Chimney Rock State Park Is Open Again, and Worth the Trip

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  August 28, 2026

Chimney Rock State Park draws people from all over the country for one view, the 315-foot monolith that gives the park its name, but the reasons to stay for a full day go well beyond that first photo. The park sits along US-74A in Rutherford County, about 25 minutes east of Asheville and just a few minutes from Lake Lure, which makes it an easy add-on to a mountain weekend rather than a trip that requires its own itinerary.

Beyond Chimney Rock itself, the park holds Hickory Nut Falls, a 404-foot waterfall that ranks among the tallest in the eastern United States. There are also more hiking trails, a small wildlife exhibit, and a calendar of events throughout the year. Visitors can reach the top of Chimney Rock either by elevator or by climbing roughly 500 steps up the Outcroppings Trail, which passes through a narrow rock passage called the Subway.

Where is Chimney Rock State Park and how do you get there?

The park has three access points. The main Chimney Rock Access sits at 431 Main St in the village of Chimney Rock, with additional entrances at Eagle Rock near Black Mountain and Rumbling Bald near Lake Lure. Most visitors coming from Asheville take US-74A east through Hickory Nut Gorge, a scenic drive on its own that follows the Rocky Broad River toward Lake Lure.

Hours shift with the season, and the park closes on Christmas Day and early on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Check the official park website before heading out, especially with ongoing recovery work in the gorge.

What's the best way to see Chimney Rock itself?

Drivers head up to the base of the monument first. From there, the elevator is the quickest route to the summit and works well for anyone who wants to skip the climb.

The alternative is the Outcroppings Trail, about 500 steps that wind past changing views of the rock and the gorge below. It's a workout, but it's the better way to experience the park if your knees can handle it.

Is Hickory Nut Falls worth the extra stop?

Absolutely. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a 0.7-mile walk each way, 1.4 miles round trip, and it's moderate enough for most families to manage together. Picnic tables line the route, so it's easy to turn the hike into a slower afternoon rather than a quick errand.

At 404 feet, the waterfall is one of the tallest in North Carolina, and it's worth building extra time into a visit just to sit near the base and take it in.

What else is there to do in the park?

The Animal Discovery Den introduces visitors to some of the park's animals, including an Eastern king snake and a snapping turtle, alongside a butterfly garden. There's a gift shop near the elevator, a musician who often performs outside on sunny days, and rock climbing sessions at Rumbling Bald for visitors looking for something more physical. The park also hosts seasonal events, from outdoor yoga to a Santa visit each December.

Has the area recovered from Hurricane Helene?

Hickory Nut Gorge took a serious hit when Helene tore through in September 2024, and Chimney Rock village and Lake Lure both saw significant flood damage. Nearly two years later, the park's main attractions, including Chimney Rock and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, are open again, though some partner services and smaller businesses in the village are still rebuilding. Check current conditions before a visit, and consider supporting the local businesses that are back up and running.

Is the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area a place to consider living, not just visiting?

The gorge, the lake, and the small-town feel of the village bring people here for a weekend. That same pull draws buyers looking for a second home or a full-time move to this part of Rutherford County. Recovery has brought new attention to the area, and interest in property around Lake Lure has stayed steady even through the past two years. If a day trip to Chimney Rock has you wondering what it would be like to live closer to this kind of scenery, Jon Tharp is glad to talk through what the local market looks like right now.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to the top of Chimney Rock?

Visitors drive to the base of the monument inside the park, then choose between an elevator ride to the top or the Outcroppings Trail, a roughly 500-step climb that passes through a narrow passage called the Subway. The elevator is the faster, easier option and works well for visitors with mobility concerns or small children. The stairs take longer but offer changing views of the gorge and the rock formation along the way. Both routes end at the same overlook, which takes in the Rocky Broad River, Hickory Nut Gorge, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

How long is the hike to Hickory Nut Falls?

The Hickory Nut Falls Trail runs 0.7 miles one way, or 1.4 miles round trip, from the trailhead to the base of the waterfall. The path is considered moderate and is manageable for most families with children, with benches and rest spots along the way. Hickory Nut Falls itself drops 404 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in North Carolina and the eastern United States. Plan on roughly an hour to an hour and a half for the round trip with time to enjoy the falls.

Is Chimney Rock State Park open after Hurricane Helene?

Yes, Chimney Rock State Park has reopened its core attractions, including Chimney Rock, the Outcroppings Trail, and Hickory Nut Falls Trail, after Hurricane Helene caused severe flood damage throughout Hickory Nut Gorge in September 2024. Some amenities and partner services, including certain rock climbing operations, were still working toward full restoration as of this year. Visitors should check the park's official website before a trip for current trail closures or access changes, since conditions can shift with ongoing repair work in the gorge.

Does Chimney Rock State Park charge admission?

Yes, Chimney Rock is one of the few North Carolina state parks that charges an entrance fee, which goes toward maintaining the park's infrastructure, including the elevator, trails, and visitor facilities. The park offers single-day tickets as well as annual and two-day passes, and pricing can shift by season or when certain areas are closed for repairs. Tickets are purchased online and redeemed at the Ticket Plaza before entering the main park area.