Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Well, lucky for you, our Annual Virtual Hiking Challenge is back!

The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Virtual Hiking Challenge sets a goal for you to complete 60 miles in 60 days at your own pace. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run, or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level, all you have to do is move 60 miles within the 60-day challenge period, running from January 1 to March 1. Sign up before January 1 to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration is open now and ends on February 1.

Registration is $25 and all participants will receive informative emails with details on some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to areas SAHC has protected and some of our other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and areas to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. All participants will receive a Hiking Challenge patch, coupons and will be entered into a raffle to win a certificate good for two to either cave, climb, or raft through USA Raft (after March 1).  The registration fee will give participants access to the portal throughout the Challenge.

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will inspire folks to explore places you may not have hiked before and rediscover the joy of nature in your own neighborhood. Please note, you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.

Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? Read our helpful Winter Hiking Tips so you can feel more confident hiking during the cold winter months.

The beginning of the year is a great time  for Ashevillians of all ages to explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Now is the time to take a look at winter and spring offerings in the new activity guide with registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living classes, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, and more.

The latest winter-spring edition of Asheville Parks & Recreation’s activity guide can be found online or at community centers across the city. Community members may also download the new AVL Rec app for iPhone or search programs on AVLrec.com.

Winter-Spring Guide highlights

All opportunities and events are free to Asheville residents unless noted.

• Afterschool programs with homework assistance, games, arts projects, and more are divided into three age groups: kindergarteners through fifth-graders, fifth- and sixth graders, and sixth- to ninth-graders.
• Fitness center memberships at Stephens-Lee and Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Centers feature free weights, exercise machines, and cardio equipment.
• Celebrate Black history with events, including a soul food supper, pie baking contest, community cleanup on Burton Street, movies, and a pop-up Black history museum.
• Glow-in-the-dark basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, laser tag, and climbing.
• Adaptive and inclusive exercise classes, drop-ins, afterschool programs, tennis, and archery as part of the therapeutic recreation program. Noncompetitive basketball and baseball leagues teach the basics with an extra emphasis on fun for $40 per player.
• Festivals and special events include a Valentine’s Dad and Daughter Dance, Mardi Gras party for older adults, and Truck City 2022.
• The Asheville Fit 50 Challenge encourages all community members to stay active by walking, running, or rolling 50 miles on their own schedules between February 1-April 1. It’s a great way to prepare for events in the spring including Track 10K Challenge, Carrier Park Relay Race, and WNC Nature Center’s Running of the Goats 5K.
• Boyz 2 Men and All About Me are clubs for boys and girls, respectively, that meet monthly to take field trips, throw afterparties, host sleepovers, play games, volunteer, and more. Fee, if any, is based on activity.
• Learn something new, like healthy Latin eating (taught in English and español), basic vehicle care, painting, and more.
• Outdoor programs for all ages feature hikes, biking, paddling, archery, disc golf, and making lures for fly fishing.
• Check out weekly opportunities for retirees and older adults to line, tap, and folk dance; play games like canasta, Mexican Train dominoes, and billiards; and socialize through woodworking, sewing, and writing clubs. Low-cost clay sculpting and weaving classes are also a great way to socialize and hone a skill.
• Competitive and recreational sports include dodgeball, softball, baseball, flag football, and sand volleyball for all ages. Open gym times for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball are available throughout the week. Club sports include rugby, lawn bowling, ultimate, inline hockey, cycling, lacrosse, and disc golf. Prices vary.
• Events for dogs and their human companions include Smooch Your Pooch social media celebration at Azalea Dog Park, St. Waggy’s Day at Burton Street, and Southside Bark Park pop-up.
• Summer camp registration begins at 6 p.m. February 7. These spots go quick, so mark your calendar!

If you have additional questions about programs or the activity guide, please email [email protected] or call 828-259-5800. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed for additional opportunities and the latest updates.

Some individual activities or events may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or COVID-19’s continued spread in the community. When programs that have a cost associated with them are canceled, customers receive a refund.

It’s the Year of the Tree in North Carolina State Parks, and we are encouraging guests to celebrate trees all year long! Start off in the winter months while branches are bare and capture some unique tree shapes or the beauty of frosty evergreens. You may win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
   The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
   • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
   • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected]
3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

The beginning of the year is a great time  for Ashevillians of all ages to explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Now is the time to take a look at winter and spring offerings in the new activity guide with registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living classes, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, and more.

The latest winter-spring edition of Asheville Parks & Recreation’s activity guide can be found online or at community centers across the city. Community members may also download the new AVL Rec app for iPhone or search programs on AVLrec.com.

Winter-Spring Guide highlights

All opportunities and events are free to Asheville residents unless noted.

• Afterschool programs with homework assistance, games, arts projects, and more are divided into three age groups: kindergarteners through fifth-graders, fifth- and sixth graders, and sixth- to ninth-graders.
• Fitness center memberships at Stephens-Lee and Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Centers feature free weights, exercise machines, and cardio equipment.
• Celebrate Black history with events, including a soul food supper, pie baking contest, community cleanup on Burton Street, movies, and a pop-up Black history museum.
• Glow-in-the-dark basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, laser tag, and climbing.
• Adaptive and inclusive exercise classes, drop-ins, afterschool programs, tennis, and archery as part of the therapeutic recreation program. Noncompetitive basketball and baseball leagues teach the basics with an extra emphasis on fun for $40 per player.
• Festivals and special events include a Valentine’s Dad and Daughter Dance, Mardi Gras party for older adults, and Truck City 2022.
• The Asheville Fit 50 Challenge encourages all community members to stay active by walking, running, or rolling 50 miles on their own schedules between February 1-April 1. It’s a great way to prepare for events in the spring including Track 10K Challenge, Carrier Park Relay Race, and WNC Nature Center’s Running of the Goats 5K.
• Boyz 2 Men and All About Me are clubs for boys and girls, respectively, that meet monthly to take field trips, throw afterparties, host sleepovers, play games, volunteer, and more. Fee, if any, is based on activity.
• Learn something new, like healthy Latin eating (taught in English and español), basic vehicle care, painting, and more.
• Outdoor programs for all ages feature hikes, biking, paddling, archery, disc golf, and making lures for fly fishing.
• Check out weekly opportunities for retirees and older adults to line, tap, and folk dance; play games like canasta, Mexican Train dominoes, and billiards; and socialize through woodworking, sewing, and writing clubs. Low-cost clay sculpting and weaving classes are also a great way to socialize and hone a skill.
• Competitive and recreational sports include dodgeball, softball, baseball, flag football, and sand volleyball for all ages. Open gym times for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball are available throughout the week. Club sports include rugby, lawn bowling, ultimate, inline hockey, cycling, lacrosse, and disc golf. Prices vary.
• Events for dogs and their human companions include Smooch Your Pooch social media celebration at Azalea Dog Park, St. Waggy’s Day at Burton Street, and Southside Bark Park pop-up.
• Summer camp registration begins at 6 p.m. February 7. These spots go quick, so mark your calendar!

If you have additional questions about programs or the activity guide, please email [email protected] or call 828-259-5800. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed for additional opportunities and the latest updates.

Some individual activities or events may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or COVID-19’s continued spread in the community. When programs that have a cost associated with them are canceled, customers receive a refund.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

It’s the Year of the Tree in North Carolina State Parks, and we are encouraging guests to celebrate trees all year long! Start off in the winter months while branches are bare and capture some unique tree shapes or the beauty of frosty evergreens. You may win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
   The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
   • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
   • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected]
3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

The beginning of the year is a great time  for Ashevillians of all ages to explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Now is the time to take a look at winter and spring offerings in the new activity guide with registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living classes, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, and more.

The latest winter-spring edition of Asheville Parks & Recreation’s activity guide can be found online or at community centers across the city. Community members may also download the new AVL Rec app for iPhone or search programs on AVLrec.com.

Winter-Spring Guide highlights

All opportunities and events are free to Asheville residents unless noted.

• Afterschool programs with homework assistance, games, arts projects, and more are divided into three age groups: kindergarteners through fifth-graders, fifth- and sixth graders, and sixth- to ninth-graders.
• Fitness center memberships at Stephens-Lee and Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Centers feature free weights, exercise machines, and cardio equipment.
• Celebrate Black history with events, including a soul food supper, pie baking contest, community cleanup on Burton Street, movies, and a pop-up Black history museum.
• Glow-in-the-dark basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, laser tag, and climbing.
• Adaptive and inclusive exercise classes, drop-ins, afterschool programs, tennis, and archery as part of the therapeutic recreation program. Noncompetitive basketball and baseball leagues teach the basics with an extra emphasis on fun for $40 per player.
• Festivals and special events include a Valentine’s Dad and Daughter Dance, Mardi Gras party for older adults, and Truck City 2022.
• The Asheville Fit 50 Challenge encourages all community members to stay active by walking, running, or rolling 50 miles on their own schedules between February 1-April 1. It’s a great way to prepare for events in the spring including Track 10K Challenge, Carrier Park Relay Race, and WNC Nature Center’s Running of the Goats 5K.
• Boyz 2 Men and All About Me are clubs for boys and girls, respectively, that meet monthly to take field trips, throw afterparties, host sleepovers, play games, volunteer, and more. Fee, if any, is based on activity.
• Learn something new, like healthy Latin eating (taught in English and español), basic vehicle care, painting, and more.
• Outdoor programs for all ages feature hikes, biking, paddling, archery, disc golf, and making lures for fly fishing.
• Check out weekly opportunities for retirees and older adults to line, tap, and folk dance; play games like canasta, Mexican Train dominoes, and billiards; and socialize through woodworking, sewing, and writing clubs. Low-cost clay sculpting and weaving classes are also a great way to socialize and hone a skill.
• Competitive and recreational sports include dodgeball, softball, baseball, flag football, and sand volleyball for all ages. Open gym times for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball are available throughout the week. Club sports include rugby, lawn bowling, ultimate, inline hockey, cycling, lacrosse, and disc golf. Prices vary.
• Events for dogs and their human companions include Smooch Your Pooch social media celebration at Azalea Dog Park, St. Waggy’s Day at Burton Street, and Southside Bark Park pop-up.
• Summer camp registration begins at 6 p.m. February 7. These spots go quick, so mark your calendar!

If you have additional questions about programs or the activity guide, please email [email protected] or call 828-259-5800. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed for additional opportunities and the latest updates.

Some individual activities or events may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or COVID-19’s continued spread in the community. When programs that have a cost associated with them are canceled, customers receive a refund.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

It’s the Year of the Tree in North Carolina State Parks, and we are encouraging guests to celebrate trees all year long! Start off in the winter months while branches are bare and capture some unique tree shapes or the beauty of frosty evergreens. You may win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
   The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
   • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
   • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected]
3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

The beginning of the year is a great time  for Ashevillians of all ages to explore, connect, and discover with Asheville Parks & Recreation. Now is the time to take a look at winter and spring offerings in the new activity guide with registration dates, information, and listings for hundreds of fitness and active living classes, sports and clubs, arts and culture programs, out-of-school time activities, outdoor recreation, and more.

The latest winter-spring edition of Asheville Parks & Recreation’s activity guide can be found online or at community centers across the city. Community members may also download the new AVL Rec app for iPhone or search programs on AVLrec.com.

Winter-Spring Guide highlights

All opportunities and events are free to Asheville residents unless noted.

• Afterschool programs with homework assistance, games, arts projects, and more are divided into three age groups: kindergarteners through fifth-graders, fifth- and sixth graders, and sixth- to ninth-graders.
• Fitness center memberships at Stephens-Lee and Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Centers feature free weights, exercise machines, and cardio equipment.
• Celebrate Black history with events, including a soul food supper, pie baking contest, community cleanup on Burton Street, movies, and a pop-up Black history museum.
• Glow-in-the-dark basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, laser tag, and climbing.
• Adaptive and inclusive exercise classes, drop-ins, afterschool programs, tennis, and archery as part of the therapeutic recreation program. Noncompetitive basketball and baseball leagues teach the basics with an extra emphasis on fun for $40 per player.
• Festivals and special events include a Valentine’s Dad and Daughter Dance, Mardi Gras party for older adults, and Truck City 2022.
• The Asheville Fit 50 Challenge encourages all community members to stay active by walking, running, or rolling 50 miles on their own schedules between February 1-April 1. It’s a great way to prepare for events in the spring including Track 10K Challenge, Carrier Park Relay Race, and WNC Nature Center’s Running of the Goats 5K.
• Boyz 2 Men and All About Me are clubs for boys and girls, respectively, that meet monthly to take field trips, throw afterparties, host sleepovers, play games, volunteer, and more. Fee, if any, is based on activity.
• Learn something new, like healthy Latin eating (taught in English and español), basic vehicle care, painting, and more.
• Outdoor programs for all ages feature hikes, biking, paddling, archery, disc golf, and making lures for fly fishing.
• Check out weekly opportunities for retirees and older adults to line, tap, and folk dance; play games like canasta, Mexican Train dominoes, and billiards; and socialize through woodworking, sewing, and writing clubs. Low-cost clay sculpting and weaving classes are also a great way to socialize and hone a skill.
• Competitive and recreational sports include dodgeball, softball, baseball, flag football, and sand volleyball for all ages. Open gym times for pickleball, volleyball, and basketball are available throughout the week. Club sports include rugby, lawn bowling, ultimate, inline hockey, cycling, lacrosse, and disc golf. Prices vary.
• Events for dogs and their human companions include Smooch Your Pooch social media celebration at Azalea Dog Park, St. Waggy’s Day at Burton Street, and Southside Bark Park pop-up.
• Summer camp registration begins at 6 p.m. February 7. These spots go quick, so mark your calendar!

If you have additional questions about programs or the activity guide, please email [email protected] or call 828-259-5800. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page, and Instagram feed for additional opportunities and the latest updates.

Some individual activities or events may be canceled or rescheduled due to inclement weather or COVID-19’s continued spread in the community. When programs that have a cost associated with them are canceled, customers receive a refund.

It’s the Year of the Tree in North Carolina State Parks, and we are encouraging guests to celebrate trees all year long! Start off in the winter months while branches are bare and capture some unique tree shapes or the beauty of frosty evergreens. You may win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
   The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
   • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
   • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected]
3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

Free Senior Yoga Classes

Did you know that every Monday at 4:30 p.m. the Leicester Community Center hosts a free Yoga class for seniors? Whether you’re in your 60’s, 70’s, or beyond, Yoga is a fantastic, low-impact workout for seniors.

According to the AARP, practicing Yoga:

Reduces Anxiety
Protects Your Joints
Brings Strength and Balance
Sharpens Your Mind
Bosses Your Mood
Helps Improve Your Quality of Health and Life
The Leicester Community Center is located at 2979 New Leicester Highway. The classes last for about an hour. Regular classes begin after the senior classes end at 6 p.m.

For more information about the recurring event, email [email protected], or give them a call at 828.250.4260.

It’s the Year of the Tree in North Carolina State Parks, and we are encouraging guests to celebrate trees all year long! Start off in the winter months while branches are bare and capture some unique tree shapes or the beauty of frosty evergreens. You may win a prize for your efforts!

GREAT PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO 3 WINNING ENTRIES

1st Prize: The winning photo will be our Facebook cover photo for two weeks, and the photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park, two boat tour tickets from Lake Lure Tours, and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

2nd Prize: After the first place photo, the second place photo will be our Facebook cover photo for one week. The photographer will receive two annual passes to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

3rd Prize: The third place photographer will receive two adult day passes (or one family pack of day passes) to Chimney Rock State Park and dinner for two at the Old Rock Café.

CONTEST RULES:

1. There is no fee to enter the contest. All photographs must be taken of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park only in areas accessible to guests between January 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022.
   The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers.
2. Up to three photos per person can be submitted via any of the following ways to be eligible to win:
   • Facebook: First, like the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park page. Next, send us a private message including your contact information specified in rule #3.
   • E-mail: If you don’t have access to social media, you may email your digital photo with your contact information specified in rule #3 to [email protected]
3. Every entry should be clearly labeled with the photographer’s name, city & state, a brief photo caption, an email address and the best phone number to reach you.
4. Photos should be available at a minimum resolution of 1200 x 1600 pixels (1 MB minimum) to be eligible to win. Photos taken via smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices are welcome if they meet minimum requirements.
5. For entries showing human faces, you must list their name(s) and have written permission from any photographed person(s) to use their image.
6. Entries should reflect the photographer’s interpretation of the theme. Emphasis will be placed on quality, composition and creativity. All entries may be used in promotions of Chimney Rock and park-related activities.
7. Digital images can be optimized but not dramatically altered with photo editing software. Black and white photographs are welcome.
8. Finalists will be chosen by Chimney Rock staff and the winner will be voted on by the public. Decisions regarding winners are final.

Winners will be notified personally and announced on Chimney Rock’s social media. For more information, call 1-828-625-9611, ext. 1812 or email us at [email protected].

Join Chimney Rock’s naturalist and our favorite NC rodent to find out if spring is coming early or if we have six more weeks of winter. This fun event includes our resident groundhog seeking his shadow, animal demonstrations with a few of his ambassador friends and critter crafts.