North Carolina State Parks

Rutherford County is fortunate to be home to Chimney Rock State Park, an icon of the Western North Carolina region. Spanning 6,000 acres the park invites visitors to explore two different areas: The Chimney Rock area itself (about 1,000 acres) and Rumbling Bald Climbing Access. In the coming years, more acres will be open to the public.

Explore Chimney Rock State Park
©Steven McBride

Chimney Rock State Park

Thousands of visitors come each year to take in the panoramic 75-mile view from high atop the granite monolith that is Chimney Rock. Explore multiple hiking trails including one to the gorgeous Hickory Nut…

South Mountain State Park

With 20,000 acres of public land the South Mountain Game Lands is adjacent to South Mountains State Park and is great for RV or tent camping, hiking, fishing and hunting.