A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Healthy Outdoors: A Brand-new View" is from the September 2007 issue of Southern Living.
Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all
information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.
I probably care as much about carabiners as I do
frank-n-beaners. Rock climbing? Am I crazy? Yes, but that's another
story. This story traverses an exhilarating program at iconic Chimney
Rock Park, where they're harnessing families by the droves to scale
Vista Rock.
The Climb
No experience necessary. Seriously. After
watching kids scamper up the rock like darting lizards, I sign on for a
15-minute climb called the Taster. The instructors tie me into a harness
connected to a top-hanging rope, I strap on a helmet and lace up my
climbing shoes (all provided). With a little coaching from the pros
below—foothold to handhold, crack to crevice, burning calves to blazing
calves—I somehow find my way to where the rope is anchored. The top is
90 feet above where I started.
"People often find the climbing part to be easier than the coming
down part," says Todd Mahle, director of climbing operations at Chimney
Rock Park for Fox Mountain Guides. Uh, yeah. While scaling up all those
feet, I didn't consider that I'd be looking back down every single one
of them. But the sense of accomplishment and incredible view, unlike any
other in the park, alleviates the smidge of fear creeping into my gut. I
trust the system I'm harnessed to, lean back, and the guide lowers me
safely to the ground. I hope the kid behind me doesn't mind that I want
to go again.
An Alternative to Climbing
If I haven't convinced you to
take on Vista Rock, you can still get active in Chimney Rock Park.
Lead the family on an exploration of the grounds. Several blazed
nature trails weave through the 1,000 acres. Skip the elevator and climb
all 400 steps up to--ta da--Chimney Rock for a look at Lake Lure. I
barely realize I have had such a good workout on this
509-million-year-old rock after inhaling the fresh mountain air at 2,280
feet. Okay, maybe my legs talk to me just a wee bit, but it's great to
listen to them every now and then, right?
Chimney Rock Park: www.chimneyrockpark.com or
1-800-277-9611. Rock Climbing Taster (walk-up, 15-minute climb), $15.
Editor's tip: For those interested in learning more about rock climbing,
Fox Mountain Guides also offers two-hour lessons.
Healthy Benefits
• Lower body exercises (e.g., hiking or doing squats) increases leg strength for rock climbing.
• Studies show a 150-pound man or woman can burn an average of 186 calories by rock
climbing for 15 minutes.
