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Tickets Required this Year
When the dogwoods start budding and the Bloodroot and Trillium begin to appear, we know Easter is not far behind. This year we’ll host the 64th Annual Easter Sunrise Service from the top of the Park. The pastors of the churches in Hickory Nut Gorge come together to present the non-denominational program. Seeing the sunrise over Lake Lure is one of those experiences that stays with you for a long time. It’s awe-inspiring and can be very emotional. We also know that many families make this an annual outing and get up in the middle of the night to celebrate this very special occasion.
As many people are already aware, the top parking lot and some other areas we have historically used for overflow parking sustained damage from the recent heavy rain storms, reducing the number of spots we have available to park.
Rather than cancel the event or alienate guests who come down to the Park in the early morning hours only to be turned away, we are going to issue advance tickets this year. Tickets are complimentary and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning April 1. Park a couple of cars in Chimney Rock Village and come into the Park together. It’s not the number of people that is the problem; it’s the limited capacity we have for parking. A ticket is required. Vehicles can be no larger than a 16-passenger van. Vehicles without a ticket will not be admitted. Gates will be open from 5-6am for the 6:30am service.
To get your free carload ticket, go to ChimneyRockPark.com, click on events, choose April, then Easter Sunrise Service. Only one pass will be issued per household.
The State is getting bids now for the parking lot repairs and improvements, but it will not be an easy fix and will take several months or more to complete. Watch our website, ChimneyRockPark.com, for updates.
We sincerely appreciate your help and understanding. Happy Easter to all!
