Matt Popowski

From its popular climbing tower and Appalachian storytelling to an artist demonstration, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has many fun activities to offer families this Labor Day weekend.

On Saturday, watch a local artist create original wood jewelry and ornaments by hand using local reclaimed hardwoods. Melanie Restall with Melanie’s Meadow Jewelry from Burnsville, N.C., will be making and selling her jewelry from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the gift shop at the base of Chimney Rock.

Enjoy authentic Appalachian storytelling and musical performances by John Fowler at 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the Meadows. A bona fide national storyteller and award-winning old-time musician, Fowler has shared his talents at festivals, classrooms and performance halls coast-to-coast for 25 years.

The climbing tower will be open for a free climb 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, weather permitting. Then refuel on a family picnic on Saturday-Monday with a $6 special (plus tax) for a grilled hot dog, bag of chips and a 20-oz. drink. Multiple picnic areas are available near the top parking lot, the Meadows area near Grady’s Animal Discovery Den and along the Park road.

Leading into the weekend, don’t miss the Park’s Wild Mushroom Walk at 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, included with Park admission. Recent rains have created an abundance of wild mushrooms, and you’ll learn about a handful of these fungi on a hike led by Karen Johnson, member of the Asheville Mushroom Club and the State Parks staff. The hikes will be offered weekly on Fridays through the end of September.

Park admission is $12 adults, $6 youth (ages 6-15) and children under five are admitted free. For more information, visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is best known for its 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure. It was recently named Favorite State Park and Best Beautiful Fall Foliage Spot by readers of Blue Ridge Country in the best of the Southeast mountains poll, and the Park was honored with five other top reader awards. Call (800) 277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.