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Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
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Upcoming Events:

Hike Jude's Gap Historic Trail
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 - 10:00am
Spectacular Spiders
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 10:30am
Bear Basics
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - 4:00pm
Elevator Out of Service Until Project's End   

The elevator has been experiencing ongoing operational issues, so it will be out of service until the current repair project is completed. The project will install a new motor and computer control system so that service can be safely restored to the public. We apologize for the inconvenience.
 
Please note that visitors can still access the top of Chimney Rock by climbing the staircases of the Outcroppings Trail. This 0.2-mile trail leads hikers through a rugged boulder field with dramatic views of Lake Lure, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Chimney Rock itself.
 

 Posted on: Friday, September 22, 2017 - 9:00am

Chimney Rock State Park

Some of North Carolina’s most dramatic mountain scenery is found at Chimney Rock State Park, with the signature 315-foot spire overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Admission is charged at the principal Chimney Rock Access, though the nearby Rumbling Bald Climbing Access is admission-free and offers one of the park’s six trails. Visiting Chimney Rock Access offers opportunities for picnicking and hiking on trails that range from child-friendly nature explorations to moderately strenuous treks to the top of Chimney Rock Mountain and to the edge of Hickory Nut Falls. Concessions and gift shops are available. The Rocky Broad River is a destination for trout anglers. Other access areas into the park—now encompassing more than 5,700 acres—are to be developed.

Latest Park News:

New Viewing Deck Open to Public

by: Alison Linden, Park Technician, Chimney Rock State Park

Earlier this month, Chimney Rock State Park reopened the deck area at the base of the Outcroppings Trail. This deck project, which started in January, was a remodeling effort to increase the size of the deck. The old deck area was torn down and replaced with a new structure. Along the way, there were other challenges to overcome, including rerouting the Outcroppings Trail so visitors could still access the Chimney Rock itself.

Chimney Rock's Historic Gatehouses

By: Park Technician Alison Linden
 
In June 2017, Chimney Rock State Park reopened the historical gatehouses that align the park’s entrance. The gatehouses were originally designed by an art deco architect named Douglas Ellington in 1934. Visitors may be familiar with some of his other architectural work around Asheville, such as the S & W Cafeteria or the First Baptist Church of Asheville. Mr. Ellington designed the gatehouses of Chimney Rock State Park as reversed archways to tie in with Lake Lure’s Italianate style archways.

Contact:

Chimney Rock State Park

743 Chimney Rock Park Rd
Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Phone828-625-1823
chimney.rock@ncparks.gov
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: 800-277-9611, visit@chimneyrockpark.com
Latitude: 35.439814
Longitude: -82.248554

Park Hours:

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park:

Operating Hours for Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park are subject to change throughout the seasons. Consult this website or chimneyrockpark.com for up-to-date information when planning your visit.

March 12-November 4: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm. 
Ticket sales and admission end at 5:30 pm.

November 5-22: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm.
Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30 pm.

Closed Thanksgiving Day (November 23).

November 24-26: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm.
Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30 pm.

November 27-December 24: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30 pm.

Closed Christmas Day (December 25).

December 26-31: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30 pm.

Rumbling Bald Climbing Access:

January - February: 8am to 6pm

March - April: 8am to 8pm

May - August: 8am to 9pm

September - October: 8am to 8pm

November - December: 8am to 6pm

Closed December 25, Christmas Day.

There is no fee for this access.