Waterfall Hero Hikes: Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is a 6000-acre park in Rutherford County southeast of Asheville. The park is located in the Hickory Nut Gorge near Lake Lure. Chimney Rock Park was a private park owned and operated by Dr. Lucius Morse, who first purchased the land in 1902. His family owned and operated the park for more than a century, but in 2006, but the land up for sale. The state had recently authorized the creation of Hickory Nut Gorge State Park in the region. The state purchased Chimney Rock Park and, as the centerpiece of the new park, changed the name to Chimney Rock State Park. The Chimney Rock portion of the park is managed by Chimney Rock Management and a fee is charged for entry to the main part of the park.

Contact Information:

743 Chimney Rock Park Road
Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Phone: 828-625-1823 (State Park)
Phone: 800-277-9611 (Chimney Rock Park)

Email: chimney.rock@ncparks.gov (State Park)
Email: visit@chimneyrockpark.com (Chimney Rock Park)

Website: https://www.ncparks.gov/chimney-rock-state-park (State Park)
Website: http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/ (Chimney Rock Park)

GPS: 35.43981,-82.24855

Directions:

Chimney Rock State Park is approximately 25 miles southeast of Asheville. From I-40, take exit 53B to US-74 Alt. Follow US-74 Alt for about 20 miles to Chimney Rock Village and turn right to enter the park. The park office is on the right and the entrance gate is about a mile past the turn.

Map:

Points of Interest:

Eagle Rock:

Eagle Rock is a mountain with great views located in the Eagle Rock section of the park. Weed Patch Mountain Trail leads to Eagle Rock in 0.3 miles from the parking area.