From Chimney Rock Park:
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (March 29, 2013)— Get in touch with your wild side by escaping to this family-friendly vacation spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll have a chance to explore a variety of outdoor adventures at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, from scenic hiking to free family nature programs with live critters on April 1-5. See spring’s first wildflowers blooming, enjoy an ice cream cone on the Sky Lounge patio and savor the stunning 75-mile views from the Chimney overlooking Lake Lure. Programs are no additional cost with paid Park admission, which is $12 adult, $6 youth (ages 5-15) and free for kids under 5.
Wild Critter Nature Programs. Wondering what the wild critters that roam our forests are up to these first few weeks of spring? They’re certainly not on “break!” Meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s woodland friends daily at 2-2:30 p.m. on April 1-5 to discover what they’re doing to get ready for a busy season. The 30-minute nature programs on wildlife are great for kids and families. Meet a Park naturalist at the new Outdoor Classroom by the pavilion at 2pm. In case of rain, programs will be moved indoors to the Classroom on the Meadows.
Afterward, meet more of Grady’s friends at the Animal Discovery Den on the Meadows. Then take a stroll along the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about these interesting critters at 13 interactive discovery stations.
What’s Blooming Now. Chimney Rock typically features an abundance of spectacular wildflowers in spring and fall with more than 550 species of vascular plants. Currently in bloom are the cut-leaf toothwort, bloodroot and Little Sweet Betsy Trillium at lower elevations in the Park. Phacelia, violets, redbud, spicebush and more trillium often appear in early April. Typical flowering trees and shrubs include magnolias, black locust, dogwood, and later in April, Carolina rhododendron. For more details on guided wildflower walks and the latest report on what’s blooming, visit chimneyrockpark.com or Chimney Rock’s Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/ChimneyRockParkNC.
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has been one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years. Beyond its stunning 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, Chimney Rock offers scenic hiking, rock climbing, animal habitats and educational events year-round. The Park’s 404-foot waterfall was featured in The Last of the Mohicans’ final 17 minutes. Chimney Rock is located only 40 minutes southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. Call (800) 277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.
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