Most People Don’t Know There’s A 26-Story Elevator Shaft Carved Into This Stone Mountain In North Carolina
There are no records available of the total number of steps found throughout Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina, but it suffices to say that if you pay a visit to the unique state park and its main attraction and don’t end up sore a day or two later – you probably didn’t see much of the park. Thankfully, though, there’s an elevator placed deep inside the mountain that takes visitors almost all of the way to the very top of Chimney Rock itself. Take a look at the coolest North Carolina elevator ever and then be sure to check it out when you take a day tip over to Chimney Rock.
Chimney Rock may be North Carolina's most famous natural attraction. In 2021, 412,684 visitors passed through this park, many of them eager to stand high atop the chimney to check out the view below.
And while some may have chosen to take the long way up to the perch (499 steps, to be exact), others found their way to the elevator hidden away inside the mountain.
Visible from all the way down in Chimney Rock Village, the park's namesake stands a full 313 feet in height and getting to the top can be a breeze - if you know the fastest and easiest way to get there.
In 1946, engineers began excavating an elevator shaft 258 feet tall inside the mountain. When finished it would make access to the top of the chimney easier for most visitors.
Today the same shaft is still used, although elevator upgrades have taken place over the years. In the 2010 decade, the elevator was closed much of the time as upgrades were worked out. But by 2018 the elevator was entirely operational once again. Visitors access the elevator by walking through a haunting 198-foot tunnel carved into the mountain. It's the longest pedestrian tunnel in North Carolina.
Come on over and check it out. But remember, elevators all over the world can still have down times, so if you absolutely require the use of the elevator then you'll want to call ahead to make sure it's operational on the day you visit. Chances are really good it will be! And if an elevator isn't enough to entice you to make day trip, then...
Maybe the park's Sky Lounge at the top of the mountain is!
Have you ever taken the long way up to the top of Chimney Rock by way of the 499 stairs? Care to guess how many stairs (TOTAL) there are in the park? We have no idea! Learn more about Chimney Rock and Chimney Rock State Park here and here!
Address: Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
