Park Closure (9/30 thru 10/2)

September 28, 2020

The Park will be closed Wednesday, September 30 through Friday, October 2. The top parking lot will be paved and repairs will be made to sections of the 3-mile road through the Park during this time. We plan to reopen on Saturday, October 3. We are excited that we will soon be able to announce Read More

Top Parking Lot Construction Update

September 14, 2020

With the final header blocks of the retaining wall being put in place, the anticipation and excitement for the conclusion of this monumental project is growing. The 17,000+ tons of gravel have been laid and graded along with the section for the sidewalk. New power lines have been installed, and the lot is scheduled to Read More

Labor Day Weekend Notice – September 5 – 7

September 3, 2020

Labor Day has historically been one of our busiest weekends. With the number of visitors we have seen this summer, there is no reason to think that will not be the case this year.  We anticipate heavy congestion in certain areas of the Park, especially during the peak hours of 10am – 3pm. To avoid Read More

COVID Update

September 1, 2020

Most amenities within the Park are open, but we are still emphasizing the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services 3 W’s: Wear a cloth mask over your nose and mouth in all buildings (required) and on all trails (recommended); Wait 6 feet apart and avoid close contact with others that are not in your Read More

Chimney Rock featured on WLOS

August 18, 2020

Chimney Rock was recently featured on WLOS’ travel program, Road Trippin’. Check it out – https://wlos.com/community/rt/rutherford-county/chimney-rock-08-07-2020

Top Parking Lot Construction Transformation

August 12, 2020

Over the past seven months, construction crews have been relentlessly working on the reconstruction of the top parking lot and retaining wall. These photos help showcase the transformation of this structure and the progress made. We are now on the final leg of this BIG project! Contractors have installed 1,600 total blocks for the new Read More

COVID Update

July 27, 2020

To comply with NC Govenor Cooper’s mandates, we are still in Phase 2. We have slowly begun to reopen more and more amenities within the Park, while still emphasizing safe social distancing, handwashing/hand sanitizing, and masks where necessary. Here is what you need to know before visiting: The Park is open daily; the Ticket Plaza Read More

Parking Lot Update

July 23, 2020

State Park contractors, GLF Construction Corp., are making great progress in replacing the retaining wall and improving the top parking lot in the Park. (see photo updates) Duke Power will be preparing for and installing power poles and lines as a part of this project. On Tues., July 28, the Park will be open for Read More

Upper Parking Lot Construction Update

July 8, 2020

GLF has made significant progress on the top parking lot construction project. So far, 1,200 of the 1,600 retaining wall blocks have been laid. There are just two more rows to go on the upper portion. They are now beginning work on the lower portion. A total of 14,000 tons of rock & gravel have Read More

Updated Photos of Parking Lot Construction

June 19, 2020

Updated Photos of Parking Lot Construction

June 13, 2020

We Care Commitment

June 8, 2020

Updated Photos of Parking Lot Construction

May 24, 2020

Hiking up to the Chimney

May 17, 2020

Currently, the Park is open to hike-in access only from the Meadows parking area. The trek up to the Chimney is about 1.5 miles and roughly about an 800-foot elevation gain. Here is a short video that gives you a preview of what to expect on your journey up the mountain.

Thinking about visiting the Park?

May 11, 2020

Here is what you need to know: The Chimney Rock section of the Park is now open Fridays – Tuesdays; the Ticket Plaza hours are from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Park closes at 7pm. The Park will be closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays for construction on the top parking lot. Since the Park will be operating Read More

Updated Photos of Parking Lot Construction

May 10, 2020

Park Partially Reopens Starting May 9th

May 8, 2020

While many things around us have changed due to the Covid-19 virus, one thing remains the same – our commitment to provide a safe and fun-filled visit to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park for all our guests. As NC Governor Cooper’s Phase 1 plan goes into effect on Sat., May 9, we will Read More

Chimney Rock Virtual Background for Zoom Meetings

April 17, 2020

Zoom meetings have become the new way to communicate, not just for business but also with friends and family. Want to add a little flair to your Zoom meetings? You can now add a custom Chimney Rock virtual background. This spectacular view can add some peace and serenity to your conversations. To get started, download Read More

Virtual Easter Sunrise 2020

April 12, 2020

This year was the first year since 1955 that we weren’t able to host our longest-running, annual event, the Chimney Rock Easter Sunrise Service. We’re sorry we can’t be together to celebrate our 65th annual sunrise service, but we wanted to at least give you a virtual view of the sunrise this Easter from  Chimney Read More