Chimney Rock's Outcropping Trail Re-opening a Big Hit with Visitors

Chimney Rock Park just reopened the Outcroppings trail on April 14 and the elevator grand reopening should be in the next couple months. There are countless wildflowers and plants in bloom, brightening the lush green Park with vibrant orange, red, blue and violet. Spring is one a beautiful time of the year at the Park, enhanced this year by the   new and improved amenities.

Outcroppings Trail Reopening: Park guests have marveled at and hiked the rebuilt Outcroppings Trail for the first time. Some of the comments are that it's more user- and dog-friendly, easier to hike and has even better views. There are lots of smiles, hikers catching their breath (for the views, of course), families having fun and even a couple victory shouts from the top of the Chimney. Once again visitors can  stretch their legs and admire views of the Gorge  from 2,480 feet at Exclamation Point, some 1,350 feet above the valley floor.

Chimney Rock Park has extended their thanks to NC State Parks, its supporters and the contractors, engineers, etc., who have been working hard on these improvements for years, from planning to execution.  They are also  'relieved' to announce that the rest rooms are completed and open again for use. They are now all handicap accessible and have new water-conserving fixtures. The Park muralist Clive Haynes returned last week to touch up the elaborate murals on the interior walls, and they're looking great.
The modernized elevator and Sky Lounge Gift Shop and; Deli are expected to reopen sometime in the next couple months.  If you want to be one of the first to ride the elevator, enter the Get Elevated (Again) contest, now with an extended deadline to May 16.  Win Annual Passes for your family, $200 in gift certificates and an "official first ride" on the elevator. The Park is looking for a family with a multi-generational connection to Chimney Rock to be among the first folks to ride our elevator when it officially reopens. A child, parent, grandparent – and even great-grandparent – from the winning family will be invited to ride the elevator at our grand reopening ceremony later this spring. The lucky family will also receive $200 in gift certificates for dining and retail in the Park and a free Annual Pass or one-year renewal for each immediate family member! Visit the Contest page to learn more and enter to win!

Get a link and learn more Bout Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide