November 20, 2020; New Winter Hours November 17, 2020; Park … The view of the American flag flying high above Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure from atop this rocky prominence is a staple of pretty much any magazine or brochure in the area. Chimney Rock is the focal point of the still-developing Greater Chimney Rock State Park. All North Carolina state parks are closed on Christmas Day, December 25. Learn More . We encourage park visitors to conduct their own First Day Hikes with members of their household. The park continued to grow in 2007 and 2008 when Foothills Conservancy borrowed funds to acquire 330 acres along the ridge, summit and slopes of Cane Creek Mountain from conservationists Bob and Anne Washburn and John and Alan Moore. Chimney Rock State Park: Scared of Heights and Stairs but DID IT! The most notable was the 2007 transfer of Chimney Rock Park, a private nature park surrounding the striking 315-foot spire on the gorge's southern side, into the expanding park. The 25-minute hike to the top along the Outcroppings Trail (also known as the "Ultimate Stairmaster") contains 491 steps, but the effort is all worth it once you reach the peak, called Exclamation Point (so punny! Chimney Rock is one of North Carolina’s newest state parks. … The area provides habitat for rare flowers, diverse forest communities, endangered bats and salamanders, unique cave-dwelling invertebrates, and birds such as peregrine falcons and migratory neotropical species. Chimney Rock State Park is a 6,807-acre park located in western North Carolina. It is not the first time she has been in charge of a brand new state park. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: First Visit Since Chimney Rock Became a State Park - See 2,455 traveler reviews, 2,516 candid photos, and great deals for Chimney Rock, NC, at Tripadvisor. Chimney Rock Park is one of two areas open to the public with the second area being Rumbling Bald Climbing Access – a rock climber’s dream. Most trails, restrooms, playgrounds, and several boat ramps are open. More than just a spectacular feature, Chimney Rock… With Chimney Rock as its focal point, Hickory Nut Gorge State Park’s name was changed to Chimney Rock State Park. The formation served as a landmark along the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Mormon Trail during the mid-19th century. Parking at the Rumbling Bald Climbing Access was also improved. Check out our Youtube channel EXPLORCATION for a four-minute video of the FULL HIKE of Exclamation and Skyline Trails to Hickory Nut Falls, plus video from the major viewpoints. 1615 Mail Service Center Black Mountain, NC 28711. The rocks are also reproduced on the seal of the Borough of Hollidaysburg, and has a 20 foot high lighted star placed there during the holiday season. Chimney Rock Park, one of the oldest parks in Western North Carolina was purchased in 2008 by the State of North Carolina from the Morse family to be preserved and to expand the parklands throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure region. Turn left on Boys Camp Road. Chimney Rock State Park: I did it! Today, the park continues to make improvements and has protected 6,892 acres on both sides of Hickory Nut Gorge. Rising nearly 300 feet (91 m) above the surrounding North Platte River valley, the peak of Chimney Rock is 4,228 feet (1,289 m) above sea level. Although the glow of the leaf color is in the past, It addressed future access, trails, and recreational activities and laid out the vision for the park for years to come. Although the park is home to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and other outdoor recreation opportunities, the park is most noted for its 315-foot-high granite monolith. It offered typical bar a grill food, including about 30 variations of a burger, including black bean burgers. Many acres of land around the Hickory Nut Gorge had been purchased by the State of North Carolina with the intention of creating a new State Park. Download this stock image: Chimney Rock, North Carolina - Chimney Rock State Park, a tourist attraction featuring a 535-million-year-old rock spire. Karen Chavez | Asheville Citizen Times This may just be the perfect week at Chimney Rock State Park. This land is part of a greater gorge known as Hickory Nut Gorge. This new 1.1-mile trail will allow visitors to regain access to Peregrine’s Point and to the top of Hickory Nut Falls. The Chimney Rocks site has historically provided Hollidaysburg residents a dramatic panoramic view of the Borough and its surrounding area. Chimney Rock State Park (5-21-14) Chimney Rock may very well be one of the most photographed and advertised natural attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/chimney-rocks-lookout-trail In 2006, the Morse family sold to the State. This trail starts in Buffalo Creek Park and will travel approximately 10 miles to Eagle Rock near the top of Shumont Mountain. Thanks to the family’s dedication and love for the area, the park has become and still is one of the most beautiful areas in the Southeast United States. The Park has partnered with the Town of Lake Lure and the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy to provide new access to Eagle Rock through the Weed Patch Mountain Bike Trail. N.C. 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