Nonprofits Secure Land for Major Rock-Climbing Project in Chimney Rock

The Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC) and Access Fund have finalized the purchase of Lower Ghost Town, a 16.5-acre property in Chimney Rock, marking the conclusion of a 25-year effort to provide public access to one of North Carolina’s most challenging and scenic climbing areas. Funding for the acquisition came through an Access Fund Climbing Conservation Loan and a grant from the Great Trails State Program.

The Ghost Town cliffs on Round Top Mountain overlook Chimney Rock Village at the southeastern end of Hickory Nut Gorge, offering dramatic views of cliffs and striking geologic formations. The property joins Rumbling Bald as one of the few secure, publicly accessible climbing areas in the gorge.

“For more than two decades, Ghost Town has been a top access priority,” said Mike Reardon, executive director of CCC. “This achievement is the result of long-term collaboration among CCC members, Access Fund, the Village of Chimney Rock, Rutherford County TDA, Conserving Carolina, Chimney Rock Glamping, and the Great Trails State Coalition. Their collective effort has turned a long-held dream into reality.”

Climbers began exploring the cliffs in the 1970s when a Western-themed amusement park called Silver City operated in the meadow below. After the park closed and a proposed housing development fell through in the early 2000s, the cliffs gained renown among climbers for their 400-foot faces, complex crack systems, and severe overhangs.

Daniel Dunn, eastern regional director at Access Fund, said the acquisition reflects decades of perseverance by North Carolina’s climbing community. “The determination to protect and open these cliffs demonstrates the critical role of nonprofit partnerships in preserving climbing resources,” Dunn said.

The property is also key to regional trail development. When North Carolina proposed the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail in 2017, CCC recognized the opportunity to link Ghost Town to the trail network and Chimney Rock Village. In 2020, CCC built the half-mile Village Boulders Trail from Main Street, later designated as a spur of the state trail. The new acquisition allows plans to extend the trail 1.5 miles through Lower Ghost Town, enhancing public access and supporting both recreation and conservation goals.

“The Ghost Town property is a critical link for completing the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail,” said Kristin Cozza, Trails and Greenways Manager at Conserving Carolina. “This connection will benefit climbers, hikers, businesses, and the region’s long-term conservation plans.”

The Chimney Rock Village and Hickory Nut Gorge area were devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, which destroyed homes and businesses across the region. Rebuilding efforts have focused on sustainable outdoor recreation as an economic driver, and local leaders say the climbing area complements those plans.

“This climbing area will be a wonderful asset for the Village and the Gorge,” said Mayor Peter O’Leary. “It will enhance tourism, outdoor recreation, and the region’s recovery efforts.”

The CCC plans to develop a public trail through Lower Ghost Town with an initial 0.75-mile segment completed by April 2026. Until trail construction is finished, access will be limited to organized volunteer and trail work days. The property includes roughly 50 established climbing routes, with several more boulders and lines yet to be explored.

For climbers and volunteers, additional information and event dates will be available at carolinaclimbers.org/events. 

Lower Ghost Town marks CCC’s sixth land holding dedicated to public climbing access in the Carolinas. Access Fund, a national organization representing millions of climbers, has supported nearly 100 land acquisition projects across the country, protecting more than 17,000 acres of climbing terrain.