Chimney Rock State Park » Trails Information
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
Portions of the cliff-side trail system at Chimney Rock State Park were closed in 2008 as a
result of an ongoing trails and facilities assessment by staff of the state parks system.
The closure affects the Cliff Trail and much of the Skyline Trail that create a loop across
the upper portion of the Chimney Rock section of the park and which represent about 20
percent of the existing 5.3-mile trails system. All of the park's principal natural
features remain accessible to the public on alternate trails.
The trail loop incorporated more than 40 structures necessary to navigate the sheer rock
faces, including boardwalks, handrail systems and platforms. The decision to close these
sections of the trail system was made jointly with Chimney Rock Management LLC, which
operates Chimney Rock.
The state parks system has begun the development of a formal master plan for the greater
Chimney Rock State Park. A comprehensive trails system that will present the scenery of the
Hickory Nut Gorge and link various segments of the park will be an integral part of that
plan. As part of the master planning process, the state park will seek public input on
recreation facilities and activities.
The state parks system also will continue with plans already in place to improve the overall
infrastructure of Chimney Rock using funding from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and
legislative appropriation.
Your comments and questions regarding Chimney Rock's trails system are welcome.
Send comments and questions to
denr.dpr.media@ncmail.net where they will be shared with the leadership team of the
N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.
Information about visitor amenities, operations and special events at the park can be
found at www.chimneyrockpark.com; and
visitors can request a regular e-newsletter.
Further developments concerning Chimney Rock and its trails system will be reported on
this page.