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“There’s never a convenient time to make improvements, but we’re doing everything we can to limit the impact on our guests. These significant upgrades help preserve access to the Park’s 535-million-year-old natural wonder while improving the guest experience for generations to come,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.
During the winter, a section of the Outcroppings trail that provides access to the Chimney will be replaced from the top parking lot level up to the bottom of the new stairs completed last April. The new, steel-framed wooden stairways will allow for easier access to the Chimney and points of interest above, such as the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point. The improved Outcroppings trail will accommodate more traffic, offer a better guest experience and help maintain access for future generations. With the park’s elevator currently undergoing a complete modernization, the Chimney and upper Chimney Rock Mountain will not be open to the public during the winter.
“It’s an exciting time in the history of Chimney Rock State Park. Being able to not only preserve this amazing natural resource, but also to enhance the experiences our citizens and visitors have at the park for decades to come is very important. Since the attraction’s inclusion into the N.C. State Park system in 2007, the Division of Parks and Recreation has been dedicated to caring for this incredible destination through phased improvements each year,” said Adrienne Wallace, Park Superintendent, Chimney Rock State Park.
Areas of the park that will remain open to the public throughout improvements include the 404-foot-tall Hickory Nut Falls and its trail, Cliff Dwellers Gift Shop and the Meadows area, including the Great Woodland Adventure and Four Seasons trails, Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, Classroom on the Meadows and the covered picnic pavilion.
“It’s time to make these improvements so that our kids, grandkids and great-great grandkids can enjoy making memories at Chimney Rock for another century,” said Jaeger-Gale. “It’s like making improvements to your home. At some point, the roof must be replaced. While it may not be opportune, it has to be done.”
Rates will be reduced during improvements, effective December 5. Winter admission is $9 for adults and $4 for youth ages 6-15. Kids under 6 are admitted free. When the Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to inclement weather, adult admission is $5 and kids under 16 are admitted free. Winter hours: Thursday to Monday, 10am-6pm with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30pm. Both the Park and Old Rock Café, located in Chimney Rock Village near the park’s entrance, will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The park will be closed Christmas day but will be open every day December 26-January 2, 2012, including New Year’s Day. In case of inclement weather, check the Park’s website for opening status.
Adult Annual Passes, a great stocking stuffer for family and friends, are available for $20 during a holiday special November 25 to December 24. Guests who visit the park during discounted winter admission rates can also save money by upgrading their admission tickets to Annual Passes for only $11 for adults and $4 for youth (ages 6-15) within 30 days of purchasing admission. Buy your upgrade online, call 800-277-9611 or show your receipt at the Ticket Plaza on your next visit within 30 days.
Visit chimneyrockpark.com for more information.
