May 2025 note: some areas are open and some are closed - call for updates. The town of Lake Lure and most businesses are open and seeking your business. The village of Chimney Rock and Chimney Rock Park will be accessible in early summer while much of the town will continue its repairs and restoration.
Features of Chimney Rock Park include a 404-foot waterfall, hiking trails, shops and spectacular views. It lies in Hickory Nut Gorge and overlooks picturesque Lake Lure (site of the movie Dirty Dancing). 25-minute drive from the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. Read More Below
Features of Chimney Rock Park include a 404-foot waterfall, hiking trails, shops and spectacular views. It lies in Hickory Nut Gorge and overlooks picturesque Lake Lure (site of the movie Dirty Dancing). 25-minute drive from the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. Read More Below
The Park has been part of NC State Parks since 2007, and you can learn more about that here. Of course, we’ve been around much longer than that, and our history is worth a read. Not surprisingly, we push and promote sustainability wherever we can as an NC State Park, so that our beauty can be enjoyed for generations to come. And part of that effort is protection for our flora, fauna + features which takes the work of not just us, but important conservation partners and various partner connections.
Our adventures range from the mild to the major, and while most of it is gentle, guard-rail ensured safe, some will get your attention. And hey, there’s lots of long-range, forehead-smacking, eye-watering views along the way…so off you go!