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Chimney Rock’s dramatic mountain scenery draws hundreds of thousands of hikers and sightseers from around the world every year, but far fewer have experienced the thrill of rock climbing hundreds of feet above Hickory Nut Gorge on these majestic rock cliffs. Climbin’ the Chimney on March 2 is an opportunity to get elevated in a new way—on a rope. From 11am-3pm, get climbing at Chimney Rock with the Southeast’s leader in climbing education, Fox Mountain Guides.
For beginners, climb on Vista Rock and rappel off a rock slab, or for experienced climbers, test your skills on two difficult routes up the iconic Chimney. Two to four climbs and rappels are offered for only $20 plus Park admission. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson County. Get more details at chimneyrockpark.com.
“In so many ways this event will help hundreds of children in our community reach new heights,” said Scottie Parks, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson County.
“Chimney Rock and Rumbling Bald offer excellent climbing and rappelling, some of the best in the Southeast. You can’t find this kind of incredible scenery with drive-up access anywhere else in the region,” said Karsten Delap, Owner, Fox Mountain Guides & Climbing School.
If you’re looking for a big thrill, try rappelling down the Chimney like Santa does every December. For $100, get your jollies from extreme heights on a guided rappel of about 200 feet down the side of Chimney Rock. Due to its technical nature, this rappel is limited to experienced rappellers only (see photo above).
In addition to guided rock climbing, community partners are offering rock climbing education near Cliff Dwellers Gifts in the top parking lot. Diamond Brand Outdoors is giving talks on various climbing equipment on display and La Sportiva is offering free demos of their climbing shoes and footwear. The Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC), whose mission is to preserve the natural environment, promote safe climbing practices and expand climbing access in the Carolinas, will also be there. North Carolina State Parks is presenting information on recreational climbing in Hickory Nut Gorge, including Rumbling Bald Climbing Access, and climbing while protecting the environment’s ecology, including geology, endangered plants and animals.
If you prefer to keep both feet on solid ground, join a Park naturalist for the “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike: Tree ID from 1-3 p.m. on March 2 for no additional cost with paid Park admission. Enjoy the serenity of Chimney Rock in winter and learn how to recognize trees and shrubs without their leaves. Participants will see more than a dozen different trees along this easy 2-hour woodland excursion. No signup is necessary and the hike is limited to 25 people. Meet at Grady’s Den on the Meadows.
The Park’s exclusive rock climbing partner, Fox Mountain Guides, offers guided climbing year-round at Chimney Rock and other regional locations for all experience levels and individuals or groups. Opportunities range from “tasters” to 2-hour, half- or full-day clinics of single or multi-pitch climbing and rappelling. Fox Mountain Guides is the only AMGA-certified and largest climbing school in the Southeast. For more information or to schedule a climb, visit www.foxmountainguides.com or call (888) 284-8433.
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. Call (800) 277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.
