Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock, NC
Tuesday, October 18, 2022

SOLD OUT
To request waitlist, email evelyn.bickley@nche.com with number of tickets needed

Ahhh…. The North Carolina mountains in the autumn!  What could be more beautiful? Join NCHE for an educational autumn day with your family at Chimney Rock State Park!  Purchased in 1902 by Dr. Lucius Morse, a visionary who first saw Chimney Rock in the 1870s, the Park was developed into more than 1000 acres of protected beauty.  During the next hundred years of the family’s ownership, an astonishing diversity of unique animal, plant and geological  features were identified within the park which has been attracting visitors since the days of horse and carriage.  The state of North Carolina bought the property in 2006, combined it with surrounding state controlled land, and re-named the entire 2500 acre area Chimney Rock State Park.

Our day’s visit will include four educational classes (geared mostly toward elementary school age), including:

Home Sweet Habitat:  Learn what is needed for an animal to survive.  This session concludes with a build-your-own animal habitat activity.
Geology ROCKS!  Budding geologists will put their knowledge to the test when participating in a hands-on geology lab, gaining a basic understanding of our unique geological processes and features.
Bear Necessities: Learn the basics of black bears. What do bears eat? Where do they live? Do they hibernate during the NC winters? And, will they attack? Let’s answer these and other common questions about one of the largest mammals in our woods.
Transforming Trees: Delve into the process of the color change in leaves. Participate in a science experiment that illustrates the fall color change. Students will walk away “brighter” than ever before.

Following lunch (bring a picnic!), we will take part in a guided hike.  Choose between:

The Great Woodland Adventure:  Designed with younger students in mind, this 0.6-mile loop trail features interactive discovery stations. Stops at each station allow for plenty of fun facts and even a few surprises hidden along the way.
Hickory Nut Falls Frolic:  The Park’s most popular trail is the Hickory Nut Falls trail. This easy 1 ½ mile round-trip hike leads you past plants, trees and geologic features that make Chimney Rock a natural wonder. What reward could be better than seeing the full drop of 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls and feeling its mist on your face?

Our discounted rates, which include all of the above, are:
Adults (16 and older):  $15.50
Children (5-15): $10.00
Preschoolers (0-4): free

Tickets may be purchased until 12:00 NOON on Monday, October 10, 2022 or while supply lasts.  This is a limited admission field trip.  Check-in time for this rain or shine field trip is 8:30-9:15 a.m. Tickets are transferable to others for the same day but are non-refundable.  Transference must be made by 5 pm on Monday, October 10, 2022.

HEALTH POLICY:  An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other communicable illnesses exists in any public place.  By participating in this field trip, you voluntarily assume all risk related to exposure of COVID-19 and other communicable illnesses. Prior to the field trip, you will receive an email with a self check form. To see the NCHE health checklist now, please click here.

Have questions?  Contact NCHE Activities Director Evelyn Bickley at evelyn.bickley@nche.com.

 

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