Chimney Rock # 6: History and Education

 This post will wrap up my voluminous 

documentation of our unforgettable trip

to Chimney Rock.  Today my focus is on

historical information and educational

opportunities in the area.

This riverside Civil War Trail marker details

how, in the closing days of the Civil War,

two Brigade's of the Union's Stoneman's 

Raiders passed through Hickory Nut Gorge

(or Gap) in relentless pursuit of Confederate

President Jefferson Davis.  A Pennsylvania

Calvary captain observed, "Our march today 

was through the grandest scenery . . . through

Hickory Nut Gap .   . . . It was so imposing that

the usual chat of the riders was hushed."

Now, to Chimney Rock itself.  Below are four

vintage post cards I already possessed.  Even

before the state acquired the park, it had long

been recognized as a part of our rich natural

heritage, enjoyed by generations.

 

 

I won't attempt to paraphrase the interesting 

information on the following displays.  If you

are interested in reading the details, please click

(NO, not your tongue, click the MOUSE!)

The following four would be of most

interest to readers who are fascinated

with marvels of engineering.  It's all about

the construction of the 26 story elevator

through sheer rock.

Before we departed the park, we also

visited the Great Woodland Adventure,

geared for families with young children.

We found it perfectly enjoyable for adults,

or children of all ages.

Neat displays were inside Grady's

Animal Discovery Den, including live

snakes and other creatures.  Grady is

an opossum who could not be released

in the wild because he had neurological

damage and had also imprinted with humans.

He resides around back, but I didn't disturb

him for a photo because he's nocturnal and

may have had a hard time getting back to sleep.

The large field near the Woodland Adventure

provides open space for many special events

throughout the year.  I recommend you visit

www.chimneyrockpark.com to learn more.

Along the trail were many fun surprises.

Like this giant-size turtle shell.

Guests are invited to check out a turtle's

eye view from inside the shell.  This is one

terrapin that almost couldn't get out!

Artisans from across the Appalachian region

have contributed other creatures here and

there along your walk.

Bears are always a favorite.

This curious long-legged twerp was

caught in a trap specially designed for it.

While this obviously more advanced

specimen easily evaded capture.

One of the most ingenious displays was

a "Birdie-go-round."  

People supply the muscle power to 

turn the giant post that puts the 

metal birds in flight.  Here's a sample video.

As we exited the Woodland Adventure,

we saw what is certain to be a popular

attraction nowadays: a rappelling tower.

If you've persevered with me through

these six Chimney Rock blogs, I hope

you'll agree what a treasure this park

is to our state park system.  At the park's

website is a link to an ambitious master

plan for expanding services, still in the

planning stages.  There's also a link to

a webcam high atop Chimney Rock so

you can call friends and family on your cell

phone to have them watch your adventure.

We failed to take advantage of that, but

that's where I'm heading RIGHT NOW!

I'll be seeing you!