Chimney Rock / Photo by Ranger Hiatt

June 27. Chimney Rock State Park is reopening this afternoon exactly nine months after Hurricane Helene swept through the region. The first reservations begin at 2:30 pm. (Gates will be closed prior to 2:30 pm.) Regular hours of 8:30 to 4:30 will resume June 28. The only open route into Chimney Rock is NC 9 through Lake Lure. All other routes remain closed to non-local traffic, including US 74A from Asheville, US 64 from Hendersonville, and NC 9 from Black Mountain.