Chimney Rock State Park Reopens To Visitors
Last week, Chimney Rock State Park officially reopened to the public after being closed for several months due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein attended the official reopening and announced the launch of a new tourism initiative, “Rediscover the Unforgettable,” an advertising effort to encourage visitors to Western North Carolina. Before Helene, the Park welcomes over 400,000 visitors annually.
Chimney Rock State Park experienced severe devastation as a result of Hurricane Helene, rendering the park inaccessible. After nine months of hard work, clearing the roads, rebuilding bridges and repairing trails, the Park is now ready for visitors who make advance reservations. While the town of Chimney Rock has not officially reopened, several local businesses are open and welcoming tourists.
The opening of Chimney Rock State Park coincides with VisitNC’s launch of “Rediscover the Unforgettable Western North Carolina” initiative to attract more visitors to Western North Carolina to rebuild the tourism industry. This includes a new video from musician and native Western North Carolinian Eric Church in a highlighting the region.
What They Are Saying:
“Tourism is essential to western North Carolina’s economy, and our rural communities are home to so many natural and cultural treasures. It’s important that we keep the recovery going strong by spending our tourist dollars here,” said First Lady Anna Stein. “I’m proud to be focusing on rural tourism and grateful to be spending time this summer out west – I encourage my fellow North Carolinians to join me.”
“Chimney Rock State Park is a vital landmark that typically attracts 400,000 visitors per year,” said Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela Cashwell. “It has been an all-hands-on-deck effort to reopen the park, and I am grateful to our team and our partners who have worked so hard on this goal. We are committed to supporting park staff and local partners as the park begins welcoming visitors once again.”
“Hurricane Helene damaged thousands of roads and bridges across the state, including the bridge leading to Chimney Rock State Park,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “Our team has worked tirelessly to restore connectivity by repairing and reopening roads and will continue to do so until complete, so people can once again enjoy everything our state has to offer.”
"Whether you're a foodie, a hiker, or a waterfall enthusiast, Western North Carolina has the unique experiences that make every trip here unforgettable," said Visit NC Executive Director Wit Tuttell. "As the state's tourism marketing organization, Visit NC has dedicated the past nine months to telling Western North Carolina’s story. Now, we are proud to be working with Governor Stein to promote our exceptional mountains.”
“I'm proud to be from Western North Carolina. It's where I was born, it's where my soul finds rest," said Eric Church. "Our family has lived here for generations, and it has become a part of the fabric that has made me the man that I am now. It's an honor to be the voice that invites more people to discover and visit a place we love."
