General Information

North Carolina's newest state park is located on the edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge, around the monolithic rock formation which gives the area its name. Carved out of the side of the Blue Ridge, the Hickory Nut Gorge is an area of special geology and ecology and the park preserves some of the best of what this area has to offer. The park's namesake, a huge pillar of granite standing apart from the mountain, provides views that are are second to none. You'll see the Gorge, the surrounding mountains, and the lake at the mouth of the gorge - Lake Lure. The second main landmark within the park - 404' Hickory Nut Falls - is accessible at both the top and the bottom. Both the Chimney and the Falls are dramatically visible from the road below.

Chimney Rock Park was purchased from private ownership by the State in early 2007. Many acres of land around the park in the Hickory Nut Gorge were purchased first, and the State authorized the creation of Hickory Nut Gorge State Park in 2005. However, now that the state owns Chimney Rock Park, the name of the entire park has been changed to Chimney Rock State Park. Due to its long tradition of being privately owned and the extra amenities that brings over a traditional state park, a new company was formed, Chimney Rock Management, LLC, to manage the visitor facilities in their existing state. This arrangement (and the entry fee) will remain in effect for the forseeable future.

The park offers modern conveniences at the main parking area such as restrooms, refreshment stands, gift shops, and an elevator that takes visitors nearly to the top of the Chimney (and the start of an excellent trail). Hiking in the park is also extremely unique, as several trails are on primarily man-made wooden structures. Other trails have a more traditional dirt surface. You'll be able to walk along a long ledge on the middle of a 400' high rock cliff, and you'll find trails that twist over, under, around and through giant boulders and rock outcroppings lying at the base of the Chimney. Plan to spend several hours in the park exploring all the trails, as there is something great to see around every turn!

News

Some Trails Remain Closed

The Cliff trail to the top of Hickory Nut Falls remains closed due to ongoing safety improvements to structures along the trail. Other trails remain open (weather permitting).

State Buys Chimney Rock Park! (1/29/07)

North Carolina has agreed to pay $24 million for the coveted piece of land. More importantly, the park owners were willing to accept it - after asking $55 million to begin when the park was put up for sale. Under the purchase agreement, the Morse family will continue to operate the park as it has in the past through 2007, with an option to continue for 2 more years. No decisions have been made on what kind of fee structure, if any, entrance to the park will carry after that time. The event is garnering national news.
Owner's Statement
NC Division of Parks and Recreation Press Release

Links and Information

Save Chimney Rock
This web site has been put together to help promote the purchase of the park by the State. Site is by the Friends of Hickory Nut Gorge and has some good information about the sale.

Acquisition Fact Sheet (110 KB)

Fees

Since before the park was purchased by the State, a fee has been charged to enter Chimney Rock Park. This will continue for the foreseeable future. Get more information about fees on the Park's official website.

Directions

From Asheville, take I-240 East to US 74A East. Follow this for approximately 25 miles to the entrance for the Park in the town of Chimney Rock, on the right.

Driving directions on Google Maps

Official Website

For more information, including entrance fees, hours, trip planning, information on park facilities, and more, visit the park's official web site at http://www.chimneyrockpark.com.

Chimney Rock Park