Education
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Completion of the elevator repair project was affected by the October 23 landslide, so the elevator will be out of service until further notice. These issues are being addressed by engineers and other specialists 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.
The new Weed Patch Mountain Trail connects Eagle Rock in Chimney Rock State Park to Buffalo Creek Park near Rumbling Bald Resort. Hiking, mountain biking, and climbing are permitted in this area. This 20-mile round trip trail is operated in a partnership between Chimney Rock State Park and the Town of Lake Lure. Parking can be accessed at Buffalo Creek Park http://www.townoflakelure.com/buffalo-creek-park.php near Rumbling Bald Resort in Rutherford County. There is no legal parking area near Eagle Rock. Chimney Rock State Park is currently working on a reserved parking access near Eagle Rock with plans on opening the new parking area in June. Call the park office at 828-625-1823 for more information.
Posted on: Wednesday, May 16, 2018 - 4:02pm
The main Chimney Rock State Park access is closed Sunday (5/20) and Monday (5/21) due to heavy rain effecting parking lot stability. There is a potential that the park will be closed longer. The Rumbling Bald access is open. Please call the State Park Office with any questions at 828-625-1823.
Park rangers offer regularly scheduled educational and interpretive programs at the park. Contact the park office to arrange a presentation about the park at your location. Each April the park holds its annual Earth Day event where park rangers, biologists, and other environmental educators demonstrate the great work being done to protect the park and planet.
Educational materials about Chimney Rock State Park are being developed and correlated to North Carolina's curriculum. The program introduces students to the geology and cliffside ecology and Hickory Nut Gorge and focuses on plant and animal life, geologic forces, and stewardship.
Chimney Rock State Park
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.
*January 1-March 11: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30 pm. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays. *March 12-November 4: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm. Ticket sales and admission end at 5:30 pm. *November 5-21: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm. Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30 pm. *Closed Thanksgiving Day (November 22). November 23-25: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm. Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30 pm. *November 26-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.