Latest News
Naturalist Niche: Geology of the Gorge
January 5, 2026
Join local experts on a guided hike to discover the geologic history of the Rock. This “gneiss” opportunity invites you to explore the unique geology of Chimney Rock State Park Read More
Nature at Night Hike
Do you ever wonder what goes on in the Park after dark? Join a naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and learn who comes out when the sun goes Read More
Summer Photo Contest: “Summer Fun in the Sun”
Summer is our busiest hiking season of the year for, it’s the perfect time to explore and capture the scenery. Share your best summer trail photos—you could win a prize! Read More
World Ranger Day
Join us as we celebrate World Ranger Day! Our Park Rangers work hard to keep our parks and public lands open,safe,and accessible for all. Did you know that many rangers Read More
What a Ranger Does Storywalk®
Come celebrate “World Ranger Day” as you take a walk and read “What a Park Ranger Does” written by Joseph Hiatt, a former Chimney Rock State Park Ranger. Begin at the Great Read More
Summer Animal Encounters
Join a Park Naturalist and meet some of our “Wilder Teammates.” Our live Animal Ambassadors are amazing educators, and they love to help teach about the types of wildlife in Read More
Naturalist Niche: History of Chimney Rock
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, and 110 years of Chimney Rock by joining us on this special hike to learn more about the Park’s unique history! Cost: Includes Park admission: $25 Read More
Winter Break Animal Encounters
Join a Park Naturalist this winter and meet some of our “Wilder Teammates.” Our live Animal Ambassadors help bring the season to life while teaching about local wildlife and how Read More
21st Annual Groundhog Day Celebration – Virtual
Join us for one of our favorite days of the year! Chimney Rock’s hardworking woodchuck will make a prediction not only about how much more winter we will have, but Read More
Park Access Updates
August 22, 2025
Follow along for regular updates on the park’s reopening progress, including behind the scenes updates from our team as we get the park ready for you to visit! August 22nd, Read More
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Reopens June 27, 2025
June 10, 2025
Milestone reopening includes reservation-only entry and detour through Lake Lure We are excited to announce that Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will reopen to the public Friday, June Read More
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Remains Closed Due to Hurricane Helene Impact
November 26, 2024
Published November 26, 2024 (updated December 11, 2024) Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Chimney Rock attraction at Chimney Rock State Park is closed until further notice. No Read More
Celebrating 75 Years of the Elevator
May 15, 2024
Wednesday, May 15th, marks 75 years of operation for Chimney Rock’s famous elevator. The elevator first opened to guests on May 15th, 1949, after 18 months of construction. The Morse Read More
Chimney Rock Management Gets BearWise
April 24, 2024
Chimney Rock Management, LLC is now a recognized BearWise business. With support from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, BearWise recognizes businesses that have taken significant steps to lessen their Read More
19th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
January 23, 2024
Celebrate a favorite Chimney Rock tradition as our resident groundhogs join woodchucks all over the country to let us know if spring in on the way. On February 2, Tater Read More
Chimney Rock Featured in Our State Magazine
August 2, 2023
Our State Magazine featured Chimney Rock State Park as the cover story of their August issue. The issue contained a photo essay about the Park and some of our neighbors Read More
Chimney Rock named one of the best Parks in the nation
April 14, 2023
Yelp listed Chimney Rock State Park as one of the 50 U.S. State Parks everyone should visit in their lifetime. We are thrilled to be featured and to be the Read More
Chimney Rock Featured on WSPA Zip Trips
August 16, 2022
Park Director Emily Walker and Fester the Barred Owl made an appearance on WSPA last week. Check out the video to learn more about some of our live animal ambassadors Read More
Live Music Takes Center Stage at Old Rock Cafe
July 27, 2022
Music has returned to the Old Rock Cafe for summer 2022. After two years of no live performances on the deck, we’re back with our new summer series, Playing for Read More
Pumpkin Predicts Early Spring at Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
February 11, 2022
Pumpkin the Groundhog has news for western North Carolina: Spring is on the way. On February 2, Pumpkin made his first-ever Groundhog Day Prediction. He did not see his shadow, Read More