The elevator at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will close for maintenance on Monday, November 2. The project includes replacing the elevator’s guiderails and hoist ropes, and is one of several capital improvement projects the NC Division of Parks and Recreation has planned for the Park.
It’s uncertain how long the project will take; however, Chimney Rock will remain open for the duration of the repair work. Rates will be reduced to $9 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 6-15).
“There’s never a good time to take the elevator out of service, but ongoing improvements will always be necessary. Whenever possible, we try to get major projects done during the slower months of the year,” General Manager Mary Jaeger-Gale said.
Guests can still reach the Park’s namesake, 315ft Chimney Rock, albeit with just a bit more effort. The Outcroppings trail takes visitors from the upper parking lot to Chimney level in just over ½ mile.
“While the Outcroppings may seem daunting to some Park visitors, most can reach the top in about 20 minutes,” said PR and Events Manager Meghan Rogers. “Most guests are so focused on getting to the Chimney, they overlook the Outcroppings, but it features some of our most interesting rock formations including Moonshiner’s Cave, Vista Rock, Pulpit Rock, the Grotto and Subway,” she added.
Construction of the 26-story elevator began in 1948. An engineering feat in its time, crews used eight tons of dynamite to blast the 198ft tunnel and 258ft shaft into the solid granite mountain. When it opened to the public in 1949, the elevator was the tallest in the state. Over the years, the elevator has undergone periodic repair and maintenance.
The Park’s normal winter operating hours are 10am to 6pm with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30pm (weather permitting). However, Chimney Rock will have special hours for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and will be open New Year’s Day. Visit chimneyrockpark.com for a detailed winter operating schedule.
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Contact
Meghan Rogers
828-243-2019
prandevents@chimneyrockpark.com
