Latest News
Race to the Rock
January 5, 2026
Are you up for the challenge? The final event of the Lake Lure Olympiad takes place right here in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. Run or jog up Read More
Naturalist Niche: Marvelous Mycology
Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock are home to many species of fabulous fungi. Whether you’re a mycology expert or a casual observer of these mysterious mushrooms, there’s a lot Read More
Hike With a Naturalist
Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of Read More
Juneteenth
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth! Join a Park Ranger to learn more about this holiday, and make a craft.
21st Annual Groundhog Day Celebration – Virtual
Join us for one of our favorite days of the year! Chimney Rock’s hardworking woodchuck will make a prediction not only about how much more winter we will have, but Read More
Nature at Night Hike
Do you ever wonder what goes on in the Park after dark? Join a naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and learn who comes out when the sun goes Read More
Winter Photo Contest: “Winter Wanderers”
This winter, take and send us your best and most creative shots of the Park for a chance to win complimentary Park access and bragging rights all year long. Each Read More
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