Chimney Rock State Park is an space of excellent pure magnificence, nestled throughout the mountains in Western North Carolina.
Well-known for its 500-million-year-old monument, an enormous outcrop with views trying into the valley, is the proper place for nature lovers and hikers to expertise the recent mountain are of Rutherford County, see uncommon, native crops and fauna, and gaze upon the serene panorama from the highest.
Thankfully, attending to the highest of the outcrop is simple, for the reason that are 499 steps from the park entrance to the perspective on the high.
Don’t fear although, it’s utterly value it when you attain the highest. Not solely do you achieve a way of accomplishment, however the panoramic views from the commentary deck are simply magnificent.
We visited Chimney Rock State Park as a part of our USA street journey with my dad and mom. It was one in all our favourite issues to do in North Carolina with household as all of us loved completely different facets of the hike.
For my dad, being an enormous film buff, loved seeing the movie set of Final of the Mohicans staring Daniel Day Lewis, which made the Chimney Rock attraction so well-known by the film. My dad cherished the connection that the Chimney Rock space has to that film.
On this information, I’ll be telling you all the pieces you could find out about Chimney Rock so you possibly can have the most effective expertise.
NOTE: The city of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are seeing non permanent closures till additional discover. They’re slowly progressing towards normalcy after the storm Hurricane Helene precipitated historic injury, and Chimney Rock is open Friday to Monday by reservation solely. It’s extraordinarily unlikely that Lake Lure will be capable to open for the 2025 summer time season attributable to ongoing restoration efforts. Guests ought to concentrate on work going down round city and on the Lake. Test earlier than you make any plans to see what’s open! Lake Lure city is open however the lake itself will not be.
The place is Chimney Rock State Park?
Attending to Chimney Rock is simple. The drive time from downtown Asheville is simply 40-minutes, and could be accessed from the Village of Chimney Rock – accessible from freeway I-40.
From Charlotte, it’s a 2-hour drive, from our dwelling in Raleigh it’s 4 hours, and it’s solely a 5-minute drive from one in all our favourite locations to go to in North Carolina, Lake Lure.
Click on the map above for Chimney Rock instructions out of your start line.
What’s Chimney Rock Nationwide Monument?
Chimney Rock is a 35-million-year-old, 315-foot excessive giant granite outcropping and archaeological website positioned on a summit above the village of Chimney Rock and inside Chimney Rock State Park.
It was found by Lucius B. Morse who opened it as a non-public park in 1902. The fully of Chimney Rock State Park spans for six,800 acres and is most well-known for the granite “Chimney Rock,” which is so named as a result of it seems to be like a rock chimney.
The park can also be dwelling to one of many highest waterfalls in North Carolina. The Hickory Nut Falls is 404 foot tall and contains a balanced rock generally known as “Satan’s Head” on the summit of the falls. Some say the rock seems to be like the top of a satan, which is the way it received its notorious identify.
In 2006, the “World’s Edge” land was added to the park, making it a complete of 1,568-acres.
The park is legendary for its mountaineering trails, breathtaking views, and waterfalls.
Issues to do in Chimney Rock State Park
1. Climb to the highest of Chimney Rock
The primary factor to do right here is to climb to the highest of the rock on the Chimney Rock hike.
From the highest you get wonderful views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and The Blue Ridge mountains – it’s really one in all our favourite views of the North Carolina mountains!
The Outcroppings Path is a collection of staircases and lookout factors permitting you to climb to the highest of Chimney Rock itself.
I believe this can be a comparatively reasonable hike as much as the highest – 499 steps to the highest – which my 76 12 months outdated father and 69 12 months outdated mom managed simply high quality.
It’s a pleasant cardio and leg exercise, though we did have a number of stops alongside the best way to catch our breath and admire the scenic views.
For these which might be bodily challenged, an elevator was constructed right into a gap within the rock face that conveniently permits all company quick access to the highest of the Chimney for its spectacular views.
Alongside the best way, remember to go to the Grotto, Opera Field, Subway and Pulpit Rock.
And there are a few strolling trails that take you as much as the mountain above Chimney Rock which supply unimaginable views you received’t see wherever else within the Park.
The views are positively the reward of this hike. The view spans for miles, throughout to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina Piedmont within the distance.
Craig ran up one to take the under picture for you.
2. Hike the Hickory Nut Falls Path
Most likely the most well-liked of the Chimney Rock trails is the Hickory Nut Falls path which takes you to the underside of one of many tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
This can be a lovely and reasonable 1.4 mile spherical journey path and you’re rewarded with a powerful view from the bottom of this 404-foot waterfall that was featured within the epic combat scene from the movie, The Final of the Mohicans.
We loved this hike which weaves via a mixture of Oak and Hickory bushes, and we really useful it for households with babies and for grandparents.
There are a number of reasonable uphill sections and a small set of stairs on the base of the falls, so we don’t recommend this for strollers or wheelchairs.
Alongside this path are picnic tables, benches, and resting areas are conveniently positioned providing you an opportunity to relaxation and catch your breath.
The spectacular view of the waterfall is completely value it.
3. Eat, store, and chill in Chimney Rock Village
PLEASE NOTE FOR THE NEXT TWO SUGGESTIONS: Chimney Rock Village nonetheless stays closed. We’re leaving this in right here with hopeful anticipation of its return so we will simply replace and assist companies to thrive. Head into Lake Lure city as an alternative to help them throughout this difficult time.
After your time mountaineering and exploring Chimney Rock State Park, head into Chimney Rock Village for buying and maybe a espresso or lunch break.
Should you don’t have the power to journey too far, there’s a cafe on the park entrance known as Previous Rock Cafe, which is positioned close to the reward store, Cliff Dwellers Presents (at present closed attributable to storm injury), the place you possibly can decide up souvenirs.
This village is a small one road mountain city with shops and eating places perched on the banks of the Rocky Broad River, tucked in the Hickory Nut Gorge.
The Broad River runs alongside Chimney Rock village and is a beautiful little oasis on a scorching sunny day.
Sit on the deck of Riverwatch Bar & Grill (at present closed attributable to storm injury) with a pleasant glass of champagne whereas your children scramble over the rocks under.
I didn’t do it on this journey, however I did on a earlier journey with different grownup buddies – ah the serenity of a glass of wine uninterrupted by cries of your children of “Moooommm”.
The water was working fairly quick right here so I’m unsure about swimming. I believe you will discover little swimming pools of water that may assist cool you down.
4. Watch an occasion at Chimney Rock Village
We had been fortunate to catch the Symphony of Rutherford County annual dinner and symphony occasion. We grabbed a picnic dinner and headed right down to the Gathering Place in Chimney Rock Village to look at it.
Sadly attributable to my bee sting incident that day, we had been just a little late in arriving.
We solely managed to catch a number of of the songs on the finish, nevertheless it was spectacular.
We had been beginning to get into it with the attractive rendition of Wonderful Grace and Danny Boy and wished they saved enjoying. These bagpipes made the mountains behind sing.
It was such an beautiful venue for an intimate music venue with the locals, and a pleasant technique to cap off a go to to the Chimney Rock space.
There are common occasions held on the park. You should definitely verify the occasions web page earlier than visiting to see what’s on. One of the iconic occasions if the Flock the Rock occasion.
5. Climb Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock
Mountaineering is a well-liked exercise at Chimney Rock State Park. The park affords group climbing classes to each newbie and superior climbers via Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing Faculty, so should you don’t really feel assured going alone, you could have an expertise teacher with you.
You’ll be able to climb within the park all 12 months spherical, climate allowing, and it’s a really family-friendly exercise. The youngest age for this exercise is 6-years-old, so the entire household can do it.
The Rumbling Bald Entry is a hidden gem in the USA. It’s a world-class bouldering and technical mountain climbing space and has over 1,500 bouldering issues for skilled boulderers to sort out.
The Rumbling Bald is accessed by the 1.5 mile looped Rumbling Bald Path, and a allow should be given by the state park (although permits are free to acquire).
6. Stroll the opposite distinctive mountaineering trails
Although Chimney Rock is the crown jewel of the park, it barely overcasts the opposite hidden gems that this park has to supply. There are a number of mountaineering trails and woodlands to discover, so don’t skip these different trails when you’ve got greater than half a day to discover the park.
For family-friendly trails, contemplate the Nice Woodland Journey Path. It’s a 600 meter loop path following Grady the Groundhog, the Park’s Animal Educator, who affords details about the species who dwell within the park. This can be a enjoyable and academic path for teenagers!
For a strenuous hike, look in the direction of the Exclamation Level Path and Skyline Trails. The Exclamation Level Path takes you up the steps of the rock, earlier than traversing via the cliff-side habitat. It passes the Opera Field, Satan’s Head and Exclamation Level.
The Skyline Path is a 2-2.5 hour hike that leads from Exclamation Level and into the backcountry. The path follows the ridge and provides nice views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Peregrine’s Level. It passes via woodlands, wildflowers, and Falls Creek, in addition to the highest of the Hickory Nut Falls.
The 4 Seasons Path takes you off the crushed path from the decrease parking zone and up via the forests. It’s a reasonable to strenuous hike that climbs up 400 toes via forest to the Hickory Nut Falls Path.
It will get its identify as a result of each season has one thing particular to supply. In Spring, it blooms with wildflowers, in the summertime, it’s filled with lush groves and attracts Swainson and Hooded Wabler birds to the world. Within the autumn it’s lit up in oranges and yellows, and the winter brings a extra rugged panorama.
You can too entry Chimney Rock from the Weed Patch Mountain Path, which runs from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock over 8 miles. It’s at present closed attributable to storm injury.
7. Go to the Animal Discovery Den
The state park is dwelling to some native and uncommon species of crops, fauna and wildlife. You’ll be able to study all about it at Animal Uncover Den, positioned close to the exit of the park.
Within the Den, you’ll see animals who had been rescued from the park and are being cared for within the Discovery Den. You’ll get to study new animal information and go to the resident possums and groundhogs.
There’s additionally a Lepidoptera, the butterfly & moth backyard.
Admission charges and hours to Chimney Rock State Park
Underneath regular circumstances, guests should purchase a park ticket from the ticket plaza on the Park Entrance. Nonetheless, after devastation to the world after Hurricane Helene, the park is open Friday to Monday through on-line reservation solely. You’ll be able to reserve your ticket through the official web site right here.
Entrance charges value:
- Adults: $17
- Youth: (ages 5-15): $8
- Senior residents: $15
Underneath regular circumstances, the park is open every day, each day of the 12 months. The open hours are as follows:
- January 1 – March 12: 8.30am – 4.30pm
- March 13 – November 6: 8.30am – 5.30pm
- November 7 – December 31: 8.30am – 4.30pm
The park closes on Christmas Eve at 3pm, and is Closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Get extra information about Chimney Rock State Park together with extra mountaineering trails go right here.
Amenities at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock has all of the amenities to make your go to comfy. You’ll discover restrooms on the Meadows close to the Ticket Plaza, on the higher parking zone close to the Outcroppings path and within the Sky Lounge on the high of Chimney Rock.
There are a number of picnic tables within the park. The principle ones are on the base of Hickory Nut Falls and at Exclamation Level.
Occasions are held each week, together with guided hikes. There isn’t any tenting aloud at Chimney Rock.
FAQs about Chimney Rock State Park
Right here’s what folks normally ask us about Chimney Rock:
Why is Chimney Rock NC well-known?
It’s well-known for its 499 steps as much as the highest of Chimney Rock. It was additionally the setting for the film, Final of the Mohicans.
How a lot does it value to go up Chimney Rock?
$17 per grownup, $8 per little one (ages 5-15), and beneath 5s enter without cost.
How lengthy is the hike to Chimney Rock?
Relying on which path you are taking, the Outcroppings Path and the Exclamation Level Path normally takes about 25 minutes.
Extra North Carolina Journey Suggestions
Planning to go to different locations close by? Listed below are some guides which may assist!
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