Outcroppings Trail Finally Reopened

Earlier this week Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina announced that the Outcroppings Trail is now open. After four months of challenging construction, the Outcroppings Trail reopened on April 14. The trail, rebuilt over the winter, offers new stunning views of the Park, increased capacity and improved comfort with more places to rest. The reopening of the Outcroppings Trail, which leads from the upper parking lot to the Chimney stairs, restores hiking access to the Chimney, the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Skyline Trail to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the Park. The upgrade preserves access to the Park’s iconic centerpiece for generations while improving the guest experience. Landings are placed every 12 vertical feet of climb to facilitate rest stops, and the new six-foot-wide stairways, which increase capacity, have a gentler incline to make it physically easier for guests to hike to the Chimney.

The modernized elevator and Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli are expected to reopen sometime later this spring (i.e. May or June). Originally opened in 1949, the Park’s 26-story elevator is nearing its completion on an extensive modernization project. Almost every part including the original elevator car is being upgraded or replaced. The Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli has been renovated to make its restrooms wheelchair accessible, and it will offer improved retail and food selections.

Reduced admission rates as of April 14 will be $12/adult, $5/youth (ages 6-15) and free for kids under 6.

To see more photos of the Outcroppings Trail Reopening Day, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com