Chimney Rock State Park Reopens!
Governor Josh Stein today reopened Chimney Rock State Park (CRSP) and announced “Rediscover the Unforgettable,” a new tourism initiative to bring more visitors back to western North Carolina. Advanced reservations are required to access the park, which will be open with limited hours. At the reopening, Governor Stein also signed House Bill 1012: Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 - Part II into law. Read more here. Photo of CRSP View Scape of Lake Lure by Ashley Mahoney-Axios
Frequently Asked Questions
How do reservations work?
Reservations are offered in 1-hour time slots. Please plan to arrive within the 1-hour window you have reserved. When you drive up to the Ticket Plaza, have the tickets attached to your reservation email ready to be scanned. Afterwards, stay and explore the Park until gates close at 7:00 PM!
How many reservations will you accept per hour?
At first, availability will come down to the number of parking spaces in our top parking lot. We hope to expand capacity very soon, so please check back often as we start adding more available spots each day.
Do I need to pay online for my reservation?
For now, yes. We’re working to adjust our system to be able to accept cash reservations so please stay tuned!
How do I enter the Park?
Thanks to the NCDOT’s new temporary bridge, you can access the Park in your own vehicle. The bridge entrance is in Chimney Rock Village next to the Harley-Davidson building. There will be signs guiding you where to go. Once inside the Park, head up the mountain to check-in at the Ticket Plaza and enjoy your day!
Will my Annual Pass be extended?
Yes! To make sure you still get your full year of Park access, all Passholders who had an active pass at the time of the closure will automatically have their pass extended by the number of days you missed during the closure. Plus, we’ll round it up to the end of your new expiration month so you can squeeze in a few extra visits. It’s our way of saying thanks for sticking with us. Your extension begins June 27, whether you visit right away or later.
Enjoy!
