Park Maps and Brochures:
May 5 2018, a major landslide occured on Hwy 9 at Shumont Road. The Department of Transportation has stated that it could be multiple months until the road is opened. This slide has blocked State Park staff from accessing the Eagle Rock area. As such, the Eagle Rock parking lot project has been put on hold until further notice.
Each of North Carolina’s state parks has special events during the year and news about facilities, trails, staff and park supporters. And, visitors are frequently finding new ways to explore a park’s unique cultural and natural resources. Check these pages to keep abreast of the news at your favorite parks.
By Eric Alston, Park Technician
On February 17 and 18, the Rumbling Bald Climbing Access at Chimney Rock State Park was once again the site of the Carolina Climbers Coalition’s bouldering competition, better known as “The Rumble”.
Last year’s event, which would have been the 3rd annual, was cancelled due to focused efforts supporting Chimney Rock State Park in wake of the Party Rock Fire of November 2016.
"Is the elevator working?" This is the top question asked by visitors to Chimney Rock State Park since the elevator was closed to the public in August 2015. Over generations, visitors of all ages and physical abilities have been partial to the quick ride up 26 stories through solid granite. More importantly, they are thrilled to take in the views from the top: views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure from atop Chimney Rock itself.
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has fully reopened after being closed for over a month following a landslide on October 23. During the closure, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) engineers and State Park contractors assessed how they could proceed to make the area stable enough to keep everyone safe. After a couple of weeks and careful consideration NCDOT and contractors came up with a temporary solution. Before the temporary fix could be placed, however, the rubble and debris had to be cleaned up first.
A retaining wall at the top parking lot in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park collapsed during heavy rainfall in the area on October 23. Some of the debris washed to the road below. Crews are working to clear the roadway.
Representatives from NCDOT are assessing the situation to determine what needs to be done to fix the damage. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will remain closed until further notice.
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.
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.
