AFTER DAMAGE FROM RECENT HEAVY RAINS...
Part of Chimney Rock State Park is open again, after weeks of being closed due to the collapse of a retaining wall in recent heavy rains.
The higher elevations of the park remain closed, but now lower portions will be open, including access to several trails, Hickory Nut Falls, and the Animal Discovery Den.
The park has already been very busy on its first morning since the 23rd, a happy sight for park employees."It's been fantastic having life her in the park again," said Landdis Hollifield, Chimney Rock's PR and promotions manager. "It's been very strange over the last weeks having a very quiet, park but today seeing the kids and adults just enjoying the trails on a nice sunny day, it's been wonderful."
While the upper section remains closed, a daily hike with a park naturalist will be offered at 11 a.m. Animal encounters have also been added on the weekends.
Entrance fees have been reduced while the upper park remains closed.
The park still does not have an estimate for when repairs to the upper deck will be completed.
