Park Maps and Brochures:
The elevator will be closed for reparis until the afternoon of December 17, 2018. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Last updated on: Friday, December 14, 2018We are happy to announce that the Rumbling Bald Climbing Area parking lot is under expansion construction. There will be construction equipment and people in the area. Some of the parking spots may be blocked but every effort will be made to keep the parking lot open during construction. Please use caution and give those working plenty of room. Carpool as much as possible. The projected finish date is April. Thank you for your help and cooperation and if you have additional questions, please call the State Park office at 828-625-1823.
Last updated on: Friday, December 7, 2018Work Schedule: Typical schedule will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Seasonal employees may work a rotating schedule to include weekends and occasional evenings.
Job Duties: Clean facilities and grounds. Assist staff in general maintenance and repair of buildings, equipment and machinery. Assist staff in a variety of outdoor-based maintenance projects and daily park operations. Conduct natural resource management projects, such as invasive plant removal.
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.
Chimney Rock State Park is proud to announce that the new Eagle Rock Access is officially open! In partnership with Carolina Climbers Coalition, Friends of Chimney Rock State Park, and Conserving Carolina, the last finishing touches were made on this climbing area that was first developed for climbing in the 1980’s. Due to difficulties with public access and management, this area has not been open to climbing until now!
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.
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.
