How do reservations work?

Reservations are offered in 1-hour time slots. Please plan to arrive within the 1-hour window you have reserved. When you drive up to the Ticket Plaza, have the tickets attached to your reservation email ready to be scanned. Afterwards, stay and explore the Park until gates close at 7:00 PM!

How many reservations will you accept per hour?

At first, availability will come down to the number of parking spaces in our top parking lot. We hope to expand capacity very soon, so please check back often as we start adding more available spots each day.

Do I need to pay online for my reservation?

For now, yes. We’re working to adjust our system to be able to accept cash reservations so please stay tuned!

How do I enter the Park?

Thanks to the NCDOT’s new temporary bridge, you can access the Park in your own vehicle. The only route open to Chimney Rock is NC 9 through Lake Lure, accessed via Columbus/Mill Spring. 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. Please follow these updated directions to access the park:

📍 New Temporary Address:
174 Chimney Rock Park Rd, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

📍 Best address to use for GPS is: 665 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

🗺️ 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 — 📍 Best address to use for GPS is: 665 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Once in the Village, watch for signage and follow directions to the temporary bridge.

If you pass the Harley-Davidson shop, you’ve gone too far. Once inside the Park, head up the mountain to check-in at the Ticket Plaza and enjoy your day!

Will my Annual Pass be extended?

Yes! To make sure you still get your full year of Park access, all Passholders who had an active pass at the time of the closure will automatically have their pass 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.