LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Chimney Rock State Park

Explore the wonders of nature up close and personal at Chimney Rock Park. From nature talks and special programs to hiking trails, there is much to do and see.

Preview your trip on the web: Chimney Rock State Park

Learn more

  • North Carolina Ecological Services Images and information on endangered species, wetlands, conservation, invasive species, and habitat restoration efforts in North Carolina.
  • USGA Cascades Volcano Observatory News and current events, Cascade Range updates, an interactive table with information regarding Cascades Volcanoes with links to new publications, current information, photos, maps, brief eruptive histories of each volcano, hazards assessment reports and maps for various volcanoes in the Cascade Range, frequently asked questions, volcano terminology, easy to read information about volcanoes, facts about becoming a volcanologist, activities, videos, posters, teacher packets, edcational links, a section on the historical, cultural, and economic aspects of volcanoes, information and maps to the Cascade Range with travel, hiking, and lodging information, and more.
  • Lesson plan: A comparison of the plant ecology of two fields Students will apply random sampling techniques to do a plant population/community/ecosystem study to model how these things are interrelated.
  • Lesson plan: Finding Your Way In North Carolina Students will become familiar with the regions and local features of North Carolina and be able to write directions for others to find these features on a map.

Related pages

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: Contains information about various cultural, natural, and recreational resources located along this beautiful and historical roadway.
  • Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center: This 4-H Educational Center provides year-round programming, including team-building and environmental education to students in 2nd through 6th grades.
  • Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve: A visit to the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve gives insight into the uses of the land from prehistoric times to the end of the twentieth century. Students can explore trails and learn about the plants and animals that are found there as well as the importance of protecting nature and our natural resources.

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Chimney Rock is proud to partner with the State of North Carolina in offering programs that are a part of NC Curriculum standards. The Groups and Education Department at Chimney Rock constantly strives to make your class’s trip not only fun and exciting, but a part of your children’s study program. One of NC’s newest state parks, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park brings the best of the mountains together in one place with a list of things to do as infinite as the views. An elevator inside the mountain or a network of stairs and boardwalks takes you to 315 ft Chimney Rock and amazing 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Carolina Piedmont. With unique hiking trails suitable for all ages and abilities, the Park has something for everyone from the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 discovery stations along the way to the more adventurous Four Seasons trail which climbs more than 400 ft. Be sure to hike the Hickory Nut Falls trail - the reward is the 404 ft falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the East. Chimney Rock also offers guided rock climbing lessons for beginner to advanced climbers. The Old Rock Cafe and Sky Lounge Deli offer tasty sandwiches and snacks to get you fueled up for your hike. Souvenirs of your trip can be picked up at Cliff Dwellers or the Sky Lounge Gift Shop. Chimney Rock offers discounts for groups, and is pet friendly. Open all year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Special events include guided hikes, guided bird walks, educational workshops and more. Annual Passes available for just $25. Passholders receive discounts in the Park and at other area attractions. For more information, call 1-800-277-9611 or 1-828-625-1823.

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