For more than a century, spectacular views from atop Chimney Rock have attracted visitors from around the world to Hickory Nut Gorge. Over the years, the Morse family added many amenities and facilities to the Park to make the mountain and its 535-million-year-old natural wonder accessible to all visitors. Continued maintenance, updates and major improvements are an essential part of the Park’s operation and preservation. After the state of North Carolina acquired the Park in 2007, it was determined that this spirit of progress must continue for Chimney Rock to remain the premier core attraction for this unique North Carolina State Park.

*Final Master Plan Released for Chimney Rock State Park!

Click here for FAQs & links to the master plan.

Winter 2012 Capital Improvements

Click here to read the press release.

In an ongoing effort to maintain Chimney Rock as one of the Southeast’s premier outdoor destinations, the Park will undergo construction starting December 5, 2011, to improve access by replacing the Outcroppings trail. This will result in the temporary closure of access to the Chimney and points of interest above, such as the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point. In spring 2012, at the same time as the grand reopening of our elevator, the improved Outcroppings stairways will accommodate more traffic, offer a better guest experience and help maintain access for future generations! The projects, construction timeline, trail closures, discounted admission and new hours are explained below.

IMPORTANT: THE PARK WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING ALL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

Replacement of the Outcroppings Trail to the Chimney

• Construction Dates: December 5, 2011 to Spring 2012
• Replacing existing stairs from the top parking lot level up to the bottom of the new stairs completed last April. The new stairways are necessary to accommodate more traffic, improve egress and maintain access to the Chimney for years to come.
• Phase I was successfully completed and the Outcroppings trail reopened in April 2011.

• Check out our Outcroppings photo gallery

Elevator Modernization and Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli Renovation

• Construction Dates: Spring 2011 to Spring 2012
• The elevator, which opened in 1948 and provides convenient access to the Chimney, is undergoing a complete modernization designed to increase its reliability, speed and capacity. Construction on the 26-story metal evacuation stairs is nearly complete, and work on replacing the elevator itself is underway. The Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli has been renovated and its restrooms updated to make them ADA-compliant.

Areas Not Open to Public Dec. 5 to Spring 2012: Closure of Outcroppings and Skyline trails, including access to Chimney and points of interest above, like the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point, as well as Moonshiner’s Cave and the Birdhouse. The elevator and Sky Lounge will remain closed until mid-April 2012.

Areas Open to Public (weather permitting): There are still many great reasons to visit, including the Hickory Nut Falls trail, Cliff Dwellers Gifts, the Great Woodland Adventure and Four Seasons trails and the Meadows area, including Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, Classroom on the Meadows and covered pavilion.

Definitions: The Outcroppings trail is the trail from the top parking lot to the Chimney area. The Skyline trail leads from the Chimney level to the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point. The Sky Lounge is the Gift Shop and Deli at the top of the elevator. Cliff Dwellers Gifts is located at the top parking lot.

Discounted Admission Due to Trail Closures Dec. 5 to Spring 2012: $9 adults, $4 youth (6-15); other discounts still apply. When the Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to inclement weather, rates are $5 adults with no additional discounts and free for kids under 16.

Winter Hours Dec. 5 to Spring 2012: Open Thursday – Monday 10am to 6pm with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30pm. The Park and Old Rock Café will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Park will be open every day from December 26 to January 2, 2012, including Tuesday, Wednesday and New Year’s Day. In case of inclement weather, check the Park’s website for opening status.

Restroom Renovations.  The restrooms on the Meadows and in the top parking lot will also be renovated this winter to make them wheelchair accessible. Construction will begin with the restrooms on the Meadows in early December. While the Park restrooms are under construction, portable toilets will be provided. Both facilities are expected to be completed by April 2012. All efforts will be made to preserve the murals, and after the restrooms are updated, muralist Clive Haynes will return to touch up the unique paintings.

Old Rock Café Improvements.  The Old Rock Café, located in Chimney Rock Village and operated by the Park, is closed for an extensive renovation until the first week of March, when it is scheduled to reopen. The project includes redesigning the layout, replacing equipment and paneling in the kitchen and replacing the carpet. Upon reopening, the restaurant's normal winter hours will be Thursday-Monday, 11am to 4pm.

Added Value for Guests.  Chimney Rock is continuing to offer events to enhance guest experience during improvements, and workshops and free guided hikes will be offered in early 2012. Check out the 2012 Events Calendar.

Great Deals on Annual Passes.  Guests who visit the Park during discounted winter admission rates can save money by upgrading their admission tickets to Annual Passes for only $11 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 6-15) within 30 days of purchasing admission. This way you could get an adult Annual Pass for as low as $16! Buy your upgrade by calling 800-277-9611 or show your receipt at the Ticket Plaza on your next visit within 30 days.