FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions. For those with an insatiable curiosity.
For more than a century, folks have been curious about Chimney Rock and all it has to offer.
These are questions our Park associates answer the most.
Reopening FAQ
When is the Park reopening?
The Park reopened to the public on Friday, June 27. We are open seven days a week.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, to help manage capacity and support ongoing recovery efforts in the Hickory Nut Gorge, all 1-Day ticket guests must reserve tickets in advance on our website. Annual Passholders are no longer required to make a reservation to visit the Park. These can be purchased upon arrival at the Ticket Plaza.
When should I arrive for my reservation?
Reservations are scheduled in 1-hour time slots. You may arrive anytime during your reserved hour. Once you’ve arrived, stay and enjoy the Park until gates close at 7:00 PM!
Running early or late for your reservation?
Outside of your scheduled 1-hour arrival window, there is a grace period of one hour before and one hour after your scheduled visit. For example, if your arrival window is 10:30–11:30 a.m., you may arrive as early as 9:30 a.m. or as late as 12:30 p.m. We’ll do our best to accommodate arrivals outside this timeframe as parking becomes available.
What are the new directions and detours?
The only route open to Chimney Rock is NC 9 through Lake Lure, accessed via Columbus/Mill Spring or Rutherfordton.
All other routes remain closed to non-local traffic, including US 74A from Asheville, US 64 from Hendersonville, and NC 9 from Black Mountain. See our maps of nearby road closures.
Guests should plan extra travel time and drive with care.
🚧 New Temporary Entrance to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Due to damage from Hurricane Helene, our original bridge is currently out of service.
🗺️ Where to Turn:
The temporary entrance is located in Chimney Rock Village, between Broad River Inn / Stagecoach Saloon and the Harley-Davidson shop. Look for signs guiding you to the temporary bridge entrance.
🧭 Important Tips:
Some GPS systems may still direct you to the old entrance or to currently closed roads, please plan your route accordingly. Once you arrive in Chimney Rock Village, our temporary bridge is only 0.1 mile down from our original bridge! Follow the directional signage to the new entrance.
Is the Park open every day?
The Park is now open every day! Reservations are open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Ticket Plaza closes at 5:30 PM. Stay and enjoy the Park until gates close at 7:00 PM!
Is the elevator working?
Yes! The elevator is up and running and ready to take you to the top.
Please note: Power outages can occasionally occur in Hickory Nut Gorge and may temporarily shut down the elevator.
A friendly reminder — pets (other than service animals) are not allowed in the elevator. If you’re bringing a furry friend, please be sure someone in your party is able to take the stairs.
What dining options are available in the Park?
Our Sky Lounge Deli is open with limited snack options, including plenty of water and drinks.
Can I reschedule my reservation?
We’re happy to help you adjust your plans. Simply email us at [email protected] or give our main office a call at 828-625-9611 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).
How do reservations work?
Reservations are available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gate closes for entry at 5:30 p.m., and guests are welcome to stay and enjoy the park until 7:00 p.m.
When booking, please select a 1-hour arrival window on our Reservations page. Upon arrival at the Ticket Plaza, have your tickets or reservation order number from your confirmation email ready to present.
How many reservations will you accept per hour?
We’re staying flexible and adjusting the number of available reservations based on ongoing recovery efforts and construction in the area, as well as our parking availability. We’re working to welcome more guests as conditions improve.
Is Chimney Rock Village open?
Many shops and restaurants in Chimney Rock Village have now reopened, with more on the way! There is limited parking along the street and in the parking lot next to the Burntshirt Vineyards building. Please keep in mind that for your safety, there is no access to the Rocky Broad River at this time.
Will Annual Passes be extended?
Yes! To make sure you still get your full year of Park access, all Passholder expirations will be automatically extended by the number of days you missed during the closure. Plus, we’ll round it up to the end of your new expiration month so you can squeeze in a few extra visits. It’s our way of saying thanks for sticking with us. Your extension begins June 27, whether you visit right away or later.
Did the Park experience any damage?
The most significant damage was the washout of our Park bridge during the flood. Additionally, the Park faced small landslides that blocked the Park road, damage to railings and retaining walls, fallen trees, and flooding in the elevator.
How can I stay updating on the latest news about the Park?
The best way to stay in the loop is by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and/or signing up for our newsletter. This page will also be updated regularly.
If you have other questions, please Contact Us and we will be happy to get you an answer to your question. Who knows? Your question may be next on this list.
General FAQ
According to state regulations, drones and other flying machines are not allowed to be flown in the park without a special permit. This is primarily to protect birds and other wildlife. Below is a section from North Carolina Administrative Code.
07 NCAC 13B .1204 AVIATION
– A person shall not voluntarily bring, land or cause to descend or alight, ascend or take off within or upon any park area, any airplane, flying machine, balloon, parachute, glider, hang glider, or other apparatus for aviation. Voluntarily in this connection shall mean anything other than a forced landing.
– In park areas where aviation activities are part of the planned park activities, a special use permit will be required. Requests for permits may be made in the manner prescribed by Rule .0104 of this Subchapter.
Spring through fall seasons: 6pm (Eastern Daylight Time) or winter season: 5pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Yes, we’ve partnered with the best, most highly-accredited professional rock climbing guides around, Fox Mountain Guides. Reservation for climbing with Fox Mountain Guides must be made in advance. Rock climbing is also available at Rumbling Bald, part of Chimney Rock State Park, on Boys Camp Road. You can get a free permit to climb at Rumbling Bald at its trailhead. For more information go to http://www.foxmountainguides.com/rock-climbing/chimney-rock-park, or email them at, [email protected]
Although the Chimney itself and the trails are not wheelchair accessible, the view from the upper parking lot is almost as spectacular as the view from atop the Chimney. When the elevator is available, it can take guests up to the Sky Lounge patio level. A wheelchair is available for loan at no charge. Check with associates in Cliff Dwellers Gifts if you need one of them.
It takes about 1-1.5 hours minimum but you can easily spend a whole day exploring
Yes, RVs up to 40 ft. overall length can navigate the roadway into the Park. Be sure to pull to the left of the Ticket Plaza on arrival, park and go into the Ticket Plaza to purchase tickets and get additional information. If the parking lot is full, you can park in the Meadows and a Park associate will take you to the top.
– Wear good shoes – preferably hiking boots or sturdy sneakers.
– In warmer weather, consider a hat and well-ventilated clothing. Also, you never know when the weather will change in the mountains, so a light rain jacket or poncho is a good idea too.
– Bring along some bottled water, since there are no water fountains on the trails.
– Cover exposed skin with sunscreen.
– Bring a small backpack to carry supplies, including energy bars, so you can keep your hands free.
Regular prices are $32 for adults and $14 for youth ages 5-15. Or you can upgrade your 1-day admission tickets to Annual Passes for just $15 for adults and $6 for youth within 30 days of your visit with your dated receipt. That’s less than the cost of two regular admission tickets and entitles you to other great discounts too! Learn more on our Info and Tickets page.
Not usually, but we do occasionally offer special events that involve overnight camping. Check out our events page.
Yes, you can bring your own food. There is a large pavilion in the Meadows as well as tables along the roadway and trails. You can carry your picnic along with you while you hike and find the perfect place to eat and relax
Or, why not leave lunch up to us? We’ve got a great menu in the Sky Lounge Deli (open April – December) up top. Cliff Dwellers Gifts and the Sky Lounge gift shop carry snacks and beverages year ‘round. No matter where you get your meal, we have plenty of picnic tables throughout the Park where you can enjoy it.
Occasionally if it is very icy or if there is a flood warning we will close the Park for the day. We will always put an alert on our website when we close unexpectedly.
– Outcroppings Trail (leads to the top of Chimney Rock): 499 1-way and includes the 44 steps to the flag
– Exclamation Point Trail (leads to 200 feet above Chimney Rock): 330 1-way
– Chimney Rock: 2,280 feet (315 feet tall)
– Exclamation Point: 2,480 feet
– Top Parking Lot: 1,965 feet
– Top of Hickory Nut Falls: 2,450 feet (404 feet tall)
– In the Meadows just past the Ticket Plaza
– On the upper parking lot level where the Outcroppings trail starts (seasonal)
– In the Sky Lounge at the top of Chimney Rock
Because our road is very narrow and curvy with limited sight distance, walking or cycling on the road is unsafe and is not permitted.
Please check out the hours and rates page for current information.
Park admission includes parking, access to all of our trails, and the elevator.
- Dogs are not permitted in the elevator, so if you plan to visit the Chimney your dog and at least one adult in your party must be able to climb 500 stairs on our Outcroppings trail. The trail is strenuous and many sections are narrow, so consider your pet’s comfort level and athletic ability.
- Dogs may not be left in a parked car, so consider if your dog will be able to hike all the trails you want to hike. Many of our trails include stairs and other challenging terrain.
- Consider what the weather will be like during your visit. In the summer temperatures in the Park can exceed 90 degrees and can be unsafe for dogs. If you’re visiting with your dog, please bring plenty of water. Heat stroke can be deadly for dogs and can happen quickly during strenuous exercise in high temperatures.
- You may meet other guests with dogs in the Park and will certainly encounter adults and children on narrow trails or stairs. Consider your dog’s comfort level with meeting new people/dogs and being in crowds in general.
***Discounts do not apply to our winter rates***
Seniors 65 and over: $2 off admission
AAA membership: Discount of $2 off adult and $1 off youth admission for up to 6 guests total, including the AAA member.
Military: We offer a military discount to any current or former service member. Present your proof of service or current military photo ID at the Ticket Plaza to receive $2 off adults and $1 off youth ages 5-15, good for up to 6 total guests including the military member. For Veterans Day, we offer FREE admission to the service member only, but extend the $2 off adult and $1 off youth discount to the other guests in the party (up to 6 guests total including the military member). Present proof of service or current military photo ID to receive free admission during our annual Veterans Day Special. See our website for details and this year’s valid dates for this offer.
For the average adult, it takes about 25 minutes to walk up the 499-step Outcroppings trail to reach the Chimney.