Chimney Rock Park Guide

Chimney Rock State Park is in the Village of Chimney Rock and Rutherford County. For the last 100+ years, tourists have journeyed to see this 500-million-year-old towering monolith, and the park's "one-stop shopping" for what the mountains are loved for: dramatic scenery, exhilarating hiking trails, rare plants, native wildlife, and one of North Carolina's highest waterfalls (featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans). What most people don't know is that there is an elevator that will take you almost to the top, making this a great attraction for people of all ages and abilities. 

Due to road repairs, the current distance from downtown Asheville to Chimney Rock Park is 60 miles. Open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Online reservations are suggested for weekends, holidays, and special events. 

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Top of the Rock: First, drive up a three-mile winding road to a large parking area. Then you have options. Either climb 500 steps to the chimney, or ride the elevator (accessible from the top parking lot) and then climb a short staircase to the top. 

The 30-second elevator ride delivers riders of all ages and abilities to spectacular views. On a clear day, enjoy 75-mile views overlooking Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge.

New Temporary Entrance to Chimney Rock State 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.

Directions

GPS Address:174 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Location: Temporary entrance in Chimney Rock Village, between Broad River Inn/Stagecoach Saloon and Harley-Davidson shop.

Important: GPS may direct to old entrance. Follow village signage to temporary bridge. If you pass Harley-Davidson shop, you've gone too far.

 
Skyline Trail

Hiking at Chimney Rock  
For some of the best variety in North Carolina hiking, try one of their trails. Here are three great hikes - from easy to a bit strenuous. (Also see our Hiking Guide.)

• Hickory Nut Falls Trail: This "easy" trail is a wide, gently rolling path to the bottom of the 404-ft. Hickory Nut Falls waterfall. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail is mostly wooded with just a few moderate uphill sections. The best trail for wildflowers, birding and rhododendron. It's shaded, so a great option on a hot day. See our Hickory Nut Falls Guide.

• The Outcroppings: Follow this network of stairs from the parking area to the Chimney. Along the way, check out the views from Vista Rock. Strenuous with 500 steps, but all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the challenge with many places to stop along the way. The Subway, Grotto and Pulpit Rock, long-time popular features on the Outcroppings trail at Chimney Rock State Park, reopened in 2015 after being closed since 2008.
• Exclamation Point: At the staircase leading up to the Chimney, find the beginning of this trail. After climbing quite a few stairs, the trail levels out as you walk along the cliff with dramatic views. Stop at the Opera Box for great views of the Chimney and Lake Lure and continue up to see the Devil's Head and end at Exclamation Point (2,480 ft.), for nice gorge views.
• Skyline Trail: This new trail begins at Exclamation Point and continues for 1.1 miles atop the ridge. Read more.
• Four Seasons Trail: Get your heart pumping on this 6/10-mile trail with a 400-ft. elevation gain. The trail winds through hardwood forest, rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets, and abundant wildflowers as well as rare and indigenous plants, some species not found along the Park's other trails.
• Great Woodland Adventure: This whimsical trail is perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. Twelve discovery stations along the half-mile loop give a peak into the lives of the many animals that call the Park home. All sculptures were handcrafted by Western North Carolina artisans.
• Rumbling Bald Trail: This 1.5-mile loop trail in Chimney Rock State Park has a separate parking area about 2 miles from the main Chimney Rock entrance. Read more. 

 
Hickory Nut Falls

Birding: Chimney Rock is an official site on the NC Birding Trail and offers birding walks and programs throughout. Don't forget to bring your binoculars for a chance to see the amazing acrobatics of a Peregrine Falcon high above the Gorge, slicing through the air at more than 60 mph or swooping on smaller birds in flight at the incredible diving speed of 200 mph. The Park hosts its Annual Flock to the Rock in late September featuring birding workshops, guided walks and other programs at no additional cost. Read about Birding Weekend!

Dining and Shopping: The Village of Chimney Rock is home to Chimney Rock Smokehouse, Riverwatch Bar & Grill, Gale's, Bubba O'Leary's, Village Scoops, and more. Also, many wonderful spots in Lake Lure are also open and excited to welcome you!.

 
View from Pulpit Rock

Fall Color: The grand autumn color show peaks in early November this year, later than the rest of the mountains since this is a lower elevation. See our Fall Foliage Guide for the full scoop.

Rock Climbing: Read more about rock climbing. Don't be afraid to hire an experienced guide to ensure you have a good, safe experience even if you've climbed before.

Tips for Visiting Chimney Rock   

Note: All guests are encouraged to make reservations online for weekend, holidays, and special events, including Annual Passholders. Go to their website for more. 

IMPORTANT:  The only route currently open to Chimney Rock is NC 9 through Lake Lure, accessed via Columbus/Mill Spring. All other routes remain closed to non-local traffic. Best address to use for GPS is: 665 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

1. Take your time. Plan to spend at least a half-day.  
2. Wear very comfortable walking shoes.  
3. Arrive early (8:30 AM) to beat the crowds on weekends and holidays (and beat the heat in the summer). Saturdays during the summer are the busiest days.  
4. Hit the trails! Discover North Carolina mountain hiking trails for all fitness levels. Remember to carry water with you.  
5. There are a number of romantic spots along the trails, including the Opera Box that overlooks the Chimney (best vista in the park).  
6.  Pets are welcome in the Park but must be kept on a leash at all times.  
7. Restrooms are located in the Sky Lounge, in the Meadows near the ticket center and the parking lot at the base of the Chimney. There are no restrooms along the hiking trails.  
8. Stay in a cottage or cabin nearby.  
9. Currently the Village of Chimney Rock is closed. Explore the nearby shops and restaurants of Lake Lure. 

For more information, go to the Chimney Rock website.

Hours & Admission

• Adult admission $17, youth 5-15 $8, children free.
• Hours of Operation through Dec. 31, 2025: Open Daily 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, guests can hike until 6:00 PM
• Closed Christmas Day
• Hours of Operation January 1st-March 8: Open Daily 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, guests can hike until 6:00 PM
• Hours of Operation March 8th- November 1st: Open Daily 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM, guests can hike until 7:00 PM

For more information, go to the Chimney Rock website.