Chimney Rock State Park reports that the elevator to the park’s famous chimney and Sky Lounge is back in operation after nearly three years of being out of service. This allows park visitors to cover 26 stories of elevation in about 32 seconds instead of climbing stairs.
All trails at Chimney Rock are open, too, after repair and mitigation of damage from recent storms. However, a retaining wall at the top parking lot failed during a storm, so parking is not allowed at the top of the park at this time. Reaching the top without climbing requires taking a shuttle bus from the park’s Meadows midway to the top lot.
Park officials suggest visiting at a later date to see the Hickory Nut Gorge from atop the park if you are unable to board a bus on your own and walk about the length of a football field uphill. “We anticipate that we’ll be able to drive up top by later this summer,” a park statement says.
The park elevator closed in August 2015 for refurbishing. The motor and computer control system were replaced and connected to new power lines, but a landslide on October 23, 2017 damaged the power lines and winter storms repeatedly interrupted work.
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