Chimney Rock State Park » Welcome!
Construction Projects/Improvements Begin December 5th; Chimney Rock Access Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
... details ±Construction Projects/Improvements Begin December 5th
In order for Chimney Rock to remain the premiere core attraction for this unique North Carolina State Park, it will undergo construction beginning December 5 to improve accessibility and upgrade some of its trails. In addition, the public bathrooms located in the top parking lot and at the Meadows will receive ADA-based renovations so that all persons may utilize these services. Finally, the elevator and Sky Lounge remain closed as we complete the upgrades to both facilities. We greatly appreciate your patience and support as we work to enhance your experience.
Over the winter, a section of the Outcroppings, the trail that leads from the parking lot to the Chimney area, will be replaced providing easier access to the Chimney and points of interest above like the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point. The section to be replaced begins above Pulpit Rock and continues down to Moonshiner's Cave. After construction, the new trail and stairway will accommodate more guests and offer better egress from the Chimney area. Without a required secondary egress, the elevator will be out of service during Outcroppings construction making the Chimney inaccessible over the winter.
Areas of the park that remain accessible throughout improvements include: Hickory Nut Falls trail, Cliff Dwellers Gifts and Meadows area including the Great Woodland Adventure, Four Seasons trail, Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, Classroom on the Meadows and the covered picnic pavilion. Chimney Rock is also planning a variety of programs and events to enhance guest experience during improvements.
Additional projects are planned over the next several months that will impact the availability of popular park features. Weather during this time of the year can also impact park operations. Visit this site and call the park office for the most current information when planning your trip to Chimney Rock.
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Chimney Rock Access Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays Starting December 6th
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting December 6, and these closures will continue through Spring 2012.
Please call ahead before planning your visit to the park. Call the park office at (828) 625-1823 before traveling to the park for up-to-date weather information and a list of trail, building, and feature closures.
Updated: 2012-02-02 13:05:39
Seasonal Job Posting; Round Top Mountain Area Park Lands
... details ± Chimney Rock State Park is hiring a seasonal General Utility Worker for $7.25 per hour. Evening and weekend work is required. Job duties include custodial, janitorial, landscaping, data collection, and public contact work. State job applications (PD-107) should be submitted to the state park office by February 10. Call the office at 828-625-1823 for more information.
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At this time, there is no designated parking area or public access for state park property located on Round Top Mountain. Also, there are no designated hiking trails in this area. Visitors are cautioned not to trespass and not to park on the private property adjoining these lands.
Presently, there is not a designated camping area at Chimney Rock State Park. Rock climbing and bouldering are currently only allowed at the Rumbling Bald Climbing Access where climbers may park in the designated parking area located off Boys Camp Road.
Updated: 2012-02-02 13:06:23
On January 29, 2007 Gov. Mike Easley announced the purchase the landmark Chimney Rock Park in Rutherford County from the
Morse family's Chimney Rock Company. The park will become the centerpiece of a new state park under development in Hickory
Nut Gorge.
The agreement was the result of two years of negotiations between Chimney Rock Co. and the state. Under the terms of the
agreement, Chimney Rock Co. will continue to operate the park through 2007 while the state parks system develops an
operations plan.
Chimney Rock Park has been a tourist attraction in western North Carolina since a stairway was built to the rock's summit
in 1885. In 1902, Lucius B. Morse of Missouri bought the site and began developing the park. Its facilities include a tunnel
and elevator to the rock summit, a visitor center, nature center and a network of hiking trails to geologic points of interest
and the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.