Reaching Chimney Rock

For more than 70 years, an Otis elevator has transported guests to Chimney Rock, a 315-ft granite monolith that’s the distinguishing feature and namesake of Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The elevator originally installed in 1949 was, at the time, the tallest in the state with a 258-ft hoistway. Over the years, it has transported millions of people to the Chimney level only a few steps up. Installation of the elevator was completed 74 years ago this month, on December 23, 1948, at a cost of US$54,231 — not including blasting granite for the shaft and tunnel. Although the original Otis 72 double-wrapped traction gearless, 12,000-lb machine was removed by a S64-F Aircrane helicopter in 2019 and replaced with a new Otis 15-T gearless machine, the original “workhorse” is still on display at the elevator entry. In addition, the original, bright orange “ELEVATOR” sign inviting guests to take the 32-s ride to the top has been preserved and restored. Otis Senior Account Manager Abigail Gilbert recently snapped a few photos of the impressive installation and beautiful scenery, which Otis shared with ELEVATOR WORLD.