Chimney Rock State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chimney Rock State Park |
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Chimney Rock, a 315-foot (96 m) granite monolith
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 Chimney Rock State Park
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Rutherford, North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 8,014 acres (32.43 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,280 ft (690 m) |
| Established | May 4, 2005 |
| Named for | Chimney Rock |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Chimney Rock State Park |
Chimney Rock State Park is an amazing outdoor adventure spot in North Carolina, USA. It's located in Chimney Rock, Rutherford County. This huge park covers about 8,014-acre (32.43 km2) of land. It's owned and managed by the state of North Carolina.
The park is famous for its awesome hiking trails. You can find paths for all skill levels. It also has cool rock formations like the Devil's Head balancing rock. Don't miss Hickory Nut Falls, a 404-foot (123 m) waterfall! The most famous part is a giant 315-foot (96 m) granite rock called Chimney Rock. You can even take an elevator to the top for incredible views of the park and the area around it.
How the Park Began
In May 2005, the government of North Carolina decided to create a new state park. They first called it "Hickory Nut Gorge State Park." Soon after, two groups that protect land, the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy, bought a big piece of land. This land was about 1,568-acre (6.35 km2) and was known as "World's Edge."
They paid $16 million for it. Their plan was to give this land to the state to start the new park. World's Edge is a special place with steep slopes and many streams and waterfalls. It offers amazing views of the Piedmont area.
A Home for Wildlife
The World's Edge area is super important for nature. It's a home for many rare flowers and different types of forests. You can find endangered bats and salamanders living there. There are also unique cave-dwelling invertebrates and many birds. Some of these birds are peregrine falcons and other migratory neotropical species. In 2006, the World's Edge land officially became part of the state park.
Chimney Rock Joins the Park
For a long time, the famous Chimney Rock area was a private park. Dr. Lucius B. Morse bought about 64 acres (260,000 m2) of land, including the Chimney and cliffs, in 1902. His family owned and ran "Chimney Rock Park" for over 100 years, from 1902 to 2007. Over time, they bought more small pieces of land, making their private park about 996 acres (4.03 km2).
In 2006, the Morse family decided to sell their park. Many people worried that it might be bought by developers who would build houses or other projects. But the state of North Carolina and the Morse family made a deal in early 2007. The state bought the private park, making sure it would be protected for everyone to enjoy.
In July 2007, the North Carolina government officially changed the name of Hickory Nut Gorge State Park. It became what we know today as Chimney Rock State Park.
Images for kids
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Opera Box
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Devil’s Head
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detail of stairs
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Gneiss Cave
