Chimney Rock State Park
Trails Status
Closed
Closed
About the 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 access provides 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
Rumbling Bald is free to access.
Eagle Rock
- Access closed until further notice
Plan Your Visit
Closed until further notice
Park Hours
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. |
This access is 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
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