Sixth grade students from Polk County Middle School experienced two days of outdoor education at Chimney Rock Park on Sept. 10-11, with the trip fully funded by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Learning Happens Here field trip program.
The students, accompanied by teachers and parent chaperones, participated in guided activities led by experienced State Park personnel. Groups alternated between hiking to Hickory Falls and climbing hundreds of steps to reach the summit of Chimney Rock.
The state funding covered all trip expenses, including a pizza lunch from La Strada restaurant in Lake Lure, complete with drinks, cookies and chips. Students also participated in an afternoon Animals of Appalachia educational program.
The field trip occurred nearly one year after Hurricane Helene devastated the region in September 2024. Students and staff observed ongoing reconstruction efforts throughout Lake Lure during their travel to the park.
The Learning Happens Here initiative provides funding to support outdoor educational experiences for North Carolina students. The program aims to connect classroom learning with hands-on exploration of the state’s natural and cultural resources.
