If you build the stairs, they will come.
That’s the idea behind massive improvements to the popular Outcroppings Trail at Chimney Rock State Park — the trail that leads to the top of the Chimney.
The park reopened the Outcroppings Trail after a four-month closure. The elevator to the Chimney has also been closed for improvements for the past year, so there has been no access to the iconic Chimney Rock, said a spokesman for the park’s Chimney Rock attraction.
The nearly $1 million trail project offers a safer climb, stunning views of the park, increased capacity and improved comfort with more landings to rest in between the 491 steps. The Outcroppings Trail, which leads from the upper parking lot to the Chimney stairs, permanently restores hiking access to the Chimney, Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Skyline trail to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the park.
“Some sections of the new trail are up to 20 feet higher.” the spokesman said. “That elevates you up into the air, and so for sections, you’re seeing some impressive new views looking over to Rumbling Bald, and you get an elevated view of the Outcroppings.”
I am Jeff Clark, founder of Internet Brothers, producer of this blog, and passionate about hiking. My regular hiking companions have designated me the lead hiker, so I suppose that makes me the slowest Meanderthal. I live in Western NC near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are just out my door, so the content will focus on these areas, but let me know what you would like to see on the site. 
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