Chimney Rock Management to Partner with Waypoint Adventure for Upcoming Events

Chimney Rock Management is excited to announce a partnership with Waypoint Adventure, a leading non-profit provider of adaptive adventures for people with disabilities.

Waypoint Adventure's trained team of staff and volunteers utilizes a variety of off-road wheelchairs, adaptive equipment, and learning supports to help people with a wide range of disabilites access the outdoors in an inclusive and empowering way.

Staff from Waypoint Adventure will be on-site for two upcoming events at Chimney Rock State Park: National Trails Day on June 1st and National Get Outdoors Day on June 8th. At both events, Chimney Rock and Waypoint staff will lead accessible guided hikes along the 1.5 mile out-and-back Hickory Nut Falls Trail. These hikes can accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities, and registration is encouraged for those who would like support from Waypoint.

"Since the Morse family first opened the park, accessibility has been a major focus at Chimney Rock," said Emily Walker, CRM LLC director/general manager said. "North Carolina State Parks has continued to invest in that goal with improvements to the elevator and park infrastructure. Our partnership with Waypoint furthers the goal that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the beauty of Chimney Rock firsthand."

Waypoint Adventure was founded in 2010 and currently operates in Lexington, Massachusetts and Black Mountain, North Carolina. Waypoint leads youth and adults on a variety of adventures including hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, team-building, and more.

About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a still-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 state-of-the-art elevator or the nearly 500-step Outcroppings Trail. At the top, guests can enjoy 75-mile panoramic views of the 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. Hickory Nut Gorge, is one of the state's most significant centers of biodiversity, and is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Chimney Rock section of the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for field trips, scout groups, and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock's website for more information.