Chimney Rock Events for August 2012
“Free Hike Fridays,” Guided: Hickory Nut Falls
Dates:
Aug 3rd, Aug 10th, Aug 17th, Aug 24th, Aug 31st
Time:
11am-12:30pm
Cost:
No additional cost with paid Park admission
Join us for a free guided hike out to the tallest waterfall on the east coast—Hickory Nut Falls—at an incredible 404 feet. While many recognize the falls from the movie The Last of the Mohicans, our trail guide will share with you lesser-known facts about the plant and animal found along the trail during summer, in addition to some interesting Park history. No signup necessary. Meet our trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 11am.
“Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Big Basswood Adventure
Dates:
Aug 11th
Time:
11am-1pm
Cost:
$19 for Adults, $3 for Annual Passholders, $10 for Youth (ages 6-15), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes Park admission for the day)
Up and down a bit of slope, between a few boulders and shrubs and weaving beneath tall trees, hikers will be led into a hidden cove where the state’s largest basswood tree lives. Several other large trees are its neighbors, and wildflowers carpet the forest floor. This is a 2-hour+ moderately-strenuous hike.
Click here to register online.
Music on the Mountain concert series

Dates:
Aug 12th
Time:
3:30-7:30pm
Cost:
TBD
Back by popular demand! Up to three local/regional bands, featuring headliner Balsam Range (from Haywood County) and The Harris Brothers, will perform at a new intimate amphitheater in the Meadows. Enjoy an outdoor concert in the Park flanked by towering rock cliffs and the iconic Chimney Rock. Check back for more information and pre-sale tickets.
The Buzz on Bees
Dates:
Aug 18th
Time:
11am-3pm
Cost:
No additional cost with paid Park admission.
Ages:
All ages
Did you know more than one-third of the world’s food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honey bees for pollination? Even your home garden and flowers wouldn’t survive without them! Come join us to observe enclosed live bee hives, chat with local beekeeping experts, learn about the basics of beekeeping and honey production and bring home local honey and beeswax products. Kids can enjoy “busy bee” crafts and activities, and a costume prize is awarded to the “best dressed” bee. Learn more about how our survival depends on honey bees, why they are disappearing and what you can do to help!
8th Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad
Dates:
Aug 24th – Aug 26th
Time:
Event times vary
This three-day sport and community festival features dozens of events and activities for people of all athletic abilities. The festival kicks off with a golf tournament, beach BBQ, free water ski show, ice cream sundaes and fireworks show! For the hardcore athlete, there’s the sprint triathlon, junior Olympiad, Race to the Rock (see below) and 10K Dam run. Or challenge yourself to the 3 Races in 3 Days. There’s also a tennis tournament, dragon boat races, corn hold toss, family games and more! You’ll find plenty to do for families, non-athletes and kids. Visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com for more information.
6th Annual Race to the Rock (5K run or 25-mile bike)
Dates:
Aug 26th
Time:
Registration at 6:30am, Cyclists at 7:30am, Runners at 7:45am
Cost:
Run: $25 if registered by July 25; $35 after July 25. Bike: $30 if registered by July 25; $40 after July 25.
Take the challenge! The Park’s winding entrance road climbs an average of 7-9%, but the breathtaking 75-mile views of Lake Lure at the finish line are worth the effort. It’s the ONLY TIME you can run or bike up the Park road. Part of the 8th Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, medals are awarded in age groups. Visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com for more info and to register.
NOTE: Delayed Park opening on 8/26. Due to the race, Chimney Rock will open to the public at 10 a.m. Race spectators may enter the Park with free admission prior to 7:30 a.m., but they must stay at the Meadows, picnic areas or finish line during the race until the road is clear of racers.
Planning to stay overnight during the weekend? Check out these special discounts on area accommodations!
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