Exploring the Scenic Overlooks at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County

The view from the upper overlook at Chimney Rocks Park.

Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg in Blair County is home to 3 impressive scenic overlooks in a beautiful borough park setting.


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.
How to find Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg PA

Can I navigate to Chimney Rocks 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 more strenuous but short 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, although in 2020 they have been temporarily closed due to COVID.
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

The lower lookout at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.
The lower lookout at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.

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 at Chimney Rocks Park.

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 at Chimney Rocks Park.

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

The walking trail leading to the lower overlook at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.
The walking trail leading to the lower overlook at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.

Exploring the Middle Overlook at Chimney Rocks Park

The middle overlook at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.
The middle overlook at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.

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 at Chimney Rocks Park in Blair County.

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 at Chimney Rocks Park.

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 at Chimney Rocks Park.

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 at Chimney Rocks Park outside Hollidaysburg.

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 at Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg.

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 atop Chimney Rocks near Hollidaysburg in Blair County.

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

Autumn in Blair County at Chimney Rocks.
Autumn in Blair County at Chimney Rocks.

A weather-beaten plaque is affixed to one of the rocks at the upper overlook.

Chimney Rocks historical marker at the upper overlook.
Chimney Rocks historical marker at the upper overlook.

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 at Chimney Rocks Overlook near Hollidaysburg PA

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 Chimney Rocks 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.
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.

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!


Nearby Attractions

Cabbage Creek Falls is a picturesque little waterfall tucked away in Shawnee Park (not to be confused with Shawnee State Park) in Blair County.

Exploring Cabbage Creek Falls in Blair County Pennsylvania.
The author at Cabbage Creek Falls near Roaring Spring in Blair County.

The world-famous Horseshoe Curve is only minutes away, near Altoona.

Westbound train passing through the viewing area at the Horseshoe Curve.
Westbound train passing through the viewing area at the Horseshoe Curve.

A must-see for any railfan, the Horseshoe Curve was once regarded as one of the “engineering wonders of the world”!

Approaching the Horseshoe Curve Visitor Center in Altoona.
Approaching the Horseshoe Curve Visitor Center in Altoona.

The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County celebrates the lives of both railroad workers and railroading communities in central Pennsylvania.

Exterior of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County Pennsylvania.
The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County.

Unlike many “train museums” that focus primarily on engines and cars, the Railroaders Memorial Museum focuses primarily on the men and women who kept the engines running and the cars rolling.

Exhibit showing some of the various jobs performed by employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad at the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum.
Exhibit showing some of the various jobs performed by employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

The abandoned lime kilns at Canoe Creek State Park are remnants of a thriving limestone-processing facility that once operated around the clock in this now-tranquil corner of Blair County.

The abandoned Blair Limestone Company kilns at Canoe Creek State Park.
The abandoned Blair Limestone Company kilns at Canoe Creek State Park.

Antique Depot and Flea Market is housed in a 74,000 square foot indoor facility in Duncansville, Blair County.

Inside the front entrance of Antique Depot and Flea Market in Blair County.
Inside the front entrance of Antique Depot in Duncansville.

Tytoona Cave is part of a 6.8 acre Nature Preserve between the cities of Tyrone and Altoona in Blair County.

Tytoona Cave is one of the many excellent natural attractions in Blair County, PA.
Tytoona Cave is one of the many excellent natural attractions in Blair County.

According to the National Speleological Society“The first 1,000 feet of the cave are easily accessible by novices and is an excellent location to educate visitors about the cave’s geology and hydrology”.

Peering into Tytoona Cave from the entrance.
Peering into Tytoona Cave from the entrance.

“The 12 Best Scenic Overlooks in Huntingdon County” will introduce you to a dozen amazing vistas in adjacent Huntingdon County.

The Ledges Trail Overlook in Huntingdon County at Trough Creek State Park.
The author at the Ledges Trail Overlook in Huntingdon County.


“The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Centre County” will show you how to find the finest vistas in neighboring Centre County.

Chocolate Drop Vista sign along Pine Swamp Road in the Bald Eagle State Forest.
Chocolate Drop Vista along Pine Swamp Road in Centre County.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Huntingdon County PA will introduce you to some of the finest attractions inside the borders of Blair County’s eastern neighbor.

Sunrise at Whipple Dam State Park.
Sunrise at Whipple Dam State Park in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.

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Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and creator of the PA Bucket List travel blog.