Columbus man wins Chimney Rock spring photo contest award

Shots from Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s Spring Photo Contest prove that a picture really is worth a thousand words.

Among the entries, there were photos of children gleefully celebrating, guests enjoying sweet treats and lizards sunning themselves on warm rocks.

Needless to say, picking the winners of this spring’s contest was tough for the park’s seasoned panel of judges. Luckily, the public helped make their job a little easier.

From Thursday, June 1, to Wednesday, June 7, the park’s Facebook followers had the chance to like the photo that they thought deserved to win the People’s Choice Award. More than 200 individuals voted during this time, choosing Vaughn Loeffler’s photo “A Shot of Hickory Nut Falls.” Loeffler is from Columbus.

The image captures the sun glinting over the top of Hickory Nut Falls and shining through the leaves of trees located near the bottom of the 404-foot waterfall.

Loeffler will receive lunch for two at the Old Rock Café and a $20 gift certificate from Old Time Photo in Chimney Rock Village for his win.

Shutterbugs that missed out on spring’s photo contest needn’t worry. The park will continue its Seasons of Chimney Rock Photo Contest this summer. Entries for the contest will be accepted through Thursday, Aug. 31. Official contest rules and entry details can be found at chimneyrockpark.com under the “events” tab.

For a detailed listing of park events and happenings, visit chimneyrockpark.com or Facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc.

– article submitted by Landdis Hollifield