Chimney Rock State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Bike Trails

Open

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Chimney Rock State Park

Located in Rutherford county 25 miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park offers some of North Carolina's most dramatic mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. At the fee-based Chimney Rock attraction, hike to Hickory Nut Falls and take an elevator or climb to the top of the park's namesake, a 315-foot freestanding rock spire. It also has the most facilities, including riverside areas, interpretive exhibits, and gift shops. The free Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock accesses provide a more rugged backcountry experience.

Camping

There are no camping facilities at Chimney Rock. The closest state park with camping is Lake James State Park.

Chimney Rock

Note: Admission fees are charged at the Chimney Rock attraction.

  • Hiking (3.5 miles)
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Concession stand
  • Restaurants
  • Amphitheater and classroom
  • Pavilion and picnic shelter
  • Exhibits

Rumbling Bald

  • Hiking (1.5 miles)
  • Rock climbing

Eagle Rock

  • Hiking (8.5 miles)
  • Biking (8.5 miles)
  • Rock climbing

Both Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock accesses are free to access.

Plan Your Visit

Tab/Accordion Items

Address

743 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, NC 28720

GPS: 35.4327, -82.2502

Current Weather

28720 Chimney Rock, NC

Address

827 Boys Camp Road, Lake Lure, NC 29746

GPS: 35.4434, -82.2194

Current Weather

29746 Lake Lure, NC

Address

1911 Shumont Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711

GPS: 35.4722, -82.2423

Current Weather

28711 Black Mountain, NC

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Ticket prices and operating hours for Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park are subject to change throughout the seasons. Chimney Rock Management LLC determines the prices, hours, and season schedule for the attraction; please contact them at visit@chimneyrockpark.com for questions regarding those topics.

**The exact dates of when seasonal hours and pricing change vary annually — they usually happen the first week of January, the first week of March, and the first week of November. If you are planning on visiting on these weeks, please make sure you visit the Chimney Rock attraction website to see the correct ticket price and hours for the exact day you are visiting.

Month Gate Hours Ticket Sales and Admission
January**

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

end at 4:30 p.m.
February

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

end at 4:30 p.m.
March** 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
April 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
May 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
June 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
July 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
August 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
September 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
October 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. end at 5:30 p.m.
November** 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. end at 4:30 p.m.
December 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. end at 4:30 p.m.

These accesses are free for day-use. 

Month Hours
January

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Febuary

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo Gallery

Column Paragraph

Top: Fall color at Chimney Rock, staff photo

Gallery: Entrance bridge, by C. Peek  |  Hickory Nut Falls from Chimney Rock Village, by K. Johnson  |  Exclamation Point Trail stairs, by K. Bonifacio  |  Lake Lure from Rumbling Bald Trail, by T. Johnson  |  Sunrise at World's Edge, by S. Tillotson