A brand new state park is developing all around us. The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation has acquired more than 4,000 acres in Hickory Nut Gorge for Chimney Rock State Park.

The area you know as Chimney Rock Park is the focal point of the greater Chimney Rock State Park and is currently the only area open to the public. It will continue to be a fee area due to its high maintenance and capacity issues.

Master Plan
In July 2011, Greenways, Inc. released a new Master Plan for Chimney Rock State Park that will serve as a road map for development of recreational amenities. Review the Master Plan or check out our Frequently Asked Questions that explain how it affects Chimney Rock the attraction.

Greenways has a long history working with government agencies, non-profit organizations and for-profit corporations on a variety of multi-disciplinary environmental and landscape planning projects. The firm has worked on the Grand Canyon Greenway Plan, Mecklenburg County Greenway Master Plan, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in NC and countless others. For any questions regarding the Master Plan process, contact the state's project manager at 919-715-0079.

Land Acquisitions & Expansion
In December 2011, the N.C. Council of State approved the purchase of 1,222 acres at Rumbling Bald Mountain to expand Chimney Rock State Park by more than 20 percent. The purchase continues a pre-arranged schedule of the state park expansion funded through dedicated sources approved by the General Assembly in 2007. Read more about the Rumbling Bald Mountain expansion.

Preservation
Hickory Nut Gorge was chosen for a state park due to its natural resource significance and recreational potential. The Gorge is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species, making it one of the most significant centers of biodiversity in the state. Read the fact sheet regarding the acquisition of Chimney Rock Park by the state of North Carolina.

Plan your visit to more beautiful North Carolina State Parks.