Chimney Rock State Park will officially reopen to visitors on Friday, June 27, nine months after Hurricane Helene severely damaged the site. The September 2024 storm destroyed the park’s entrance bridge, forcing a lengthy closure and limited access.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation recently completed construction on a temporary entrance bridge and repaired several internal park roads, allowing operations to resume.
Park officials announced that advance reservations will be required for all guests, including annual passholders, due to limited capacity during ongoing recovery efforts. Reservations can be made starting approximately one week before reopening at chimneyrockpark.com. Initially, the park will operate Friday through Monday.
Located in Rutherford County, Chimney Rock State Park is known for its sweeping views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
The park’s signature attraction is a 315-foot freestanding rock spire, accessible via a hike or elevator ride for a fee.
