The state of North Carolina agreed to by Chimney Rock Park or approximately 24 million dollars in February. The 1000 park has been operated by  the Morse family since the early 1930's. The history of ChimneyRock is colorful  and many community members were concerned about the parks future when the family put the park up for sale last year, listing it with Sotheby's. The park has wonderful trails ranging from a easy hike to Chimney Rock Falls to strenuous paths leading up to the top of the mountain. Real estate sales in this area have been strong with this most likely continuing now that the state has decided to purchase the park.   Chimney Rock is located about 25 miles southeast of Asheville at the end of the Hickory Nut Gorge where the Broad River empties into Lake Lure.