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.
Reopening FAQ
When is the Park reopening?
The Park reopened to the public on Friday, June 27. We are now open daily!
Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for busy weekends and holidays. We suggest reserving tickets for Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, July 4th, weekends in July and weekends in October through early November.
Annual Passholders are no longer required to make a reservation and may enter the Park upon arrival at the Ticket Plaza.
When should I arrive for my reservation?
Reservations are scheduled in 1-hour arrival windows. You may arrive anytime during your selected hour. Once you’ve arrived, stay and enjoy the Park until gates close at 7 PM!
Running early or late for your reservation?
Please plan to arrive between 8:30am – 5:30pm if you cannot make your reservation window.
What days of the week is the Park open?
The Park is now open every day! The entrance and Ticket Plaza closes at 5:30 PM. Stay and enjoy the Park until gates close at 7 PM! The Skyline Trail will close at 5pm and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail will close by 6pm to ensure guests can finish their hike before the Park closes at 7pm.
Is the elevator working?
Yes! The elevator is up and running and ready to take you to the top.
Please note: Power outages can occasionally occur in Hickory Nut Gorge and may temporarily shut down the elevator.
A friendly reminder — pets (other than service animals) are not allowed in the elevator. If you’re bringing a furry friend, please be sure someone in your party is able to take the stairs.
What dining options are available in the Park?
Our Sky Lounge Deli is open with additional snack options, including plenty of water and drinks.
Can I reschedule my reservation?
We’re happy to help you adjust your plans. Simply email us at [email protected] or give our main office a call at 828-625-9611 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).
Is Chimney Rock Village open?
Many shops and restaurants in Chimney Rock Village have now reopened, with more on the way! There is limited parking along the street and in the parking lot next to the Burntshirt Vineyards building.
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.
If you have other questions, 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.
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.