COVID-19 information for parks (Updated 3/26/2021)
Posted on: Friday, March 26, 2021 - 1:54pm |
Trails
Eagle Rock parking procedure
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.
Last updated on: Monday, January 4, 2021
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.
Riverwalk Trail
Location: Chimney Rock Village
Description:
This trail provides free access to the Rocky Broad River in Chimney Rock where visitors can stroll by boulder-strewn waters and readily access local shops and restaurants. Free parking available in the village alongside Highway 64/74A. Look for the public accesses next to the Old Rock Cafe and the village restrooms.
Surface: natural surface, gravel, paved, stairs
Length:
0.10 miles
one way
0.10 miles
one way
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
Rumbling Bald Trail
Location: Rumbling Bald Access
Description:
The Rumbling Bald Trail is a loop trail that meanders through a beautiful hardwood forest along the south face of Rumbling Bald Mountain, revealing huge boulder fields and the base of the cliff areas. The parking area for this trail is located off Boys Camp Road between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Once at the trailhead follow the orange trail blazes through the bouldering areas, past the cliff base, and back to the parking area.
Surface: natural surface, gravel
Length:
1.50 miles
loop
1.50 miles
loop
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
orange circle
orange circle
Skyline Trail
Location: Chimney Rock Access
Description:
The Skyline Trail starts at Exclamation Point and guides visitors even higher in elevation to Peregrine Point at 2,640 feet. After gazing across and into scenic Hickory Nut Gorge, visitors can continue their woodland hike to Falls Creek, which begins its 404-foot plunge as Hickory Nut Falls near the trail's end.
Surface: natural surface, gravel
Length:
1.10 miles
one way
1.10 miles
one way
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
Blue Diamonds
Blue Diamonds
Tunnel Trail
Location: Eagle Rock Reserved Parking Area
Description:
The Tunnel Trail spurs off the Weed Patch Mountain Trail near Eagle Rock. It showcases natural stone staircases, which bring hikers up and through a tunnel created by a huge granite rock slab leaning at the base of Eagle Rock. Mountain bikes are not permitted on this trail, foot traffic only. Rock climbing is permitted on Eagle Rock with a permit.
Surface: natural surface, stairs
Length:
0.15 miles
one way
0.15 miles
one way
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
White triangle
White triangle
Weed Patch Mountain Trail
Location: Eagle Rock Reserved Parking Area
Description:
The Weed Patch Mountain Trail connects Eagle Rock in Chimney Rock State Park to Buffalo Creek Park near Rumbling Bald Resort. It traverses rugged mountain terrain through a remote wilderness area. The trail is designed for hiking and mountain biking. Rock climbing is permitted on Eagle Rock with a permit.
Surface: natural surface, stairs
Length:
8.50 miles
one way
8.50 miles
one way
Difficulty:
strenuous hike
strenuous hike
Blaze:
Red Circle
Red Circle
Park Maps and Brochures:
