Some of the employees here hadn’t even heard of Needle’s Eye and I was also confused as the reviews made it sound like it’s still accessible and others that it is not. We learned while there that it can be seen from the very end of the parking level deck past the restrooms at the base of the chimney Rock, where you catch the working elevator up. There are still some stairs to climb after the elevator but not too many. But be aware the viewpoint at the top where the flag is has uneven stone and boulders, it’s not smooth or paved at all.

First off, according to the park ranger, this feature of the park has been closed since 2008. However, other reviewers seem to think that they were here since then. There are steps that lead up to the top of chimney rock which I think they are confusing for the Needle's Eye. The steps to chimney rock are open but as noted in another review, the elevator is still being worked on. As a result the entrance fee has been discounted.

the needles eye is quite narrow and rather claustrophobic but in a fun way; just make your way through it and go on; not a place you want to spend a lot of time.

Chimney Rock State Park has a lot of internal attractions but this one is the best!It is easily accessible once you enter the park and is a favorite place for taking photos.Not recommended for people with physical limitations and it is not a place to allow children to run wild. This rocks are big boys and need respecting!

The stairs to the top are not permanently closed. When I went (in January) they were closed due to ice. The park attendant told me they would reopen that part if weather allowed and advised to call before coming next time to make sure. The elevator was still down for maintenance tho... oh well. There are trails for small children to adults but for the most part the park has a family friendly feel to it and may be not something an avid hiker would favor. The views are gorgeous and the trail to the waterfall is very much worth seeing. There are restaurants and novelty shops at the entrance to the park. A lot of these places close around 3 or 4pm (when I was there at least). The park is closed for 2 days of the week on Wednesday and Thursday. Entrance fee (when I went anyway, on a Sunday) was $5 for 1 adult.