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LAKE LURE, N.C. – Emergency crews responded Saturday to a fire alarm at the Sky Lounge elevator inside Chimney Rock State Park, according to Rutherford County 911 emergency communications records. Cops & Congress reviewed public records and obtained a report confirming there was a fire alarm. Officials reported no visible smoke or fire, according to the audio.
The park’s elevator will be closed today, August 19, for "scheduled maintenance," the park's website said. The park itself remains open. All visitors, including annual passholders, must now make reservations online in advance at chimneyrockpark.com. Capacity is limited temporarily as recovery efforts continue from Hurricane Helene.
Currently, the only open route into Chimney Rock is coming through Lake Lure. Other routes—including US 74A from Asheville, US 64 from Hendersonville and Bat Cave, and NC 9 from Black Mountain—are closed to non-local traffic, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. For GPS, use 665 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.
Guests are advised to plan extra travel time and drive carefully. Visit DriveNC.gov for more information.
The new reservation system and restricted access reflect ongoing safety and infrastructure concerns as the park works to recover from storm damage. The temporary limitations also aim to ensure staff can maintain safety standards while handling heavy visitor traffic during the summer season.
Stay with Cops & Congress for more Chimney Rock coverage.
