Greta the Groundhog takes Center Stage for her Annual Spring Prediction
For the past 15 years, Groundhog Day has become a family-fun, annual tradition at Chimney Rock. On February 2nd, furry little meteorologist, Greta the Groundhog, will be making her yearly spring prediction as well as her Super Bowl pick.
At 1 pm, visitors can stop by the Animal Discovery Den to witness whether Greta sees her shadow or not. According to legend, there will be six more weeks of winter if she does or there will be an early spring if she does not. Immediately following her prediction, Greta will also choose the winner of Super Bowl LIV. Her predictions will be announced by Chimney Rock’s mayor, Peter O’Leary.
This is Greta’s fourth year making weather predictions at Chimney Rock State Park. Her accuracy is currently at 66% for spring prognostications. For Super Bowl picks, however, she is currently only 1 for 3. Some say her admiration for Tom Brady has clouded her previous football judgement. So far, Greta is off to a good start though, as she is averaging a higher accuracy rate than the 39% of infamous Punxsutawney Phil! This year, we are excited to see what fortunes she will be revealing to us about 2020.
After Greta’s time in the spotlight, families are invited to take part in festive Groundhog Day crafts, meet some of Greta’s animal ambassador friends and enjoy a guided hike along the Great Woodland Adventure. Families will enjoy several interactive stations and learn animal facts about native woodland critters along the trail.
This event is included with regular Park admission. Additional details about the
15th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration and other Park events can be found at ChimneyRockPark.com.
About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a still-developing international outdoor destination located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular travel destinations. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock can be accessed via a state-of-the-art elevator or the nearly 500-step Outcroppings Trail. At the top, guests can enjoy 75-mile panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Park features one of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut Falls, at 404 feet. Hickory Nut Gorge, is one of the state’s most significant centers of biodiversity, and is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Chimney Rock section of the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for field trips, scout groups, and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com for more information
