Under the new Executive Order taking effect as of Friday, March 26 at 5 p.m., indoor gathering limits have increased. Indoor facilities such as community buildings, auditoriums, and classroom are now open for reservations, with a maximum limit of 50 people. These facilities will be available to reserve on the reservation system. Outdoor gathering limits have increased to 100 people.
Visitor centers and park offices are open. Exhibit halls will open as soon as protective measures can be put in place. Masks or face coverings are required inside all buildings.
Picnic shelters and group campsites are available for reservations. Swim beaches and concession stands will be opening for the season — see each park's page for details.
Reservations are no longer required to park at Eagle Rock access. The gate at the access is open to all visitors during regular park hours. We hope this new procedure allows better access to Eagle Rock. Please note that there are only eight parking spaces at Eagle Rock access, so please be prepared to make alternate plans if the parking area is full when you arrive. Weed Patch Mountain Trail connects to Buffalo Creek Park, which is managed by the town of Lake Lure. Please do not park on private property or block any gates.
January 1 to
March 9:
10:00am to 6:00pm Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30pm
March 10 to
November 2:
8:30am to 7:00pm Ticket sales and admission end at 5:30pm
November 3 to
December 31:
8:30am to 6:00pm Ticket sales and admission end at 4:30pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
PLEASE NOTE: Operating hours for Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park are subject to change throughout the seasons. Visit this website or chimneyrockpark.com for up-to-date information when planning your visit.
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There is no fee for these accesses.
January to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
March to April:
8:00am to 8:00pm
May to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
November to December:
8:00am to 6:00pm
Closed Christmas Day
News archive
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.
Hundreds of climbers are gearing up to compete in Carolina Climbers' Coalition's (CCC's) annual Rumble climbing competition on February 16 and 17. Registration is open until February 15 with early bird pricing ending February 14.
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!
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.
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.