Chimney Rock State Park will reopen on June 27. (Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock State Park)

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CHIMNEY ROCK—Chimney Rock State Park will reopen to the public on June 27, exactly nine months after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the town. The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, in conjunction with N.C. State Parks announced the reopening on Friday.

“A lot has changed since Hurricane Helene, but what’s still here is the spirit of Chimney Rock and the people who care for it,” said Emily Walker, Director and General Manager of Chimney Rock Management. “We’ve missed our guests and are thrilled to be able to welcome them back to this place they love.”

Since the hurricane struck in September, access to the park has been severely restricted due to the destruction caused by the storm, particularly the loss of the park entrance bridge. The N.C. Department of Transportation has recently completed the construction of a temporary bridge and made essential repairs to the park’s roadways, paving the way for visitors to once again experience the breathtaking views that Chimney Rock has to offer.

“Chimney Rock is a western North Carolina jewel,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Reopening the state park will draw tourists back to this area. I am pleased that DNCR, DOT, and local leaders in Chimney Rock were able to get this park open for people to enjoy and so local businesses can thrive.”

“This reopening is more than just a return to normalcy; it symbolizes hope and resilience for the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “Thanks to the quick action of the N.C. Department of Transportation and the dedicated leadership of Governor Josh Stein and his recovery team, we can welcome visitors back to this iconic destination.”

State Parks Director Brian Strong echoed Cashwell’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the strong collaboration with local communities and the management team at Chimney Rock State Park. 

“We are thrilled to invite visitors back to Chimney Rock State Park. The partnership forged during this recovery process has been invaluable,” Strong said.

As part of the reopening strategy, access to the park will be available by reservation only, with advance reservations required to secure entry to the Chimney Rock attraction. The ticketing system will go live approximately one week before the reopening. Due to ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts, visitor capacity will be limited, underscoring the importance of planning visits.

As the reopening date approaches, officials have promised to provide further details regarding park hours and visitor guidelines. For more information or to make reservations, visit chimneyrock.com.