Open Chimney Rock Park at Chimney Rock State Park as Soon as Possible!

The Town of Lake Lure is aware of the crucial need to restore tourism in the area. One way of doing so is to open Chimney Rock State Park. Helene damaged the ingress/egress to the Park and it will take a significant amount of time to replace the bridge that was previously located in Chimney Rock Village. However, Lago Vista Road could be extended in less than six months and would allow for the opening of the state park. The Town of Lake Lure is proclaiming that Chimney Rock State Park be opened as soon as possible to bring in tourism to the area and strengthen the economy.

The Town is in the process of receiving a design and traffic study for Lago Vista in preparation for discussions with state agencies regarding this matter.

The following proclamation was signed 1/22/25 by Mayor Carol Pritchett. 

PROCLAMATION NO. 25-01-22 PROCLAMATION TO ASK FOR THE OPENING OF CHIMNEY ROCK PARK AT CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE  

WHEREAS, The Town of Lake Lure and the Village of Chimney Rock were hit hard by Hurricane Helene.

WHEREAS, It is becoming evident that in order to remove sediment from Hurricane Helene’s flood and make necessary repairs and/or replacement of the town’s sewer system, Lake Lure may remain lowered for more than a year, maybe two.

WHEREAS, The bridge to Chimney Rock State Park was washed away and the only way to get to Chimney Rock Park at Chimney Rock State Park was extinguished.

WHEREAS, The economic impact of losing the two most important tourist draws for this area is immense.

WHEREAS, It has been reported that replacing the bridge to Chimney Rock State Park will take a year and a half to two years.

WHEREAS, The North Carolina State Park owns a two-lane paved road behind the Lake Lure Inn and the distance from this road to the entrance road to Chimney Rock Park is less than a quarter mile.

WHEREAS, This road extension could be built in less than six months and this road extension is already on the park’s master plan because it has always been evident that only one means of ingress and egress is a huge safety issue.

WHEREAS, Local businesspeople are urgently asking for the road extension to be built as soon as possible so the park can reopen.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Town Council for the Town of Lake Lure as follows:

SECTION ONE. That this Council does hereby strongly urge and encourage the State of North Carolina through its various agencies, divisions, and legislative bodies, Meeting Packet Page 109 of 113 to do all that is possible and necessary to build an extension to the entrance road to Chimney Rock Park at Chimney Rock State Park and reopen Chimney Rock Park as soon as possible.

SECTION TWO. That the Town Clerk is hereby instructed to send a copy of this resolution to appropriate State officials. SECTION THREE. That this resolution be effective upon its adoption.

PRESENTED BY: Commissioner Jim Proctor

PROCLAIMED this the 22 day of January, 2025.

Town Council adopted Proclamation No. 25-01-22 to Ask for the Opening of Chimney Rock Park at Chimney Rock State Park as Soon as Possible.