Archive for the ‘Outcroppings Trail’ Category

Outcroppings Trail Finally Reopened

Thursday, April 26th, 2012
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

Posted in Chimney Rock State Park, Outcroppings Trail | Comments Off

Restored Outcroppings Trail at Chimney Rock State Park now open

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
Late last week Chimney Rock State Park reopened the Outcroppings Trail, a trail that leads from the upper parking lot to the Chimney stairs. The reopening restores access to Chimney Rock and all the natural features above it, including Devil’s Head, the Opera Box and the Skyline Trail to Exclamation Point — the highest peak in the Park at 2,480 feet. The Outcroppings Trail’s upper staircase reconstruction is one of two major capital improvement projects designed to improve Chimney Rock’s accessibility and upgrade some of the Park’s most popular trails to ensure public enjoyment for years to come.

The new Outcroppings staircase allows for two-way traffic, can accommodate more guests and offers safer, easier egress from the Chimney area.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park’s other major capital improvement project now in progress is the complete modernization of the Park’s elevator. The original elevator came into service in 1948 – 63 years ago – and although it was fully renovated in the mid-80s, it is due for this improvement. Nearly every part, including the elevator car, will be upgraded or replaced to increase reliability, speed and capacity, and to preserve access to the Chimney for everyone, including guests who are unable to hike the Outcroppings Trail. During this time, the Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli will be completely renovated. Both projects are scheduled to be finished by the end of 2011.





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in Chimney Rock State Park, Outcroppings Trail | Comments Off

Chimney Rock State Park trail closures

Monday, November 22nd, 2010
Last week Chimney Rock State Park in Western North Carolina announced a series of capital improvements that will impact some of the hiking trails over the winter. On December 1st, the park will begin construction to improve accessibility and upgrade some of the trails at the higher elevations in the park.

Over the winter, a section of the Outcroppings, the trail that leads from the parking lot to the Chimney area, will be replaced providing easier access to the Chimney and points of interest above like the Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point. The section to be replaced is just below the Chimney and currently allows for only one-way traffic. After construction, the new trail and stairway will accommodate more guests and offer better egress from the Chimney area. Without a required secondary egress, the elevator will be out of service during Outcroppings construction making the Chimney inaccessible over the winter.

Areas of the park that remain accessible throughout improvements include: Hickory Nut Falls trail, Cliff Dwellers Gifts and Meadows area including the Great Woodland Adventure, Four Seasons trail, Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, Classroom on the Meadows and the covered picnic pavilion. Chimney Rock is also planning a variety of programs and events to enhance guest experience during improvements.

After this project is complete in early spring, the park’s 26-story elevator will be modernized, increasing reliability, speed and capacity, and the Sky Lounge facility will be renovated. Access by trail to the top of the mountain including the Chimney will return at this time.

You should also note that the Cliff Trail to the top of Hickory Nut Falls is also currently closed for improvements.

Chimney Rock park plans to reduce admission fees during improvements.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

Posted in Chimney Rock State Park, Cliff Trail, Hickory Nut Falls, Outcroppings Trail | Comments Off