Retaining Wall Stabilization Started Tuesday, Park will be Hike-In Only During Work

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park became a hike-in only Park on Tuesday, Sept.4, when state contractors started work to stabilize its upper parking lot.

Over Memorial Day weekend, Subtropical Storm Alberto caused a section of the retaining wall on the upper parking lot to collapse. The Park was closed for two weeks for storm cleanup.

Since reopening in June, parking has been prohibited on the upper lot and visitors have had to either be shuttled or have had to hike up to the top of the Park where the Chimney and upper trails are located.

No shuttle service will be available while stabilization work is underway. Guests will only be able to access the upper trails by hiking the Four Seasons trail from the Meadows to the Hickory Nut Falls trail and then take the Falls trail over and up to the elevator entrance or the Outcroppings trail leading to the Chimney.

State contractors estimate the work will take about two weeks.

Admission to the Park will be reduced to $13 per adult and $6 per child while stabilization work is underway.

The top parking lot will reopen to regular traffic when these efforts are complete.

For the latest construction updates and Park news, visit ChimneyRockPark.com.