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 27, exactly nine months after closing due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The storm caused historic flooding that washed away the Park’s bridge, just as the Flood of 1916 had done a century ago, and damaged the majority of businesses in nearby Chimney Rock Village. 

The Park’s reopening marks a milestone for the Hickory Nut Gorge community and Western North Carolina as a whole. Guests will be able to access the Park via a temporary bridge located in Chimney Rock Village, just east of the original Park gates. 

“A lot has changed since Hurricane Helene, but what’s still here is the spirit of Chimney Rock and the people who care for it,” said Emily Walker, Director and General Manager of Chimney Rock Management. “We’ve missed our guests and are thrilled to be able to welcome them back to this place they love.”

Reopening the Park safely and quickly has taken a unified effort. Among those involved are North Carolina State Parks, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Chimney Rock Management, local and state leaders, and numerous contractors, including Wright Brothers Construction.

New Visiting Procedures

Park operations will be adjusted and subject to change as we support the ongoing recovery efforts in the area. Guests should be prepared for the following changes:

• Advance Reservations Required: All guests must reserve tickets to the attraction in advance at chimneyrockpark.com. Capacity will be limited as we work to be sensitive to recovery efforts in the Hickory Nut Gorge. 
• Open Friday–Monday Only: Initially, the Park will be open Friday–Monday, as we transition back to daily hours. Reservations will be available 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Guests can enjoy the Park until 7:00 PM.
• New Directions and Detours: The only route open to Chimney Rock is NC 9 through Lake Lure, accessed via Columbus/Mill Spring. The Park’s new temporary address is 174 Chimney Rock Park Rd. Chimney Rock, NC 28710.
  • All other routes remain closed to non-local traffic, including US 74A from Asheville, US 64 from Hendersonville, and NC 9 from Black Mountain.
  • Guests should plan extra travel time and drive with care.
• Chimney Rock Village status: The Village has no official reopening date at this time, though businesses hope to reopen soon. Many restaurants and businesses in Lake Lure are currently open and eager to welcome guests back.
  • At the time of the Park’s reopening, there will be no public parking in the Village or access to the Rocky Broad River.

The entire Chimney Rock team is excited and grateful to welcome guests back to the Park, and to continue creating elevated experiences in this extraordinary place.