Latest News
Health and Safety Update
March 13, 2020
The health and safety of our guests and associates is our top priority. We share everyone’s concerns about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Even though we are an outdoor experience, we appreciate the fact that everyone who visits or works in the Park will ride our shuttle buses, use our restrooms, possibly take the elevator, visit our Read More
15th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration at Chimney Rock
February 1, 2020
Greta the Groundhog takes Center Stage for Chimney Rock’s 15th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration For the past 15 years, Groundhog Day has become a family-fun, annual tradition at Chimney Rock. On February 2nd, furry little meteorologist, Greta the Groundhog, will be making her yearly spring prediction as well as her Super Bowl pick. At 1 Read More
Upper Parking Lot Construction Project
January 27, 2020
In late 2017 and the spring of 2018, the Park received record rainfall and was hit by raucous storms. That’s when the retaining wall on the top parking lot fell, diminishing the number of parking spaces. State contractors have now begun the job of redoing the current top parking lot and restoring and extending the Read More
Santa on the Chimney & Breakfast with the Elves
December 4, 2019
Chimney Rock hosts family-friendly holiday events on December 7th and 14th The first two Saturdays of December are some of the most magical days of the year for Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. On December 7th & 14th, jolly ol’ St. Nick will be practicing for his big upcoming night by rappelling down Read More
Fall Color is Almost Here!!
October 23, 2019
An autumn occurrence that draws a lot of attention in western North Carolina is the fall foliage display. Fall color typically begins at higher elevations and works its way down to the lower lands. With an abundant number of peaks ranging from 1,000 to 6,000+ feet above sea level, the Blue Ridge mountains have one Read More
Visitors Celebrate 64th Annual Easter Sunrise Service
April 21, 2019
Visitors flocked to the Park for the 64th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, April 21. Worshipers enjoyed spiritual music, scripture and sermons from area pastors.
All Easter Sunrise Service Tickets are Gone.
April 1, 2019
All tickets to this year’s Easter Sunrise Service are gone. No additional tickets will be released for the service. Tickets are required for entry to this year’s event, because of limited parking capacity in the Park’s upper parking lot. Visitors who show up to the Park’s front gate without a ticket will not be allowed Read More
Tickets Required for Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock
March 28, 2019
A limited number of free tickets will be released April 1 online Those interested in attending the 64th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park on Sunday, April 21, will need a ticket to attend. The Park’s top lot and other areas that are traditionally used for parking sustained damage Read More
Euronews Visits Asheville and Chimney Rock
March 12, 2019
What’s a visit to Asheville without a little hiking? Euronews recently covered their trip to the hip city, where their journalist enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Park, which is located 40 minutes from the downtown area.
Forbes.com features Hickory Nut Falls on Top NC Travel List
February 12, 2019
The Park’s Hickory Nut Falls trail was recently featured on Forbes’ list of places to travel in NC, because of its connection to the film “The Last of the Mohicans”. In case you didn’t know, the Park’s waterfall played a large part of the last 17 minutes of the iconic ’90s film.
Greta the Groundhog predicts more winter, Super Bowl winner
February 4, 2019
Guests traveled from around the country to attend the Park’s 14th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 2. John McFadden, from Florida, drove to Chimney Rock to meet his girlfriend, Andi Criscella, from Pennsylvania, for the event. Criscella has been attending Groundhog Day events across the United States every year since 2012. “This has Read More
Llamas Join First Day Hike
January 3, 2019
You never know what you’ll see or get to hike with at the Rock! First Day Hike participants were joined by Greg Hall’s llamas, Sir SpotsaLot and Reepicheep, during Sate Park’s hike up the Park’s main road, which is normally off limits to pedestrian traffic. Hikers had the opportunity to pet, walk and take selfies Read More
New Years Day with Llamas
You never know what you’ll see or get to hike with at the Rock! First Day Hike participants were joined by Greg Hall’s llamas, Sir SpotsaLot and Reepicheep, during Sate Park’s hike up the Park’s main road, which is normally off limits to pedestrian traffic. Hikers had the opportunity to pet, walk and take selfies Read More
Active duty military, veterans visit Chimney Rock
November 19, 2018
Veterans and active duty members of the military spent a day outdoors enjoying the Park during the fourth Hill to Crag event held by the American Alpine Club. Troops enjoyed rock climbing with help from Fox Mountain Guides, hiking and enjoying Chimney Rock’s breathtaking event during the all-day event, which helped raise awareness about the Read More
Santa on the Chimney 2018
October 26, 2018
The first two Saturdays of December are some of the most magical days of the year at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. That’s because Santa, the fat guy himself, with help from rock climbing professionals from Fox Mountain Guides, rappels down the Chimney in preparation for his Christmas Eve deliveries at 11:30 a.m., Read More
Vote for Chimney Rock in WNC Magazine’s ‘Best Views of WNC Contest’
October 17, 2018
You can vote for Chimney Rock in WNC Magazine’s ‘Best Views of WNC Contest’ by clicking the image below. The winner will be announced in the 2019 January/February issue of the magazine.
Day and Night Photo Workshop Planned for Nov. 3-Nov. 4
October 15, 2018
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is offering a two-day Day and Night Photo Workshop for photography enthusiasts interested in learning the best ways to capture fall color. On Saturday, Nov. 3, at 9 a.m. through Sunday, Nov. 4 at 4 p.m., professional photographer Chuck Hill will discuss and review panoramic photos, types of Read More
Celebrating Annual Passholders
October 12, 2018
Annual Passholders enjoyed breathtaking views of the sun rising over Lake Lure and a full, hot breakfast created by Chef Randall Spencer of Old Rock Cafe on Saturday, Oct. 6, during the Annual Passholder Sunrise Breakfast. If you’re not an Annual Passholder you’re missing out on this and other special passholder events held throughout the Read More
Elevator, Sky Lounge reopen
October 4, 2018
Roof work that began on Monday, Oct. 1 on the Sky Lounge is now complete. The elevator and Sky Lounge have reopened for guests to enjoy.
Celebrating the 10th Annual Flock to the Rock
September 24, 2018
Birders young and old enjoyed a day of informational programs, hands-on activities and live flight shows during the 10th Annual Flock to the Rock.