Chimney Rock State Park reopens with new bridge, tourism plans

Chimney Rock State Park in western North Carolina reopened Friday. Capicity is limited. For now, you can make reservations online.

Gov. Josh Stein was there and announced the new tourism initiative, “Rediscover the Unforgettable.” Stein joined state and local officials to celebrate the park’s reopening exactly nine months after Hurricane Helene swept through the region.

State park closed by Helene sets reopening date

Country megastar Eric Church is also inviting people to “Rediscover the Unforgettable.” Church narrates Visit NC’s new video inviting people to visit western North Carolina.

Stein also signed HB 1012 into law at Chimney Rock. HB 1012 is the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II. It allocates another $700 million in Hurricane Helene relief.

For more information on the new western North Carolina campaign, click here.

VIDEO: Amish group brings volunteers to help rebuild Chimney Rock