Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park *Reservations recommended at Chimney Rock State Park. Chimney Rock brings the best of the mountains together in one place.
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More info at ChimneyRockPark.com*

Chimney Rock State Park features 75-mile views, a 404-foot-tall waterfall, hiking trails, guided rock climbing, and more! Experience a thrill of accomplishment by hiking our 499-step Outcroppings trail to the 315-foot Chimney Rock, where you'll see amazing 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Carolina Piedmont. With several unique hiking trails, the Park has something for everyone, from the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure Trail with 12 interactive discovery stations to the adventurous Four Seasons Trail which climbs more than 400 feet. Catch your breath at Devil’s Head and the Opera Box on a hike to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the Park at 2,480 feet, where you'll experience panoramic views of the 14-mile Hickory Nut Gorge. Be sure to hike the Hickory Nut Falls trail -- the reward is the 404-foot falls, one of the highest in the East. Kids love Grady the Groundhog’s Animal Discovery Den, where they can meet live animal educators.

Labor Day Weekend is almost here, and we can't think of a better place to celebrate than the Rock.As this is one of the ...
09/04/2026

Labor Day Weekend is almost here, and we can't think of a better place to celebrate than the Rock.

As this is one of the most popular weekends of the year, we want to make sure you get the most out of your visit while you're here!

🥾Our gates will be open from 8:30 - 5:30 , and guests can hike until 7:00. To make your experience smoother, and to enjoy quieter trails, consider planning an early morning or late afternoon arrival.

☀Before fall arrives, stop and soak up the last of the summer safely. Make sure to stay hydrated, and bring lots of snacks and sunscreen.

🐾Planning to bring along your furry friend? Leashed pets are welcome at the Park, however only service animals are allowed on the elevator. If you plan to bring them along make sure at least one person in your party can hike with your pet up the nearly 500-stair Outcroppings Trail, or will stay with them down below.

The Chimney Rock team is looking forward to welcoming you to the Park this holiday weekend. We'll see you on the trails soon!

Meet Vanna, Chimney Rock’s new opossum animal ambassador! 🐾Did you know that opossums can eat venomous snakes, are unlik...
09/03/2026

Meet Vanna, Chimney Rock’s new opossum animal ambassador! 🐾

Did you know that opossums can eat venomous snakes, are unlikely to carry rabies virus, and can eat thousands of ticks in one summer?

You may have already seen Vanna as she has roamed in her outdoor enclosure, and we’re looking forward to teaching with her this fall. Our staff works with her daily, and she is already a fabulous addition to our education team. Vanna is quite curious, and loves solving enrichment puzzles! Being nocturnal, she sleeps during the day and is most active at night.

Stop by the Discovery Den next time you’re in the Park and discover more about Vanna and her wild opossum counterparts!

It’s almost that time of year! As summer winds down we are looking forward to stunning fall views at the Park. Take a lo...
08/31/2026

It’s almost that time of year! As summer winds down we are looking forward to stunning fall views at the Park. Take a look at what views wait in store for you this fall…

Reminder that due to the Park’s lower elevation, our peak fall color window is in the last of October/Beginning of November. Start planning your trip now! You don’t want to miss these fantastic views. For more information, and to purchase tickets visit our website at www.ChimneyRockPark.com

We love the Park, but don't just take our word for it! We read each and every review that we receive, and we are thankfu...
08/28/2026

We love the Park, but don't just take our word for it! We read each and every review that we receive, and we are thankful to all of our guests for sharing amazing feedback.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to create elevated experiences for you at the Park every day!

Happy National Dog Day! We can't think of a better way to celebrate than by bringing your furry friend for a hike up the...
08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! We can't think of a better way to celebrate than by bringing your furry friend for a hike up the Outcroppings Trail, or out to the waterfall for a quick cooldown. We'll see you on the trails!

🐾Reminder that all pets must be on a 6ft leash while in the Park, and only service animals are permitted to ride the elevator.

Calling all photographers! This is your reminder that there is only 1 week left to enter our Photo Contest: “Summer Fun ...
08/24/2026

Calling all photographers! This is your reminder that there is only 1 week left to enter our Photo Contest: “Summer Fun in the Sun!”

Enter up to three photos by August 31 for a chance to win complimentary Park access, and bragging rights! Submissions can be sent to [email protected]. We can't wait to see what you capture!

08/21/2026

Enjoy this week's . As the summer crowd quiets down, and the seasons are beginning to change, wildlife sightings are much more common at the Park! This mama and baby bear were seen walking along the Park's road and captured at a safe distance by one of our team.

🐻Reminder that if you see a black bear, give them space, back away slowly, and make lots of noise. Please refrain from feeding wildlife, and make sure to place all waste in a bear-safe trashcan while in the Park.

📸 | Margeau T.

Can you ? This distinct summer bloom will be seen along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Make sure to check out our “What’s...
08/18/2026

Can you ? This distinct summer bloom will be seen along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.

Make sure to check out our “What’s in Bloom” page before you visit to see what wildflowers you may see along the trails.

We had a turtle-ly awesome time this summer showcasing all of the Park’s animal ambassadors during our Summer Animal Enc...
08/17/2026

We had a turtle-ly awesome time this summer showcasing all of the Park’s animal ambassadors during our Summer Animal Encounters and Drop-in at the Den! We love getting to teach our guests about WNC’s native wildlife.

While these encounters may be done for the season that doesn’t mean the fun is over! Stop by the Animal Discovery Den to meet Tater, Waffle, Mufasa, and more of the Park’s educational ambassadors during your next visit.

Friendly reminder that the park will have a delayed opening tomorrow, Sunday, August 16th while the Race to the Rock 5K ...
08/15/2026

Friendly reminder that the park will have a delayed opening tomorrow, Sunday, August 16th while the Race to the Rock 5K is in progress. The gates will open to the public at 10:30am after the race is completed. Please plan accordingly, and we look forward to seeing you then!

Address

174 Chimney Rock Park Road
Chimney Rock, NC
28720

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+18286259611

Website

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