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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. The Chimney Challenge on November 9, 2013, is an opportunity to get elevated in a new way—on a rope. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 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 or rappels are offered for only $20 plus Park admission. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Profits from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson County. Get more details at chimneyrockpark.com.
“By climbing Chimney Rock’s beautiful cliffs, you help our community’s youth scale their personal peaks. Your support at this fun, family-friendly event can make a big difference in the lives of children in need,” said Kevin Lauritsen, 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 $50, 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 climbing and safety education near Cliff Dwellers Gifts in the top parking lot. A representative of the Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC) will talk about their mission to preserve the natural environment, promote safe climbing practices and expand climbing access in the Carolinas. North Carolina State Parks will present information on recreational climbing in Hickory Nut Gorge, including Rumbling Bald Climbing Access, and climbing while protecting the environment’s ecology, such as geology, endangered plants and animals.
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 2-hour to 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 is best known for its 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure. It was voted Favorite State Park and Best Beautiful Fall Foliage Spot by readers of Blue Ridge Country in the 2013 best of the Southeast mountains poll. Chimney Rock is located only 45 minutes southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. Call (800) 277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.
