When to Go
Chimney Rock State Park is open year-round. Summer temperatures tend to be in the low 80s, but humidity can create unpleasant conditions. The ideal time to visit may be in spring, when you can avoid both the humidity and crowds that arrive in the summer months, or during fall foliage when the landscape blazes with hues of red and gold.
Know Before You Go
- Admission is charged at the principal Chimney Rock Access, although the nearby Rumbling Bald Climbing Access is admission-free with access to one of the park’s six trails.
- Climbing requires registration and permits. Free permits can be found on the trailheads.
- No park trails are wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
- You can buy snacks at the Sky Lounge’s concession stand or have a meal in the Old Rock Café, located at the main gate.
Chimney Rock State Park
This spot offers some of North Carolina’s best mountain scenery.
Just 25 miles from downtown Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is an easy escape from the city. The park’s centerpiece is the 535 million-year-old, 315-foot, granite monolith for which it’s named. Whether you reach the rock by elevator or by climbing the 500 steps, you’ll be treated to 75-mile, panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge. From the top, you can then hike to Exclamation Point, the park’s highest peak, and along the Skyline Trail. The park is also home to a 400-foot waterfall and great opportunities for birding. While overnight camping is not permitted, tent, RV, and cabin options are available nearby.
Just 25 miles from downtown Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is an easy escape from the city. The park’s centerpiece is the 535 million-year-old, 315-foot, granite monolith for which it’s named. Whether you reach the rock by elevator or by climbing the 500 steps, you’ll be treated to 75-mile, panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge. From the top, you can then hike to Exclamation Point, the park’s highest peak, and along the Skyline Trail. The park is also home to a 400-foot waterfall and great opportunities for birding. While overnight camping is not permitted, tent, RV, and cabin options are available nearby.
When to Go
Chimney Rock State Park is open year-round. Summer temperatures tend to be in the low 80s, but humidity can create unpleasant conditions. The ideal time to visit may be in spring, when you can avoid both the humidity and crowds that arrive in the summer months, or during fall foliage when the landscape blazes with hues of red and gold.
Read more...When to Go
Chimney Rock State Park is open year-round. Summer temperatures tend to be in the low 80s, but humidity can create unpleasant conditions. The ideal time to visit may be in spring, when you can avoid both the humidity and crowds that arrive in the summer months, or during fall foliage when the landscape blazes with hues of red and gold.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —