Rumbling Bald Climbing Access

MONDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2009
Submitted By: Sherwin Mapanoo

In 2008, the state parks system acquired a tract of land for Chimney Rock State Park that is integral for future access to Rumbling Bald Mountain. The site, just off Boys Camp Road at the western edge of the Town of Lake Lure, has long been used by the public as access for climbing, bouldering and hiking on surrounding public land.

This Rumbling Bald Climbing Access site is being closed to the public intermittently during February and March 2009 to allow for a significant improvement project. During this time, staff of the state parks system and N.C. DOT will realign the entrance road and create a parking area on the site. Beyond improving access to this area of the state park, the project will protect the natural resource by controlling erosion and protecting vegetation and will improve security and emergency response.

Current plans call for the access site to be closed on weekdays in early February to allow for brush removal and other pre-construction activity. In late February and perhaps in March, more intensive road construction by DOT will require the access site to be temporarily closed on weekdays and weekends. During these intermittent closings, the public will not be allowed on the property nor may vehicles be parked in the vicinity.

For updates on access to the area, you can visit www.ncparks.gov.