After nine long months of closure due to the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Helene, Chimney Rock State Park officially reopened on June 27, marking a powerful moment of renewal for the communities of Western North Carolina.
According to an article by Citizen Times,the storm not only ravaged landscapes and destroyed infrastructure but also temporarily severed a vital lifeline for the region’s tourism economy.
Now, with sweeping views once again accessible from Chimney Rock’s iconic 315-foot spire, visitors are returning to the beloved park — and so is hope.
“This is the moment we needed,” said N.C. State Senator Julie Mayfield, reflecting on the resilience it took to get here.
After the storm wiped out the park’s entrance bridge and severely damaged Chimney Rock Village — destroying a third of its businesses and dozens of homes — the community’s path to recovery was uncertain.
But the mountain remained, and so did the will to rebuild. Park Superintendent James Ledgerwood recalled the day his team asked if they could still raise the American flag.
They did — at half-mast. “From that day on, we had hope,” he said. On reopening day, the flag rose again in celebration.
The park is more than just a scenic getaway; it’s an economic anchor for the region. More than 400,000 people visited Chimney Rock State Park in 2023, and local leaders, including Governor Josh Stein and Chimney Rock Village Mayor Peter O’Leary, emphasized its role as a major driver of tourism.
“(Helene) almost wiped us off the map,” said O’Leary. “The village knew one thing that was of utmost importance to our survival: we had to have Chimney Rock State Park open again.”
New infrastructure has helped make that possible. A temporary bridge constructed from repurposed railcars now connects U.S. 65/74A to the park, with plans for a permanent replacement beginning in 2026.
While full access to the area remains limited — the village itself is still closed to non-local traffic — some shops have reopened, and more are expected to follow later this month.
Lake Lure, another tourist draw in the region, is open, though restoration work continues. “It’s going to make a big difference to the small business owners because a lot of them are living on borrowed time,” said Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett. “It gives people a sense of hope.”
On reopening day, hundreds of visitors returned, including families like the Youngs from York, South Carolina.
For them, and many others, Chimney Rock is not just a destination — it’s a tradition and a symbol of resilience.
“This is now their future. This is what they’re going to remember,” said Andrew Young, watching his daughters take in the view.
Currently, Chimney Rock State Park is limiting capacity and requiring advance reservations for entry.
All trails and amenities are open except for the Skyline Trail, which remains under repair. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and be mindful of ongoing recovery efforts in the area.
As access returns to one of the region’s most iconic landscapes, so does the economic vitality that supports local businesses, guides, outfitters, and hospitality providers.