Chimney Rock Park Re-opens Today after Road Safety Improvements

April 20, 2013 - Chimney Rock Park has announced that it will re-open today with road safety improvements completed. The NC Department of Transportation removed a large boulder that was identified as a safety hazard hanging over the main road.

“The safety of our guests and Park associates is of utmost importance. Now that the boulder has been dropped and cleared away, we’re happy to be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the Park’s spring scenery and many wildflowers in full bloom. Our Carolina rhododendron, flowering dogwood and Silverbell trees are spectacular,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State ParkCrews from DOT, which maintains roads within NC state parks, worked to break off a 4 to 5 ton section of a massive boulder that partially protruded over the road halfway between the Meadows and top parking lot. They used a combination of methods to remove the rock, including drilling holes to insert an expansion agent to crack the rock and blasting with explosives.

Special events will be held as planned. Guests can meet a State Park Ranger at State Parks Stewardship Day today from 11 AM - 3 PM on the Riverwalk behind the Old Rock Café in Chimney Rock Village. A guided spring wildflower walk by wildflower photographer Stephen Faucette will be offered to Park guests with advance registration from 1-3 PM.

The 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees will offer fun, educational activities about honeybees next Saturday, April 27, from 11 AM - 3 PM. For additional information on the Park, the latest report on what’s blooming and more upcoming events, visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has been one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years. Beyond its stunning 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, Chimney Rock offers scenic hiking, rock climbing, Grady’s Animal Discovery Den and educational events year around. Chimney Rock Park is the only state park in the Southeast with an elevator inside a mountain. The park was featured in the classic movie, The Last of the Mohicans, which will be shown on a large outdoor screen at the 2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows on June 15.

Chimney Rock Park is located only 40 minutes southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74 A in Chimney Rock NC.