Rock Climbing: Climbing is permitted in designated areas on the southern cliffs of Rumbling Bald Mountain. Because of the dangers of bouldering, rock climbing and rappelling, these activities are not recommended for beginners unless they are accompanied by an experienced climber. At this time there is no climbing permit required to boulder, climb, or rappel in the Rumbling Bald Climbing Area. Likewise, there is no fee associated with these activities. Participants are responsible for their own personal safety, including securing proper training and equipment, and adhering to safe practices. Basic safety equipment and techniques must be used at all time.
The following state park climbing regulations apply at all times:
• NC state parks do not install or maintain any climbing route or fixed anchors. New routes are not permitted.
• Climbers climb at their own risk and are responsible for obtaining proper equipment and training. Unroped climbing is discouraged.
• Route selection and the decision to rely on any fixed anchors are the climber's responsibility.
• Climbing activities are permitted in designated areas only and must coincide with the park's posted hours of operation.
• All accidents and injuries must be reported to park staff.
• Park only in designated parking areas.
• Note: All climbers and rappellers must schedule their activity in order to leave the park by the posted closing hour.
Fee-based climbing opportunities also exist in the Chimney Rock access. Visitors may register at the private rock climbing concession located near the Cliff Dwellers gift shop. To sign up for or get additional information on rock climbing programs at the Chimney Rock access, contact Fox Mountain Guides at 888-284-8433 or info@foxmountainguides.com
Gift Shops: Two gift shops at the top of the fee-based Chimney Rock access road entice visitors to bring back souvenirs from their trip to the park. Prior to accessing the 26-story elevator, the lower gift shop, called Cliff Dwellers, showcases clothing, books and decorative items. At the top of the elevator, the Sky Lounge retails classic souvenirs.
Concession Stand: In the fee-based Chimney Rock access, the Sky Lounge’s concession stand provides sandwiches, ice cream, and drinks to those who have built up an appetite climbing the nearly 500 stairs of the Outcroppings Trail.
Fishing: Ply your line along the Rocky Broad River, so named after several floods deposited rocks and boulders mid-stream and along the banks. The river, regulated as undesignated trout waters, can be accessed from the front gate in Chimney Rock Village. For season dates and regulations for each type of trout water, contact the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC). A valid North Carolina fishing license and trout license are required for all streams, and regulations of the WRC are enforced throughout the park.
Restaurant: Enjoy a relaxing meal in the Old Rock Café located at the Chimney Rock main gate. Open year-round, the restaurant serves tasty food and refreshing drinks to hungry and thirsty visitors and offers patio dining by the Rocky Broad River.
Hiking: Chimney Rock State Park offers six trails for hikers to explore. Five of these trails are located within the fee-based Chimney Rock access; a free trail is located in the Rumbling Bald Climbing Area off Boys Camp Road.
Chimney Rock Access Trails
Great Woodland Adventure Trail: Moderate, 0.3 miles. A child-friendly interpretive trail, the Great Woodland Adventure teaches hikers about the animal residents of Chimney Rock State Park through interactive sculptures and displays.
The Outcroppings Trail: Moderate to strenuous: 0.25 miles. For those wishing to climb to the top of Chimney Rock itself, the Outcroppings Trail offers a series of staircases and lookout points threaded through a near-vertical boulder field.
Four Seasons Trail: Moderate to Strenuous, 0.6 miles. A steady tromp through the hardwood forest and past picturesque boulders gives hikers many opportunities to view the natural flora and fauna of the park.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail: Moderate, 0.75 miles. Leading to the base of the fantastic 404-foot tall waterfall, the gently sloping trail hugs the side of Hickory Nut Gorge and grants dramatic views of the towering cliffs above.
Skyline Trail: Moderate to Strenuous, 0.35 miles. Accessing the top of Hickory Nut Gorge, the Skyline Trail connects zigzagging paths with staircases to bring hikers to the edge of Exclamation Point at 2,480 feet.
Rumbling Bald Climbing Area Trail
East Side Trail: Moderate, 0.5 miles. This new trail was constructed in 2012 by the volunteer efforts of the Carolina Mountain Club, Carolina Climbers Coalition, and the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park. The friendly grade and sustainable design will provide access to the popular east side boulder fields and climbing walls for years to come. Hikers will enjoy the route through the hardwood forest with chances to catch prime natural beauty in all seasons of the year.
Picnicking: Scattered along the Chimney Rock access road are tables and grills for picnicking. Groups of tables are located in the Meadows area and at the top of the access road. Drinking water and restrooms are located near the group areas. Use of the tables requires no extra fee and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation • 1615 MSC • Raleigh N.C. 27699-1615