Latest News
Park Access Updates
August 22, 2025
Follow along for regular updates on the park’s reopening progress, including behind the scenes updates from our team as we get the park ready for you to visit! August 22nd, Read More
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Reopens June 27, 2025
June 10, 2025
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 Read More
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Remains Closed Due to Hurricane Helene Impact
November 26, 2024
Published November 26, 2024 (updated December 11, 2024) Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Chimney Rock attraction at Chimney Rock State Park is closed until further notice. No Read More
Celebrating 75 Years of the Elevator
May 15, 2024
Wednesday, May 15th, marks 75 years of operation for Chimney Rock’s famous elevator. The elevator first opened to guests on May 15th, 1949, after 18 months of construction. The Morse Read More
Chimney Rock Management Gets BearWise
April 24, 2024
Chimney Rock Management, LLC is now a recognized BearWise business. With support from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, BearWise recognizes businesses that have taken significant steps to lessen their Read More
19th Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
January 23, 2024
Celebrate a favorite Chimney Rock tradition as our resident groundhogs join woodchucks all over the country to let us know if spring in on the way. On February 2, Tater Read More
Chimney Rock Featured in Our State Magazine
August 2, 2023
Our State Magazine featured Chimney Rock State Park as the cover story of their August issue. The issue contained a photo essay about the Park and some of our neighbors Read More
Chimney Rock named one of the best Parks in the nation
April 14, 2023
Yelp listed Chimney Rock State Park as one of the 50 U.S. State Parks everyone should visit in their lifetime. We are thrilled to be featured and to be the Read More
Chimney Rock Featured on WSPA Zip Trips
August 16, 2022
Park Director Emily Walker and Fester the Barred Owl made an appearance on WSPA last week. Check out the video to learn more about some of our live animal ambassadors Read More
Live Music Takes Center Stage at Old Rock Cafe
July 27, 2022
Music has returned to the Old Rock Cafe for summer 2022. After two years of no live performances on the deck, we’re back with our new summer series, Playing for Read More
Pumpkin Predicts Early Spring at Annual Groundhog Day Celebration
February 11, 2022
Pumpkin the Groundhog has news for western North Carolina: Spring is on the way. On February 2, Pumpkin made his first-ever Groundhog Day Prediction. He did not see his shadow, Read More
Winter Hours and Rates Begin
January 3, 2022
Winter has sometimes been called “Chimney Rock’s Undiscovered Season,” and for good reason. Although many of the trees are bare and the crowds of summer and fall are gone, there’s Read More
Fall Color Makes a Splash in the Park and Time Change Brings New Hours
November 8, 2021
Fall color is peaking in Hickory Nut Gorge, making this the best time for leaf-seekers to visit the Park. Check out our Fall Color Report, updated every Thursday, for the Read More
Flock to the Rock Returns September 18
August 27, 2021
Birdwatching experts and novices alike will enjoy the premiere birding event of the season at Chimney Rock: the 13th Annual Flock to the Rock. The event will feature activities for Read More
Art Exhibition to Benefit Friends of Chimney Rock State Park
August 11, 2021
In May, two artists from the group Preserving a Picturesque America set out on a 80 mile journey along the French Broad River to recreate some of the original artwork Read More
Old Rock Café Reopens
July 5, 2021
After six months of construction and renovation, the Old Rock Café is open for business. A favorite for village locals and visitors alike, the Old Rock has been closed since Read More
Travel + Leisure Names Chimney Rock Best State Park in NC
May 26, 2021
Travelers and State Park enthusiasts alike should check out Travel + Leisure’s newest guide to the 50 best state parks in the country. The guide highlights the benefits of State Read More
Artists Begin Historic 80-mile Journey at Chimney Rock
May 6, 2021
In 1870, artist Harry Fen trekked 80 miles along the French Broad River to sketch and document 12 beautiful natural places for the publication Picturesque America. This month, two artists Read More
Old Rock Café Construction Update
April 23, 2021
We’re looking forward to sharing the news that the repairs and updates at the Old Rock are completed. We don’t have a date yet, but you’ll be some of the Read More
Spring is in the Air!
April 21, 2021
Check out our spring enewsletter which is chocked full of updates. Ifyou didn’t receive it, sign up today. We won’t share your emailaddress with anyone.