Latest News
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.
Top Parking Lot Construction Completed!
November 20, 2020
The 10-month long construction project on the upper parking lot is finally finished! A whole year of operating with half the parking space that we are used to while trying Read More
New Winter Hours
November 17, 2020
Winter is coming!! If you haven’t noticed, daylight hours are changing and so are our Park hours. Throughout the end of the year, the Ticket Plaza will be open daily Read More
Park Closed: Fallen Trees and Power Outage
October 29, 2020
There are multiple fallen trees that have blocked the road leading into the Park. We are working on getting these cleared. These trees have also taken down multiple powerlines and Read More
Fall Color Weekends Notice: October 15 – November 15
October 15, 2020
Fall color season is always a busy time of year for Chimney Rock. On weekends, traffic can be very heavy which can cause congestion in certain areas of the Park, Read More
Park Closed on Wednesday (10/7)
October 5, 2020
The Park will be closed on Wednesday, October 7, while repairs are being made to sections of the 3-mile road leading into the Park. We plan to reopen on Thursday, Read More
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Read More