to the Rock!

Schedule to follow.

Fall Homeschool Day
2026-09-23 09:30 - 12:30
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.

Cost: $14 Adults (Park admission), no charge for Adult Annual Passholder; $14 Youth (ages 5-15), $10 Youth Annual Passholder. Program details can be found online.

Fall Photo Contest: "Nature's Palette"
2026-10-15 - 2026-11-15
The trails come alive in fall as the trees transform into gorgeous hues visible throughout the Park. We can’t wait to see the photos you capture as you enjoy fall hiking in the Park. Enter your best shots to win prizes!
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 in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between October 15, 2025 – November 15, 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 (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, or email us at communications@chimneyrockpark.com.

National Trails State Day
2026-10-17 10:00 - 15:00
Join us to celebrate North Carolina, a.k.a. “The Great Trails State!” Chimney Rock offers six great trails for you to explore on this special day. We will also be hosting guided hikes with a Park Naturalist during the day. Schedule to follow.

Nature at Night Hike
2026-10-17 19:30 - 21:30
Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.
Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth (ages 5-15), $9 Annual Passholder.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

Naturalist Niche:Fall Color Hike
2026-10-24 09:00 - 12:00
Fall color is not only the reason people travel to WNC each year, it’s also one of the annual highlights for locals. Toward the end of the season Hickory Nut Gorge comes alive with gorgeous hues. Enjoy this opportunity to learn more about fall flora and fauna in the Park as you take in the beauty of the season.

Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth (ages 5-15), $9 Annual Passholder.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

Hike with a Naturalist
2026-11-02 11:00 - 2026-11-30 12:00
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Discover the fall flora and fauna of the Park while learning more about the history of this fascinating place.

Veterans Day Special: Free Admission for Veterans
2026-11-10 - 2026-11-12
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 10-12, 2026. Must present military ID or proof of service.

Cost: Free admission only for military members with ID, military family members will receive standard discount rates of $15 for adults and $7 for youth ages 5-15.

Naturalist Niche: Forest Bathing
2026-11-14 09:00 - 11:00
Take a break from the ordinary and join us for a mindfulness hike. Forest Bathing is a practice that invites you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of nature. This gentle, sensory experience encourages you to slow down, be present, and enjoy a moment of quiet before the holiday season.

Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Adult, $11 Annual Passholder, $15 Youth (ages 5-15), $9 Youth Annual Passholder.

Purchase Event Tickets Here

Passholder Experience: Wildlife Wisdom
2026-11-18 09:00 - 11:00
What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Learn more about the habits of your wildlife neighbors and discover effective ways to ensure they remain wild and healthy within their natural habitat. Whooo knows, our wild neighbors may share some special wisdom with us as well.

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

Purchase Event Tickets Here

Thanksgiving Weekend Animal Encounters
2026-11-27 14:00 - 2026-11-29 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. Shake off that turkey coma and get some fresh air on the Outcroppings Deck at 2pm.

29th Annual Santa on the Chimney
2026-12-05 11:00 - 14:00
Santa has a big job climbing down all the chimneys in the world on Christmas Eve. But where better to practice than one of the world’s largest natural chimneys? Come cheer Santa on as he rappels down the 315-foot Chimney Rock with help from our friends at Fox Mountain Guides. Attendees can watch Santa rappel, pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, hike with an elf, make holiday crafts, listen to live music, meet some of our live animal ambassadors, and more.
