Chimney Rock State Park Superintendent

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

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

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06/01/2026

Chimney Rock is celebrating America’s 250! Check out our website for upcoming programs!

05/31/2026

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!

05/31/2026

Due to recent storm damage and significant road closures in the area, all of our Upper Hickory Nut Gorge trails are currently closed until further notice. This includes:

- Trombatore Trail
- Bearwallow Mountain Trail
- Strawberry Gap Trail
- Wildcat Rock Trail
- Florence Nature Preserve

Major access routes, including sections of US-74 ALT, Bearwallow Mountain Road, and NC-9, are currently impacted by storm damage and ongoing repair work. Please avoid these areas for your own safety and to allow repair crews to work efficiently.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as soon as the North Carolina Department of Transportation reopens these roads and we are able to safely reopen the trails. Thank you for your patience and for helping keep our community safe.

For the latest updates, please visit our website.

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

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05/22/2026

⚠️ Reports of black bear activity are increasing across North Carolina, which means it’s a good time to brush up on bear safety before heading outdoors this weekend and throughout the summer:

🐻 Bears love picnics just as much as we do! Keep a clean area. Food scraps and trash can attract bears.

🐻 Make noise while hiking so bears have a chance to avoid you.

🐻 Keep dogs leashed at all times on trails. Loose pets can trigger defensive behavior from bears.

🐻 Pack out all food and trash, even “harmless” scraps like apple cores.

🐻 Stay alert while on the trail. Moving quickly and quietly can surprise bears.

🐻If you see a bear, never run. Slowly back away and give it space.

🐻 If a bear approaches, stand your ground, make yourself look big, and yell “Hey Bear!”

🐻 If a black bear attacks, do not play dead. Fight back aggressively.

Most black bears want to avoid people, and giving them space helps keep both visitors and wildlife safe. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or enjoying a picnic, always recreate responsibly and stay aware of your surroundings.

For more bear safety resources, visit our website: https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/be-bearwise/