Field guide
Hiking at Chimney Rock State Park: what to know
Plan your hike at Chimney Rock State Park near Asheville. Find official information on trails like Rumbling Bald, park hours, access fees, and rules.
Chimney Rock State Park is located in Rutherford County, about 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The park features mountain scenery overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
This guide provides information for runners and hikers based on official park sources. It covers trail details, access hours, fees, and park rules.
Official facts at a glance
- Park description
- State Park offering dramatic mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
- Park location
- Rutherford County 25 miles southeast of Asheville
- Rumbling Bald Trail length
- 1.5-mile loop
- Weed Patch Mountain Trail length
- 8.5-mile one way
- General trail surface
- Natural surface with roots, rocks, gravel; large boulder fields and stairs in areas
- Rumbling Bald Trail difficulty
- Moderate
- Rumbling Bald access hours (May-August)
- 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Chimney Rock attraction admission
- Charged per person
- Rumbling Bald access fee
- Free
- Dog rules
- Allowed, except not inside buildings or elevator at the Chimney Rock attraction. Must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- Chimney Rock access closures
- Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Off-trail rule
- Do not wander off the trail
- Number of trails
- 10
Sources: Chimney Rock State Park: Home (ncparks.gov), Chimney Rock: Trails (ncparks.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Park trails
The park has 10 trails. The trail surfaces are generally natural, with roots, rocks, and gravel. Some areas include large boulder fields and stairs.
The Rumbling Bald Trail is a 1.5-mile loop rated as moderate. The Weed Patch Mountain Trail is a one-way route of 8.5 miles.
Access, hours, and fees
Admission to the main Chimney Rock attraction has a per-person fee. Access to the Rumbling Bald area is free.
The Rumbling Bald access is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. between May and August. The Chimney Rock attraction is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Rules on the trail
Visitors must stay on the designated trails. Wandering off-trail is not permitted.
Dogs are allowed in the park but must be on an attended leash that is no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not permitted inside buildings or the elevator at the Chimney Rock attraction.
Before you go
- Check current park hours and any seasonal closures before visiting.
- Confirm admission fees for the Chimney Rock attraction area.
- Note that access to the Rumbling Bald area is separate and free.
- Be prepared for natural trail surfaces with rocks, roots, and stairs.
- If bringing a dog, ensure you have an attended leash no longer than 6 feet.
- Remember that dogs are not allowed in park buildings or the elevator.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Asheville. All cities: City running and hiking guides.