FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions. For those with an insatiable curiosity.
For more than a century, folks have been curious about Chimney Rock and all it has to offer.
These are questions our Park associates answer the most. If you have others, please Contact Us and we will be happy to get you an answer to your question. Who knows? Your question may be next on this list.
Reopening FAQ
When is the Park reopening?
The Park reopened to the public on Friday, June 27. We are currently open Friday-Monday every week.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes, to help manage capacity and support ongoing recovery efforts in the Hickory Nut Gorge, all guests must reserve tickets in advance here on our website, chimneyrockpark.com. This system will also allow our staff time to adjust to our new normal and provide you the best experience possible.
What are the new directions and detours?
The Park’s new temporary address is 174 Chimney Rock Park Rd. Chimney Rock, NC 28720. 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. See our maps of nearby road closures.
Guests should plan extra travel time and drive with care.
Will the Park be open every day?
Initially, we’ll be open Friday–Monday and space will be limited as we get back up and running.
Reservations are open these days 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Ticket Plaza closes at 5:30 PM. Stay and enjoy the Park until gates close at 7:00 PM!
Will the elevator be open?
Yes! The elevator will be up and running ready to take you to the top.
Friendly reminder that no pets except for service animals are allowed in the elevator. If you’re bringing a furry friend, make sure somebody in your party can take the stairs.
Will the trails be open?
All of our Trails will be open, except for the Skyline Trail. We hope to reopen it as soon as repairs are complete!
Please keep in mind that there is no access to the Rocky Broad River at this time while rebuilding efforts in the Village are ongoing.
What dining options will be in the Park?
Our Sky Lounge Deli will be open with limited snack options, including plenty of water and drinks for these hot summer days.
Will the gift shops be open?
Yes, both Cliff Dwellers and Sky Lounge will be open for all your souvenir and gift needs!
How do reservations work?
Reservations are offered in 1-hour time slots and can be made on our Reservations page. Please plan to arrive within the 1-hour window you have reserved. When you drive up to the Ticket Plaza, have the tickets attached to your reservation email ready to be scanned. Afterwards, stay and explore the Park until gates close at 7:00 PM.
Do I need to pay online for my reservation?
For now, yes. We are working to adjust our system to be able to accept cash reservations so please stay tuned!
How many reservations will you accept per hour?
At first, availability will come down to the number of parking spaces in our top parking lot. We hope to expand capacity very soon, so please check back often as we start adding more available spots each day.
How do I enter the Park? Can I drive in?
Thanks to the NCDOT’s new temporary bridge, you can access the Park in your own vehicle. The bridge entrance is in Chimney Rock Village next to the Harley-Davidson building. There will be signs guiding you where to go. Once inside the Park, head up the mountain to check-in at the Ticket Plaza and enjoy your day!
Is Chimney Rock Village open?
The Village has no official reopening date, though businesses hope to reopen soon. At the time of the Park’s reopening, there will be no public parking in the Village or access to the Rocky Broad River. However, many wonderful spots in Lake Lure are open and excited to welcome you!
Can I visit before the Park officially reopens?
No, the Park is not open to the public until June 27 at 2:30pm. See NC State Parks’ official information.
Will Annual Passes be extended?
Yes! To make sure you still get your full year of Park access, all Passholder expirations will be automatically extended by the number of days you missed during the closure. Plus, we’ll round it up to the end of your new expiration month so you can squeeze in a few extra visits. It’s our way of saying thanks for sticking with us. Your extension begins June 27, whether you visit right away or later.
Did the Park experience any damage?
The most significant damage was the washout of our Park bridge during the flood. Additionally, the Park faced small landslides that blocked the Park road, damage to railings and retaining walls, fallen trees, and flooding in the elevator.
How can I stay updating on the latest news about the Park?
The best way to stay in the loop is by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and/or signing up for our newsletter. This page will also be updated regularly.
General FAQ
According to state regulations, drones and other flying machines are not allowed to be flown in the park without a special permit. This is primarily to protect birds and other wildlife. Below is a section from North Carolina Administrative Code.
07 NCAC 13B .1204 AVIATION
– A person shall not voluntarily bring, land or cause to descend or alight, ascend or take off within or upon any park area, any airplane, flying machine, balloon, parachute, glider, hang glider, or other apparatus for aviation. Voluntarily in this connection shall mean anything other than a forced landing.
– In park areas where aviation activities are part of the planned park activities, a special use permit will be required. Requests for permits may be made in the manner prescribed by Rule .0104 of this Subchapter.
Spring through fall seasons: 6pm (Eastern Daylight Time) or winter season: 5pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Yes, we’ve partnered with the best, most highly-accredited professional rock climbing guides around, Fox Mountain Guides. Reservation for climbing with Fox Mountain Guides must be made in advance. Rock climbing is also available at Rumbling Bald, part of Chimney Rock State Park, on Boys Camp Road. You can get a free permit to climb at Rumbling Bald at its trailhead. For more information go to http://www.foxmountainguides.com/rock-climbing/chimney-rock-park, or email them at, [email protected]
Although the Chimney itself and the trails are not wheelchair accessible, the view from the upper parking lot is almost as spectacular as the view from atop the Chimney. When the elevator is available, it can take guests up to the Sky Lounge patio level. A wheelchair is available for loan at no charge. Check with associates in Cliff Dwellers Gifts if you need one of them.
It takes about 1-1.5 hours minimum but you can easily spend a whole day exploring
Yes, RVs up to 40 ft. overall length can navigate the roadway into the Park. Be sure to pull to the left of the Ticket Plaza on arrival, park and go into the Ticket Plaza to purchase tickets and get additional information. If the parking lot is full, you can park in the Meadows and a Park associate will take you to the top.
– Wear good shoes – preferably hiking boots or sturdy sneakers.
– In warmer weather, consider a hat and well-ventilated clothing. Also, you never know when the weather will change in the mountains, so a light rain jacket or poncho is a good idea too.
– Bring along some bottled water, since there are no water fountains on the trails.
– Cover exposed skin with sunscreen.
– Bring a small backpack to carry supplies, including energy bars, so you can keep your hands free.
Regular prices are $32 for adults and $14 for youth ages 5-15. Or you can upgrade your 1-day admission tickets to Annual Passes for just $15 for adults and $6 for youth within 30 days of your visit with your dated receipt. That’s less than the cost of two regular admission tickets and entitles you to other great discounts too! Learn more on our Info and Tickets page.
Not usually, but we do occasionally offer special events that involve overnight camping. Check out our events page.
Yes, you can bring your own food. There is a large pavilion in the Meadows as well as tables along the roadway and trails. You can carry your picnic along with you while you hike and find the perfect place to eat and relax
Or, why not leave lunch up to us? We’ve got a great menu in the Sky Lounge Deli (open April – December) up top. Cliff Dwellers Gifts and the Sky Lounge gift shop carry snacks and beverages year ‘round. No matter where you get your meal, we have plenty of picnic tables throughout the Park where you can enjoy it.
Occasionally if it is very icy or if there is a flood warning we will close the Park for the day. We will always put an alert on our website when we close unexpectedly.
– Outcroppings Trail (leads to the top of Chimney Rock): 499 1-way and includes the 44 steps to the flag
– Exclamation Point Trail (leads to 200 feet above Chimney Rock): 330 1-way
– Chimney Rock: 2,280 feet (315 feet tall)
– Exclamation Point: 2,480 feet
– Top Parking Lot: 1,965 feet
– Top of Hickory Nut Falls: 2,450 feet (404 feet tall)
– In the Meadows just past the Ticket Plaza
– On the upper parking lot level where the Outcroppings trail starts (seasonal)
– In the Sky Lounge at the top of Chimney Rock
Because our road is very narrow and curvy with limited sight distance, walking or cycling on the road is unsafe and is not permitted.
Please check out the hours and rates page for current information.
Park admission includes parking, access to all of our trails, and the elevator.
- Dogs are not permitted in the elevator, so if you plan to visit the Chimney your dog and at least one adult in your party must be able to climb 500 stairs on our Outcroppings trail. The trail is strenuous and many sections are narrow, so consider your pet’s comfort level and athletic ability.
- Dogs may not be left in a parked car, so consider if your dog will be able to hike all the trails you want to hike. Many of our trails include stairs and other challenging terrain.
- Consider what the weather will be like during your visit. In the summer temperatures in the Park can exceed 90 degrees and can be unsafe for dogs. If you’re visiting with your dog, please bring plenty of water. Heat stroke can be deadly for dogs and can happen quickly during strenuous exercise in high temperatures.
- You may meet other guests with dogs in the Park and will certainly encounter adults and children on narrow trails or stairs. Consider your dog’s comfort level with meeting new people/dogs and being in crowds in general.
***Discounts do not apply to our winter rates***
Seniors 65 and over: $2 off admission
AAA membership: Discount of $2 off adult and $1 off youth admission for up to 6 guests total, including the AAA member.
Military: We offer a military discount to any current or former service member. Present your proof of service or current military photo ID at the Ticket Plaza to receive $2 off adults and $1 off youth ages 5-15, good for up to 6 total guests including the military member. For Veterans Day, we offer FREE admission to the service member only, but extend the $2 off adult and $1 off youth discount to the other guests in the party (up to 6 guests total including the military member). Present proof of service or current military photo ID to receive free admission during our annual Veterans Day Special. See our website for details and this year’s valid dates for this offer.
For the average adult, it takes about 25 minutes to walk up the 499-step Outcroppings trail to reach the Chimney.