Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a state park attraction with elevator, trails and waterfall in Chimney Rock, Rutherford County, in North Carolina's Asheville & Foothills. Adult admission is $17. Hours: Reservations are in 1-hour arrival windows; stay until gates close at 7 PM; Without a reservation window, arrive between 8:30am and 5:30pm; Entrance and ticket plaza closes at 5:30 PM. Facts read from the official site on October 27, 2026.
- HoursSee hoursofficial hours below
- Admission$17 adults
- WhereChimney RockRutherford County, Asheville & Foothills
- LengthSee belowper the official site
About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
A state-park attraction in Hickory Nut Gorge with a 26-story elevator through the mountain, trails to the Chimney and a 404-foot waterfall.
- 26-story elevator: 258-foot shaft reached via a 198-foot tunnel, about 30 seconds
- Hickory Nut Falls: 404 feet tall
- 40 stairs from the elevator level to the top of the Chimney
- US 64 from Hendersonville and NC 9 from Lake Lure listed open; check NCDOT
Size and length: Hickory Nut Falls 404 ft
Plan It in Three Lines
Getting In
Admission: $17 adults. Parking: Park admission includes parking. If the lot is full, park in the Meadows and an associate takes you up. RVs up to 40 ft .
See hoursBring The Dog?
Dogs permitted on a six-foot leash at all times; not in the elevator or Sky Lounge (service animals excepted); never left in a parked
Full rule belowMake It a Day
Chimney Rock State Park is about 1 mile away (straight line).
6 places within 30 miles
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Hours
- Reservations are in 1-hour arrival windows; stay until gates close at 7 PM
- Without a reservation window, arrive between 8:30am and 5:30pm
- Entrance and ticket plaza closes at 5:30 PM
- Latest trail start 6pm (daylight time) spring-fall, 5pm (standard time) winter; Skyline Trail closes 5pm, Hickory Nut Falls Trail by 6pm
- Open every day; see the Hours page for current rates and times
Hours source: official site, read October 27, 2026.
Admission and Parking
- 1-day adult$17.00
- Youth 5-15$8.00
- Children 4 and underFree
The first price on each official line (where online and gate prices differ, the line below says which). Read October 27, 2026.
- 1-day adult: $17
- Youth 5-15: $8
- Children 4 and under: free
- Annual pass upgrade (same day or within 30 days, with receipt): adults $15, youth $6
- Reservations recommended on busy weekends and holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4, July weekends, October-early November)
Parking: Park admission includes parking. If the lot is full, park in the Meadows and an associate takes you up. RVs up to 40 ft can use the road.
Directions and Contact
- Address: 174 Chimney Rock Park Rd.
- Phone: 828-625-9611
- Map point: 35.43333,-82.25139, from OpenStreetMap (looked up by name, approximate). Directions in Google Maps
- Official site: chimneyrockpark.com
Dogs and Accessibility
- Dogs: Dogs permitted on a six-foot leash at all times; not in the elevator or Sky Lounge (service animals excepted); never left in a parked car.
- Accessibility: Parking lot, elevator, Sky Lounge and bridge are wheelchair accessible; the top of the Chimney and the trails are not. Free wheelchair loan at Cliff Dwellers Gifts. 40 stairs to the top of the Chimney.
Near Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
- 1Chimney Rock State ParkState Parkunder 1 mi
- 2Blue Ridge ParkwayNational Parkway (NPS Scenic Drive)about 16 mi
- 3WNC Nature CenterZoo and Wildlife Parkabout 17 mi
- 4Biltmore EstateHistoric House, Gardens and Wineryabout 19 mi
- 5Mount Mitchell State ParkState Parkabout 22 mi
- 6Lake James State ParkState Parkabout 30 mi
Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.
Coming Up in Chimney Rock
| Event | When | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29th Annual Santa on the Chimney | Sat, Dec 5 (11:00 AM-2:00 PM) | Chimney Rock · Asheville & Foothills | Included with park admission; more prices on the event page |
From our checked events calendar, matched by venue name and town; times and tickets are on each organizer’s page.
Also see Asheville & Foothills events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park cost?
$17 adults. 1-day adult: $17; Youth 5-15: $8; Children 4 and under: free
What are the hours at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park?
Reservations are in 1-hour arrival windows; stay until gates close at 7 PM; Without a reservation window, arrive between 8:30am and 5:30pm.
Can I bring a dog to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park?
Dogs permitted on a six-foot leash at all times; not in the elevator or Sky Lounge (service animals excepted); never left in a parked car.
What We Could Not Verify
- Elevator maintenance or power outages may close it temporarily; check before going.
- Trail lengths not read on pages fetched today.
- Hours and prices change; check the official site the day you go.
Sources
- Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: hours (read 2026-10-27)
- Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: admission (read 2026-10-27)
- Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: official site (read 2026-10-27)
- OpenStreetMap (map point)
Last checked October 27, 2026 by the It’s North Carolina editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park”, itsnorthcarolina.com/places-to-go-in-north-carolina/chimney-rock-at-chimney-rock-state-park/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.