Chimney Rock Park

   Leaf peepers and hikers can get a boost to the top of Chimney Rock to admire fall colors now that a power upgrade is completed and the elevator is open. The 26-story elevator inside the mountain provides convenient access to the Chimney for guests of all abilities and ages. During the temporary closure, visitors were able to access the Chimney via a 25-minute hike up the upgraded Outcroppings trail to enjoy the Park’s 75-mile scenic views overlooking Lake Lure. Admission rates are $12 adult, $6 youth (ages 5-15) and free for kids under five. For fall visiting information and current fall colors, go to chimneyrockpark.com.

“We’re fortunate that State Parks moved quickly to get the elevator’s power issues fixed just in time for all of our guests to enjoy stunning fall colors from atop Chimney Rock,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

An additional power line was installed so that the elevator and Sky Lounge are now running on separate lines, reducing the risk of power interruptions to maintain consistent elevator service. The work was completed by Haynes Electric of Asheville, N.C.

Fall Color Report Oct. 17: The drive to Chimney Rock is gorgeous now. Fall color is spreading daily through the Park’s higher and middle elevations and at Rumbling Bald Access. Bursts of yellow are appearing in the Chestnut Oaks, hickories and locust trees, and especially the ash trees near the Chimney. The dogwoods are a vibrant maroon with sourwoods adding splashes of red. While there’s still plenty of green, with some more cool nights and sun, autumn colors should be good in the higher elevations by next week. Some autumn wildflowers are still blooming, including many asters and some snakeroot.  

Peak colors typically arrive at the Park’s higher elevations around mid-to-late October and spread down to the lower elevations through early November. Unique adventures to view fall colors include rock climbing with Fox Mountain Guides and an Old Growth Forest Hike at 11 a.m. October 19 and 26 that is included with Park admission.  Photographer enthusiasts should check out the Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop October 26-27 at Chimney Rock, and advance registration is required.

An Engineering Feat. The elevator originally opened in 1949 as the tallest in North Carolina. It took eight tons of dynamite to blast the Park elevator’s 258-foot-high shaft and 198-foot-long tunnel through solid granite. In 1988, all but the car of the original elevator was replaced.  During the 2010-12 modernization project every part of the elevator was replaced or upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment, including the original car.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is best known for its scenic hiking trails and 75-mile panoramic views overlooking Lake Lure. Call (800) 277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.