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
Chimney Rocks Park is located just off of Route 36, on the southern outskirts of Hollidaysburg, PA.
Yes – use GPS coordinates 40.41853, -78.38731 to navigate to the parking area 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.
Yes, although in 2020 they have been temporarily closed due to COVID.
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.
Because of the tall, chimney-shaped limestone pillars on top of this mountain.
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.
Yes – there is a large stone furnace along the entrance road to the park.
The Borough of Hollidaysburg.
Exploring the Lower Overlook at Chimney Rocks Park
The lower lookout at Chimney Rocks Park offers a great view into the Borough of Hollidaysburg and the mountains to the north.
On a fall day it’s a spectacular spot for viewing the fall foliage of Central PA as well.
As mentioned previously, the trail leading from the parking are to the lower overlook at Chimney Rocks is flat and smooth.
Exploring the Middle Overlook at Chimney Rocks 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 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.
The views from the middle overlook are to the west, out over the lower level of the park below and Duncansville in the distance.
This is another lovely spot to take in the fall foliage in October, even on an overcast day.
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 180 degree panorama unfolds before you as you approach the edge of the fenced-in observation area.
THIS is the view that has made Chimney Rocks such an attraction for such a long time!
A weather-beaten plaque is affixed to one of the rocks at the upper overlook.
The fall foliage views from the upper overlook at Chimney Rocks are fantastic!
And with the help of a zoom lens, you get an enviable birds-eye view into downtown Hollidaysburg.
The view to the west is of Route 22 fading away into Duncansville and the distant mountains, in the direction of Ebensburg.
Final Thoughts on Chimney Rocks Park
Any one of the 3 overlooks at Chimney Rocks Park would be road trip-worthy.
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.
The world-famous Horseshoe Curve is only minutes away, near Altoona.
A must-see for any railfan, the Horseshoe Curve was once regarded as one of the “engineering wonders of the world”!
The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in Blair County celebrates the lives of both railroad workers and railroading communities in central Pennsylvania.
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.
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.
Antique Depot and Flea Market is housed in a 74,000 square foot indoor facility in Duncansville, Blair County.
Tytoona Cave is part of a 6.8 acre Nature Preserve between the cities of Tyrone and Altoona 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”.
“The 12 Best Scenic Overlooks in Huntingdon County” will introduce you to a dozen amazing vistas in adjacent Huntingdon County.
“The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Centre County” will show you how to find the finest vistas in neighboring 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.
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