News Release »
| Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor | Dee Freeman, Secretary |
| N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources |  |
| Release: Immediate | Contact: Charlie Peek | |
| Date: 2009-09-04 | Phone: (919) 715-8709 |
Skyline Trail At Chimney Rock State Park has been Extended
RALEIGH -- Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park today announced that the Skyline trail has been reopened. The trail ascends from the Chimney approximately .7 mile past the Opera Box and Devil’s Head lookout points to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the Park at an elevation of 2,480ft.
“We’re thrilled to bring guests back to Exclamation Point. This viewpoint offers simply spectacular panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and the walk along the trail to the summit offers guests an invigorating workout,” says Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock Management, LLC.
The project took approximately 11 months to complete and was a collaboration of state parks system staff, contractors, Chimney Rock Management, LLC trail staff, and a work crew with the Isothermal Youth Summer Work Project Planning Crew.
Improvements began by removing some boardwalks and stairways so that they could be replaced with more natural trail elements. Then, a retaining wall ranging in height from one to four feet was built and the trail was filled in with gravel. A new wood and cable fence was also installed along the trail and at Exclamation Point.
“The biggest challenge in a project of this scope is the location of trail work,” said Donnie Tessneer, trails supervisor for Chimney Rock. Work crews transported all construction materials, including more than 125 timbers and 25 tons of gravel, to the work site using motorized wheelbarrows and an off-road utility vehicle.
A master plan to guide long-term development at Chimney Rock State Park is being developed by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation and its planning consultant, Greenways Inc. That plan will assess the existing trails at Chimney Rock as part of a comprehensive trails system for the park.
Chimney Rock is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville in Hickory Nut Gorge on Highway 64/74-A. The Park is the focal point of the developing Chimney Rock State Park. Admission for 2009 is $14 for adults and $6 for youth ages six through 15. Children under six are admitted free. For a full list of events and activities, visit www.chimneyrockpark.com or call 800-277-9611.
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