PA Scenic Overlooks

Exploring the Scenic Views at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County

Exploring Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County Pennsylvania.

If you’re looking for directions to Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County, you’re in the right place!

The view from the upper overlook at Chimney Rocks Park. — The view from the upper overlook on an October day.

Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg in Blair County is home to 3 impressive scenic overlooks and a pair of “chimney-shaped” limestone rock pillars, all in a beautiful borough park setting.

Close-up view of one of the "chimney" rock formations high above Hollidaysburg Pennsylvania. — Close-up view of one of the “chimney” rock formations high above Hollidaysburg.

Easy to reach and fun to explore, Chimney Rocks Park is a great spot to spend an hour or two if you find yourself passing through the Altoona area.

Chimney Rocks Park FAQs

Where exactly is Chimney Rocks Park located?

Chimney Rocks Park is located just off of Route 36, on the southern outskirts of Hollidaysburg, PA.
The physical address of Chimney Rocks Park is 143 Clapper Lane, Hollidaysburg PA.
How to find Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg PA

Can I navigate to the park by GPS?

Yes – use GPS coordinates 40.41853, -78.38731 to navigate to the parking area at Chimney Rocks Park.
A summer view from the upper overlook at Chimney Rocks Park in Hollidaysburg.

How do I find the 3 scenic overlooks at Chimney Rocks Park?

The map below shows the location of all 3.
The lower overlook is easily accessed via a smooth, flat trail.
The middle and upper overlooks require a short but strenuous hike on a non-maintained dirt path. A map to the three scenic overlooks at Chimney Rocks Park in Hollidaysburg PA

Are there restrooms at Chimney Rocks Park?

Yes, next to the parking area.
Restrooms at Chimney Rocks Park.

What else is there to do at Chimney Rocks Park?

The loop trail on the main level of the park is popular with dog walkers, and there is a picnic pavilion and small playground area as well.
The walking trail at Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg.

Why is the park called “Chimney Rocks”?

Because of the tall, chimney-shaped limestone pillars on top of this mountain.

One of the limestone chimneys at Chimney Rocks Park.

What is the “Chief’s Seat” at Chimney Rocks?

According to local legend, the flat spot on top of one of the limestone “chimneys” was used as a seat/lookout by the local Native American tribal chief.
A view of the Chimney Rocks high above Hollidaysburg PA

Are there any other historical curiosities at Chimney Rocks Park?

Yes – there is a large stone furnace along the entrance road to the park.
Furnace at Chimney Rocks Park.

Who owns Chimney Rocks Park?

The Borough of Hollidaysburg.
Chimney Rocks Park plaque near the entrance to the park.

Exploring the Lower Overlook at Chimney Rocks Park

Benches at the lower observation area at Chimney Rocks Park in Hollidaysburg Pennsylvania. — Benches at the lower observation area.

The lower lookout at Chimney Rocks Park offers a great view into the Borough of Hollidaysburg and the mountains to the north.

Looking into downtown Hollidaysburg from the lower overlook at Chimney Rocks Park. — Looking into downtown Hollidaysburg from the lower overlook.

On a fall day it’s a spectacular spot for viewing the fall foliage of Central PA as well.

Autumn view from the lower overlook at Chimney Rocks Park. — Autumn view from the lower overlook.

As mentioned previously, the walking trail leading from the parking are to the lower overlook at Chimney Rocks is flat and smooth.

The walking trail at Chimney Rocks Park in Hollidaysburg, Blair County. — The walking trail.

Exploring the Middle Overlook at Chimney Rocks Park

The middle overlook at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County. — The middle overlook at the park.

The middle overlook at Chimney Rocks Park is accessed via a non-maintained dirt path (think ATV trail), that while short, is fairly steep.

The unimproved trail leading to the middle and upper overlooks at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County. — The unimproved trail leading to the middle and upper overlooks.

The middle overlook is basically the midpoint on the trail between the parking lot and the upper overlook at Chimney Rocks Park, so figure 1/8th of a mile.

Trail leading to middle and upper overlooks at Chimney Rocks Park. — Trail leading to middle and upper overlooks.

The views from the middle overlook are to the west, out over the lower level of the park below and Duncansville in the distance.

Summertime view from the middle overlook at Chimney Rocks Park. — Summertime view from the middle overlook.

This is another lovely spot to take in the fall foliage in October, even on an overcast day.

Autumn view from the middle overlook at Chimney Rocks Park outside Hollidaysburg. — Autumn view from the middle overlook.

Exploring the Upper Overlook at Chimney Rocks Park

The upper overlook at Chimney Rocks Park offers the most dramatic view of the 3 at the park.

The upper overlook at Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg. — The upper overlook.

The 180 degree panorama unfolds before you as you approach the edge of the fenced-in observation area.

The panoramic view from atop Chimney Rocks near Hollidaysburg in Blair County. — The panoramic view from the upper overlook.

THIS is the view that has made Chimney Rocks such an attraction for such a long time!

View to the north out over Hollidaysburg from Chimney Rocks. — View to the north out over Hollidaysburg.

A weather-beaten plaque affixed to one of the rocks at the upper overlook was replaced with this new replica of the original in 2023.

The weathered plaque at the upper observation are at Chimney Rocks Park was replaced with this new replica in 2023. — The weathered plaque at the upper observation area was replaced with this new replica of the original in 2023.

The fall foliage views from the upper overlook at Chimney Rocks are fantastic!

An overcast fall day at Chimney Rocks Overlook near Hollidaysburg PA — An overcast fall day high above Hollidaysburg.

And with the help of a zoom lens, you get an enviable birds-eye view into downtown Hollidaysburg.

A view of downtown Hollidaysburg from Chimney Rocks Park. — A view of downtown Hollidaysburg from the park.

The view to the west is of Route 22 fading away into Duncansville and the distant mountains, in the direction of Ebensburg.

October view of Hollidaysburg from Chimney Rocks.

Final Thoughts on Chimney Rocks Park

Any one of the 3 overlooks at Chimney Rocks Park would be road trip-worthy.

Fall foliage at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County. — October views from the upper overlook; note the weathered plaque that was replaced in 2023.

But having all 3 in one easy-to-get-to park make Chimney Rocks Park a must-see when passing through Blair County and Central PA!

The panoramic view from the upper overlook at Chimney Rocks Park on a summer afternoon in Blair County Pennsylvania. — The panoramic view from the upper overlook on a summer afternoon in Blair County.

26 Must-See Pennsylvania Rock Formations showcases more of the state’s most incredible geological features—proof that “Rocksylvania” is more than just a nickname.

Hiker standing beneath massive stacked conglomerate boulders at Boxcar Rocks in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, with fog drifting through the surrounding forest.

Nearby Attractions

23 Must-See Attractions in Blair County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near Chimney Rocks Park.

A collage of four images highlighting the must-see attractions in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo features a historic steam train with plumes of white smoke, and an engineer standing by. The top right shows a serene lake with clear reflections of autumn-tinted trees and fluffy clouds. In the bottom left, a group of reenactors in colonial military uniforms stands in formation at a fort. The bottom right picture displays the colorful and inviting entrance to DelGrosso's Amusement Park, complete with the American and park flags fluttering in the breeze.

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