COVID-19 information for parks under phase 3
Posted on: Thursday, November 5, 2020 - 3:13pm |
Trails
Weekend delays at main attraction
Due to increased visitation, several parks are reaching parking space capacity and are having to close temporarily on weekends to incoming traffic. The main attraction at Chimney Rock State Park has been reaching capacity around 11 a.m. on Saturdays. As we move into the fall leaf season, please plan to visit the park during the week, if possible, or early in the morning on weekends.
Last updated on: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 New Eagle Rock parking procedures in October
Chimney Rock will be implementing a new parking procedure for Eagle Rock access on a trial basis. Beginning on October 1, 2020, reservations will no longer be required to park at Eagle Rock access. The gate at the access will be open to all visitors during regular park hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. We hope this new procedure will allow 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.
Last updated on: Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Contact the park
State park office
828-625-1823
chimney.rock@ncparks.gov
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
800-277-9611
visit@chimneyrockpark.com
Addresses
Chimney Rock access
and park office
743 Chimney Rock Park Road
Chimney Rock, NC 28720
GPS: 35.4327, -82.2502
Rumbling Bald access
827 Boys Camp Road
Lake Lure, NC 29746
GPS: 35.4434, -82.2194
Eagle Rock access*
1911 Shumont Road
Black Mountain, NC 28711
GPS: 35.4722, -82.2423
Mailing address
P.O. Box 220
Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Hours
►
- 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.
►
- 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
List of trails
Chimney Rock State Park offers 10 trails for hikers to explore. Six of these trails are located within the fee-based Chimney Rock access. Four free trails are located at the Rumbling Bald access, the Eagle Rock Reserved Parking Area and in Chimney Rock Village.
⇒ CAUTION: WATERFALL AREAS
Please follow safety rules and encourage others to do the same when you are near waterfall areas.
Exclamation Point Trail
Location: Chimney Rock Access
Description:
Accessing the top of Hickory Nut Gorge, the Exclamation Point Trail connects zigzagging paths with staircases to bring hikers to the edge of Exclamation Point at 2,480 feet.
Surface: natural surface, gravel, stairs
Length:
0.60 miles
loop
0.60 miles
loop
Difficulty:
strenuous hike
strenuous hike
Blaze:
Four Seasons Trail
Location: Chimney Rock Access
Description:
A steady tromp through the hardwood forest and past picturesque boulders gives hikers many opportunities to view the natural flora and fauna of the park.
Surface: natural surface, gravel, stairs
Length:
1.40 miles
loop
1.40 miles
loop
Difficulty:
strenuous hike
strenuous hike
Blaze:
Great Woodland Adventure Trail
Location: Chimney Rock Access
Description:
A child-friendly interpretive trail, the Great Woodland Adventure teaches hikers about the animal residents of Chimney Rock State Park through interactive sculptures and displays.
Surface: natural surface, gravel, boardwalk/bridge, stairs
Length:
0.60 miles
one way
0.60 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
Location: Chimney Rock Access
Description:
Leading to the base of the fantastic 404-foot tall waterfall, the gently sloping trail hugs the side of Hickory Nut Gorge and grants dramatic views of the towering cliffs above.
Surface: natural surface, gravel
Length:
1.40 miles
loop
1.40 miles
loop
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
Outcroppings Trail
Location: Chimney Rock Access
Description:
For those wishing to climb to the top of Chimney Rock itself, the Outcroppings Trail offers a series of staircases and lookout points threaded through a near-vertical boulder field.
Surface: natural surface, stairs
Length:
0.40 miles
loop
0.40 miles
loop
Difficulty:
strenuous hike
strenuous hike
Blaze:
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Friday, November 27, 2020 - 10:00am
Friday, January 1, 2021 - 8:00am