Chimney Rock Mayor: We Need Visitors as Rebuilding Continues

Chimney Rock Village is rebuilding and reopening as it enters its first full spring and summer since the damage from Hurricane Helene, Mayor Peter O’Leary said in a recent update.

O’Leary said Main Street is open and visitors are returning, with destinations including Lake Lure and Chimney Rock State Park welcoming guests. Publicly available flood maps show that much of the village lies within a floodplain, a factor that continues to shape rebuilding efforts.

Businesses have steadily reopened since July 25, 2025, after being closed for nearly 10 months. Activity is now about 50% of pre-storm levels, with additional shops continuing to come back online.

Before the storm, the village had 44 businesses — all were damaged and 15 were destroyed from a massive amount of debris and flooding from the Rocky Broad River. As of this spring, 25 are open, with nine more expected to reopen this year, including Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine, Bubba O’Leary’s General Store expansion, Michael’s Sportswear/Chimney Factory Outlet and The Hickory Nut in a new building. Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground is also expected to return, along with new business Whistle Hop Brewing Company.

Several businesses remain closed awaiting infrastructure repairs, including Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room & Bistro, The Best View Inn and Hickory Falls Inn, which depend on sewer line replacement.

The village’s “Raise the Rock” recovery plan is underway, with engineering work in progress for streetscape improvements. The effort is partly funded by $5.5 million from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, with construction expected to begin this fall and last about a year.

Officials are also pursuing funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for a proposed business hub that would include five new commercial spaces for displaced businesses and a central public restroom. Construction could begin in winter 2026 or 2027 if approved.

Riverwalk improvements are being coordinated with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, supported by a $1.7 million carbon reduction grant.

O’Leary said volunteer groups, including Spokes of Hope and Amish crews, along with contractors such as Precision Grading & Disaster Relief, continue to support recovery work along the river.

“We are open,” O’Leary said, emphasizing that rebuilding is ongoing as the village prepares for the busy tourism season.