CHIMNEY ROCK, North Carolina — The 26-story elevator inside Chimney Rock has reopened after being closed for 19 months for renovation. The wooden stairs and the Outcroppings Trail to the top of the 315-foot-tall rock in Chimney Rock State Park were also upgraded. The rebuilt and wider trail offers increased capacity and an easier hike with more places to rest. The reopening of the Outcroppings Trail restored hiking access to the Chimney, the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Skyline trail to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the park. The elevator, opened in 1949, takes visitors to the top of the rock, which provides views for 75 miles, and to the Sky Lounge Gift Shop and Deli. Park restrooms on the Meadows and top parking lot were renovated over the past winter to make them fully wheelchair accessible. Chimney Rock State Park is about 25 miles southeast of Asheville and about 100 miles west of Charlotte. www.chimneyrockpark.com
