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Chimney Rock offers 'First Day' hikes

CHIMNEY ROCK — Chimney Rock State Park is doing its part to help people with their New Year's exercise resolution by offering guided hikes at the park on New Year's Day.


The "First Day" hikes are free after park admission of $15 for adults and $7 for kids 5 to 15. Those who meet the hiking party at the Rumbling Bald trailhead can hike for free.
"It's a great time to go," said Shannon Quinn-Tucker, the park's public relations and promotions manager. "With the leaves off the trees, people are going to get really nice views. They'll be able to see a lot farther than normal. Especially on the Hickory Nut Falls trail you'll get some pretty some views."
The first hike, at 1 p.m., follows the Hickory Nut Falls trail. For second one, hikers will meet at the Tunnel Entrance at 2:30 p.m. for a shuttle to the hike at Rumbling Bald, where they will be treated to views of Lake Lure and see the progress being made as State Parks works to reroute this trail. The shuttle will return to the park at 4:30 p.m. The park recommends bringing water and wearing comfortable hiking shoes. Both hikes will be led by a Park naturalist or State Park ranger. The hikes are considered moderately difficult.