From a press release:
Park in the Moonlight offers chance to see Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park after hours
Friends of Chimney Rock State Park to hold inaugural after-hours event at the Park
CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (February 16, 2015) — On Saturday, March 7, from 7-10 p.m., visitors to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park can view the Park after hours during Park in the Moonlight. A family-friendly nocturnal event, Park in the Moonlight is a fundraiser to benefit Friends of Chimney Rock State Park. The Friends organization supports Chimney Rock State Park projects, including State Parks’ efforts to reopen the portion of the popular Skyline trail that leads to the top of Hickory Nut Falls. The event will feature campfire stories by the Park’s superintendent, Creatures of the Night (a program by Chimney Rock Mgmt. naturalists), stargazing with the Asheville Astronomy Club and a hike to and from the top of the Chimney with State Park Rangers. The Outcroppings trail and the elevator will be open so everyone can experience the beauty of Chimney Rock under the stars.
Guests will be admitted by vehicle, and space is limited to the first 50 cars to pre-register. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will open its gates at 7pm to admit event-goers. Gates will remain open for 30 minutes, after which no admittance will be permitted. Activities and hiking will take place at the Chimney from 7:30-10pm. A minimum donation of $10 per car is suggested. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and bring a flashlight. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled. Call 800-277-9611 to pre-register.
About Friends of Chimney Rock State Park
Friends of Chimney Rock State Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to partner with the state park to sustain and cultivate the rich diversity of the Hickory Nut Gorge region for generations to share and enjoy. Its primary goal is to support the reopening of Chimney Rock’s Skyline trail, which leads to a view of the top of the Hickory Nut Falls. Membership to the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park is $35/year for an individual, $60/year for a family. Additional corporate and other sponsorship levels are also available. Visit friendsofchimneyrockstatepark.org for more information and to join.
About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international outdoor destination located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular travel destinations. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock can be accessed via a 491-step Outcroppings Trail or a 26-story elevator and offers guests 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Park features one of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut Falls, at 404 feet. Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the state’s most significant centers of biodiversity, is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species. The Rumbling Bald section of the greater State Park off of Boys Camp Road in Chimney Rock is the only other area of the Park that is currently open to the public. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Chimney Rock section of the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com.
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