Are chimpanzee sightings guaranteed?

Chimpanzee sightings are highly likely but not guaranteed; chimps can choose to remain in forested areas out of view.

How hard is the walk?

Expect a moderate, 60-minute hike on gravel roads with some steep inclines and frequent rest stops; cart tours are available for those needing mobility assistance.

Can I bring food or snacks on the tour?

No — please carry only water during the guided portion to avoid stressing the chimpanzees; you may picnic by the koi pond before or after your tour.

Discovery Days runs rain or shine as a fundraiser; tickets are nonrefundable for weather-related reasons.

Are restrooms available?

There are port-o-potties before the tour and indoor restrooms for VIP ticket holders, but no restrooms on the walking route itself.

How long should I arrive before my tour?

Arrive about 30 minutes prior to your chosen ticket slot for check-in and Event Check-In where you'll receive your exact departure time.

Discovery Days: Meet Rescued Chimpanzees in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Discovery Days at Project Chimps offers visitors a rare, thoughtful encounter with former research chimpanzees in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located at 2031 Lowery Rd, Morganton, GA 30560, the event is a curated mix of guided habitat walks, hands-on learning in a Discovery Zone, and low-key trail time that suits curious families as well as wildlife-minded adults.

Tours run throughout the late morning and early afternoon and are built around a roughly one-hour guided walk over gravel service roads and rolling forest paths. Expect moderate exertion: the route climbs and descends on gravel with a few steep stretches and regular rest stops. Groups are intentionally small to reduce stress for both guests and chimpanzees, and volunteers and staff narrate each stop with stories about rehabilitation, social dynamics, and what life looks like for chimpanzees after laboratory life.

A picnic by the koi pond is an easy way to linger after your tour; the sanctuary encourages guests to bring meals but asks that you carry only water during the guided portion so the chimpanzees aren’t tempted or stressed by visible snacks. Bottled water is available for purchase and a refill station is onsite; Project Chimps-branded reusable bottles are sold in the gift shop.

If you want a quieter, more intimate experience opt for the 10:00 AM VIP Banana Bus upgrade. VIP benefits include early arrival, priority parking, a muffin-and-coffee Q&A with staff, indoor plumbing access, event swag, and a chance to join a later walking tour. Cart tours are reserved for guests needing mobility assistance; the regular walking tour can be too demanding for small children or guests with limited mobility.

Beyond the chimps, the site sits in a mixed Appalachian hardwood forest where native oaks, hickories, and rhododendron frame the outdoor enclosures. The sanctuary uses existing gravel roads and forest edges rather than building intrusive structures, so your visit feels like stepping into a working conservation landscape rather than a traditional zoo.

Logistics are straightforward: check in at the meeting point and expect your exact departure time at Event Check-In; tours depart every ten minutes between scheduled windows. The event is rain or shine and operates as a fundraiser, so tickets are nonrefundable. Plan for one hour of active walking, dress in closed-toed shoes, and leave extra time to browse Discovery Zone booths and trails. Discovery Days is more than a sightseeing stop—it's a chance to learn, support a sanctuary mission, and witness how compassionate care reshapes lives in the Blue Ridge. Book in advance to secure your preferred tour window, arrive thirty minutes early, consider the VIP Banana Bus for limited-access insights, and honor sanctuary rules—no visible snacks, quiet voices, and respect for the chimps' space.

About Project Chimps

Project Chimps in Troutdale, Virginia operates a sanctuary and education site where visitors meet and observe rescued chimpanzees.

The organization offers a range of guided experiences designed for families, schools, homeschool groups, scouts, and supporters. Tour options include short youth group tours, curriculum-based and homeschool programs aligned with STEM learning, scout badge workshops, and longer service projects for scout troops.

Supporter tours and private visits provide opportunities to watch chimpanzees roam, play, and rest in outdoor habitats. Discovery Days bring families to the Blue Ridge Mountains for guided hikes, a visit to the Discovery Zone, and a picnic by the koi pond. The Banana Bus Tour adds door-to-door transport and a snack at The Nest for a convenient group outing.

School field trips and curriculum-based tours emphasize inquiry-based lessons that meet educational standards and take place during prime morning viewing hours. Homeschool programs offer three to four hour visits with tailored STEM activities and flexible customization for teachers and students. Scout programs include two hour badge workshops and four to seven hour service projects that combine tours, hands-on activities, and habitat or garden work.

Every visit supports the ongoing care of the chimpanzees through small donations and participation. Booking options include private supporter tours, supporter tours with a lunch launch, and group-focused experiences that accommodate educational goals. Visitors can expect guided walking tours through outdoor habitats and multiple program lengths to fit schedules. Advance reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and times for school groups, scouts, families, supporters, and community attendees.