Chimney Rock State Park to reopen nine months after Hurricane Helene’s hit on NC
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- Chimney Rock State Park reopens June 27 after nine-month storm closure.
- Storm-damaged access bridge replaced by temporary structure and road repairs.
- Advance reservations required as capacity remains limited during recovery.
Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene, one of North Carolina’s most popular state parks will reopen soon.
Officials announced that Chimney Rock State Park and the Chimney Rock attraction will be back open to visitors beginning Friday, June 27 — exactly nine months after the deadly storm’s hit on the state.
The state park, nestled 25 miles outside of Asheville in Rutherford County, was one of 13 that was shut down after the storm, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Early October, The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation temporarily closed all state parks west of I-77, along with most programs at all state parks.
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Access to Chimney Rock has been limited since September because of damage to the park entrance bridge, according to officials, but there’s recently been work on a temporary bridge and repairs to the park’s roads.
“The reopening of this iconic park is another positive step toward recovery in western North Carolina,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “We could not reopen Chimney Rock without the swift work of the N.C. Department of Transportation and the leadership from Governor Josh Stein and his recovery team.”
‘A Western North Carolina jewel’
Chimney Rock State Park, a nod to its 315-foot freestanding rock spire, is known for offering “some of North Carolina’s most dramatic mountain scenery” atop Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure where you can hike, fish, picnic and more.
“Chimney Rock is a western North Carolina jewel,” Governor Josh Stein said. “Reopening the state park will draw tourists back to this area. I am pleased that DNCR, DOT, and local leaders in Chimney Rock were able to get this park open for people to enjoy and so local businesses can thrive.”
Park hours have not yet been announced but capacity will be limited due to ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the area, officials said.
Advance reservations will be required to access the Chimney Rock attraction, which can be made online at chimneyrockpark.com.
This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Chimney Rock State Park to reopen nine months after Hurricane Helene’s hit on NC."
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