From press release:
Blue Ridge Country magazine readers vote Chimney Rock best of the Southeast mountain region in seven top categories, including hiking and scenic views
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (June 25, 2013)—Chimney Rock won the platinum award for Favorite State Park in Blue Ridge Country’s 2013 Best of the Mountains poll, which covers seven southern states in the Appalachian Mountains. Readers awarded the park three more platinum honors for Best Hike to Take the Dog Along, Best Birding Area and Best Beautiful Fall Foliage Spot. Chimney Rock was also awarded three golds for Best Hiking Trail (non-AT), Best Scenic Photo Opportunity and Best Waterfall.
Chimney Rock is perhaps best known for its 75-mile panoramic views from atop a 535-million-year-old rock monolith, conveniently accessed via an elevator inside the mountain. This family-friendly outdoor destination has an abundance of scenic hiking, guided rock climbing, nature education programs and adventures worthy of summer vacations that attract visitors from around the world. Chimney Rock’s inspiring mountain scenery was featured in The Last of the Mohicans. Kids love Grady the Groundhog’s Animal Discovery Den and the Great Woodland Adventure trail, with its 13 interactive discovery stations. In fall 2012, Budget Travel featured Chimney Rock on its cover, stating “America the Beautiful: Why leave home when home looks like this?”
For upcoming live music, guided hikes and signature events, visit Chimney Rock’s online events calendar.
“Chimney Rock has a lot of longtime, passionate fans and friends that eagerly shared their feelings to help earn these impressive honors. These awards are really about our fans throughout the country and their love and support for this beautiful mountain paradise in Western North Carolina,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, Chimney Rock’s general manager.
Held only every five years, the Best of the Mountains poll features a variety of reader-selected awards, from best waterfall to best southern cooking. Ballots produced almost 250 platinum, gold and silver awards for cities, attractions, people and activities in the Blue Ridge Mountain region. Winners can be found in Blue Ridge Country’s online 25th anniversary edition.
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