The Great Woodland Adventure
This hike is sure to engage even the youngest of campers. This .6-mile loop trail has discovery stations with wonderful woodland sculptures that both kids and kids-at-heart love. Don’t worry if we don’t encounter many animals along the way, you’ll end at our Animal Discovery Den where you can meet our live animal educators in their homes.

Hickory Nut Falls Frolic
There’s no question why this beautiful trail is the Park’s most popular throughout the year. During the journey, your guide will point out plants, trees and rock features that make Chimney Rock so unique. Of course, the hike itself is worth it, but there’s nothing like arriving at the base of one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi to complete the experience.

Outcroppings Climb
Chimney Rock is famous for our elevated stairs and breathtaking views. The best place to experience this is on the Outcroppings Trail. Join your guide to climb almost 500 stairs until you reach the Chimney. Don’t worry about getting out of breath, there are many places we stop along the way to look and learn more about this incredible mountain.

Skyline Excursion
Are you ready for an adventure? Explore the Park’s ridgetop forest on the Skyline Trail. This guided hike will lead you to the upper vistas of the Park and eventually across the headwaters of Hickory Nut Falls. This 2.2-mile round-trip trek offers an extended experience for those campers really looking to explore. 

Four Seasons Trek

This trail is perfect for older campers who want to be immersed in the woods. Hiking up in a dense forest understory with a towering canopy, this journey is shady all summer long. Campers will notice some of the magic nature brings to our world. Want more? The Four Seasons trail meets with the Hickory Nut Falls trail to add to your adventure.

Threats and Thorns
Why does poison ivy make you itch? What makes black widows venomous? Plants and animals have awesome adaptations that help them survive. This program will focus on those adaptations that could be harmful to people. Campers will learn why dangerous characteristics exist, how to identify them and what to do in case of an emergency.

Rockin’ Reptiles and Epic Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians are often confused for one another, but the differences between these two groups of mysterious animals are vast and intriguing. Your student group will join our team to investigate these fascinating creatures.

Animals of Appalachia
Chimney Rock’s most popular program is a great way to learn more about what roams our woods. From salamanders hiding in the crevices of the rocks to Peregrine falcons soaring in the sky above, there’s plenty to talk about. Bring your campers to find out more about what creatures call Chimney Rock home and even meet a few special animal ambassadors up close!

Tracks and Traces
Animals leave many clues behind that we often overlook. Join our naturalists to discover more about how bones, fur, scat, rubbings and other subtle clues can identify what animals have crossed right by where you are standing. This interactive program also includes a short walk so campers can put their detective skills to the test.

Survival Skills

Have you ever wanted to put your inner-survivalist to the test? This program will engage participants by showing them how to handle the “what-ifs” in the outdoors. Learn what you should pack with you when you go adventuring and what mother nature provides to aid in your survival. Build your confidence and comfort level as you practice important skills.