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Chimney Rock Park:
Drive a little, Do a lot
 It was really no surprise to Chimney Rock Park when USA Today recently
reported that the record price of gasoline won't slow vacation travel this year.
That's because the Park, a 1,000-acre haven of nature and wildlife, located in
the mountains of Western North Carolina, is a long-time popular scenic
destination, especially with RV travelers.
Less than 25 miles southeast of
Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Park is a 103 year-old family-owned
attraction of well-maintained hiking trails, stunning panoramic views, quiet
picnic areas, unique shopping and casual dining.
"The Park has long been a
favorite stop for our RVers," said C.J. Sands, owner of the River Creek
Campground, just 10 miles east of the Park. "because it has a lot to offer folks
of all ages and abilities."
For sightseers, what could be better than 75-mile
views from several great vantage points? You can take the speedy ride up to the
top on the Park's 26-story elevator or hike your way through any of the six
trails that range from easy to strenuous.
"You can just stroll along and take
it all in at your own pace or challenge yourself to a great workout," said Mary
Jaeger-Gale, VP of Marketing.
The young and young at heart have lots of
options, two of which are: the Great Woodland Adventure Trail is an interactive
nature experience featuring life-size animal sculptures made in North Carolina;
and the Skyline-Cliff Loop Trail provides a moderate to strenuous workout with
great lookout points to the top of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. The falls
were made famous in the 1992 epic drama, The Last of the Mohicans. Hikers can
walk the same trails that Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe traveled during
filming.
Thrill seekers can test their mettle with a 32-foot climbing tower.
And for rock hounds, there are many extraordinary geological formations,
starting with the magnificent Chimney Rock itself.
For bird watchers, the
Park attracts more than 100 species of birds, including resident and migratory
songbirds and birds of prey, like the resident peregrine falcons.
For a
sheer scenic wonder from a unique vantage point, check out the Hickory Nut Falls
trail, a 25-minute walk along an old jeep route that leads to the bottom of the
waterfall. The Sky Lounge is a good stop for getting a hiker's lunch, to grab a
slice of pizza, some snacks or an ice cream treat. John Mason, the resident
hammered dulcimer player, is often there. His melodic tunes and great stories
about the region add to the charm of a day in the Park.
Chimney Rock Village
features good food and a good deal of the Park's history through old photographs
and memorabilia. The outdoor deck, looks out at the Rocky Broad River and
Chimney Rock Park up above.
Within a 250-mile radius of Chimney Rock Park
are the population hubs of Columbia, Greenville and Spartanburg in South
Carolina; Atlanta; Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C.; and Knoxville and
Chattanooga in Tennessee. For much of the Southeast, a drive to Chimney Rock
Park is an easy drive of a few hours. The Park is a family-owned, natural scenic
attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, on Highway 64/74-A in
Chimney Rock, N.C. It receives no government or outside funding. The Ticket
Plaza opens daily at 8:30 am. Regular admission is $14 for adults and $6 for
youth 6-15. Kids under six are free. Annual Passes are $25 for adults and $10
for youth and are good for unlimited Park visits. Annual passholders receive
quarterly event updates and discounts on workshops, the climbing tower, food and
gifts in the Park and at the Old Rock Café, and at other area
attractions.
For info or a schedule of 2005 events, call 828-625-9611 or
800-277-9611, or visit www.chimneyrockpark.com.
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