Chimney Rock State Park is a North Carolina state park in Chimney Rock, Rutherford County, North Carolina in the United States. The 6.807-acre (27.55 km2) park is located 25 miles (40 km) Southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, and is owned by the state of North Carolina.
It offers hiking trails for all skill levels, spectacular views, the Devil’s Head balancing rock and a 404-foot (123 m) waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls. Its most notable feature is a 315-foot (96 m) rock formation, a granite monolith, Chimney Rock, accessible by elevator and providing views of the park and surrounding countryside.
It offers hiking trails for all skill levels, spectacular views, the Devil’s Head balancing rock and a 404-foot (123 m) waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls. Its most notable feature is a 315-foot (96 m) rock formation, a granite monolith, Chimney Rock, accessible by elevator and providing views of the park and surrounding countryside.
Hiking at Chimney Rock
For some of the best variety in North Carolina hiking, try one of Reviews their trails. Here are three great hikes-from easy and to a bit Strenuous.
The Outcroppings: Follow this network of stairs from the parking area to the Chimney. Along the way, check out the views from Vista Rock. Strenuous with 500 steps, but all ages and fitness levels can enjoy the challenge with many places to stop along the way. The Subway, Grotto and Pulpit Rock, a long-time popular features on the outcroppings trail at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, reopened in 2015 after being closed since 2008.
Skyline Trail: At the staircase leading up to the Chimney, find the beginning of the Skyline Trail. After climbing quite a few stairs, the trail levels out as you walk along the cliff with dramatic views. Stop at the Opera Box for great views of the Chimney and Lake Lure and continue up to see the Devil’s Head and end at Exclamation Point, the highest elevation at Chimney Rock (2,480 ft), for nice gorge views.
Four Seasons Trail: Get your heart pumping on this 6/10-mile trail with a 400-foot elevation gain. The trail winds through hardwood forest, rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets and abundant wildflowers as well as rare and indigenous plants, some species not found along the Park’s other trails.
Added Bonus
Great Woodland Adventure: This whimsical trail is perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. Twelve discovery stations along the half-mile loop give a peak into the lives of the many animals that call the Park home. All sculptures were handcrafted by Western North Carolina artisans.
So what are you waiting for? You must be curious to begin your Chimney Rock State Park adventure already. Bookmark this page and be sure to get your trip planned!