Chimney Rock Village NC

06/05/2026

Big things are happening in the Village. The sounds of rebuilding are music to our ears, reminding us that every day our beloved Main Street is getting better and busier. Thanks for hanging in there with us on this journey. It's going to be a spectacular weekend. Come check out our progress and say hi!

06/03/2026

Celebrate National Trails Day with us on Saturday, June 6! Plan a visit to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park to take part in special guided hikes, animal programs, and more from 10 AM - 3 PM. Afterwards, head to the Village to unwind as you stroll through shops, enjoy a yummy meal or dessert!

06/02/2026

Woohoo!! We're delighted to hear the park is re-opening Wednesday. Great job!!

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will reopen for normal operating hours beginning Wednesday, June 3rd. The Park will be open 8:30-5:30, and guests can hike until 7:00.

NCDOT and NC State Parks worked efficiently to repair the small landslide damage we had along the Park’s road. We are thankful for the quick response, and are looking forward to reopening the Park for our guests. We’ll see you at the Rock soon!

06/01/2026

Who's ready for a sizzlin' summer in the Hickory Nut Gorge? Trails, beaches, ice cream, shopping and a whole lot more!

05/31/2026

While the state park is closed a few days for road repairs, we have you covered. Shops, restaurants and lodges in the Village are open. Beautiful Lake Lure is open and you can get your hiking in at Rumbling Bald via the access located at 827 Boys Camp Road.

Due to a small landslide along the Park's main road, caused by recent rainfall, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will be closed June 1st - 5th while road repairs are completed.

Note: this closure only affects the Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park access. The Rumbling Bald Access remains open.

We will continue to share updates on the Park’s reopening status on ChimneyRockPark.com and social media. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We hope to see you on the trails soon!

05/26/2026

Following the weekend's heavy downpour, the morning mist and clouds float gently through the gorge on this quiet morning. The river is flowing rapidly through the Village, but its banks are stable. We express our appreciation to NCDOT and the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department for their vigilant monitoring of our roads, ensuring the safety of our community.

05/25/2026

PAUSE TO REMEMBER: 3:00PM

The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual, voluntary act of national unity where all Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. It aims to honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Force.

05/22/2026

MAYOR PETER O'LEARY UPDATE: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

This will be our first Memorial Day as an open Village since the flood. We’re taking a moment to reflect, remember, and share a few updates from the Village:

• We humbly honor the service members who gave their lives for our country this Memorial Day.
• We are especially grateful to the 101st Airborne and all who helped the Village recover after the flood. The vision of fatigue clad men and women digging us out and removing the mud and debris still resonates in many of our memories. Their service made a lasting difference.
• The Friends of the Hickory Nut Gorge Library recently hosted local author Rose Senehi, whose new book A River Runs Through It reflects on the flood and the first year of recovery. It is a fast-paced retelling of events and includes many local characters and their stories.
• Visible progress continues across the Village: The Hickory Nut is rising tall, new public restrooms are open, new signs are up at Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock Factory Outlet is open, and Bubba O’Leary’s General Store is being rebuilt.
• Even in areas where progress is less visible, major planning is underway. Road work between the Village and Bat Cave begins this summer, and streetscape construction is planned for this winter.
• We also celebrate with our neighbors in Lake Lure on the reopening of the lake and beach.

There is still work ahead, but the momentum is real and the future is bright. If you’re out this Memorial Day weekend, come visit us, and see the progress for yourself. Follow us here on Facebook for more updates.
Full Mayor's Message here: https://www.chimneyrockvillagenc.gov/news

05/18/2026

A mama bear and her cub were recently spotted enjoying the beautiful view overlooking the Village. Black bears are naturally shy and prefer to avoid people.

With an increased chance of bear activity, it's especially important to be Bear Wise with these easy tips from Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park:

🐻 Leave No Trace. Pack out all food scraps and waste, or dispose of it in bear-proof receptacles.
🐻 Stay together by hiking in groups and leash your pets. Keep children nearby, and keep an eye on your surroundings.
🐻 If you encounter a bear, give it space. Avoid engaging and back away slowly. If a bear approaches you, make yourself appear larger and make noise.
🐻 If you see a bear on the road, feel free to stop (if safe) and take photos, but do not leave your vehicle!

05/16/2026

Visitors are the best. A multi-state club, the “SSR Fanatics,” made a pit stop in the Village with 60 cars on their way to Maggie Valley yesterday. We appreciate their support. So cool! 😎

Photos: Michele Yackel