Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park, just outside of Lake Lure, and in the town of Chimney Rock NC is only 30 minutes southeast of Asheville, NC.  The park is an absolutely gorgeous and historic park that includes:

• Incredible scenic vistas,
• One of tallest waterfalls in NC
• Hiking trails
• Events and activities
• The famous 315-foot tall Chimney Rock itself, that you can stand on top of.

Chimney Rock State Park is the perfect mountain location, offering everything that attracts people to the NC mountains and all in one spot!

About Chimney Rock State Park

People have been enjoying the "chimney" and it's surrounding cliffs for a very long, and well before Dr. Lucius B. Morse discovered it, and opened it to the public as a private park in 1902.

Today, Chimney Rock State Park encompasses over 6,800 acres that include the signature 315-foot tall granite rock chimney, the 404 foot tall Hickory Nut Falls, Devil's Head a balanced rock, that looks the head of a devil, a number of unique scenic overlooks.  

In 2006, Chimney Rock State Park expanded by 1,568-acre when the "World's Edge" property was added, containing numerous hiking trails, scenic views, streams, and waterfalls.

Getting up to the Chimney at Chimney Rock

From the main entrance off Highway 74, located in downtown Chimney Rock Village, you'll first cross over the metal entry bridge that spans Broad River.  You'll then begin a curvy accent up to the entry gate, where you can purchase your tickets, and get a nice trail map (which can be recycled).

Here is our video of the hike to the top of the Chimney:

After purchasing your tickets, you'll hang a right and head up to The Meadows.  The Meadows is a common area, popular for various conventions and group meets.  While we were there, there was a large Girl Scout Event.  The Meadows is also the location for:

• The Great Woodland Adventure Trail - An educational and easy trail intended for young children
• Animal Discovery Den - This exhibit houses a number of the Park's animals, and animal educators will help kids and "kids at heart" learn more about them.
• Climbing Tower - Try out the new climbing tower, an artificial climbing tower.  Advanced reservations are required.

From the Meadows, the road narrows and continues its curvy assent up the mountainside to the parking lot located at the bottom of Chimney Rock.  Look for the small rock house as you drive up the road, this was the original gatekeepers home when the park first opened.

As you drive up, think back to the days when the park was privately owned, and car races were held on the very same road.  The historic "Hillclimb Race" at one time, challenged drivers, to see who could climb the curvy road from the Meadows up to the main parking lot the fastest ... just don't speed while you're imagining 😉

Chimney Rock Parking Area

After a couple of miles, you'll reach the main parking area below the Chimney (shown in the photo to the right).   Just below and before the parking area, you will have passed the entrance to the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.   We discuss that trail in more detail below.

Park staff will direct you to where to park.  From the Parking lot walk up to the gift shop and visitor's center.

You can enter the elevator tunnel from there OR ... If you want to head up the stairs and hike your way up (more to see), head on past the gift shop.  Bathrooms are located just past the Visitor's Center on the right.

Up to the Chimney via the Outcroppings Trail

Just past the bathrooms, and to the left you'll see the stairs leading up to the Chimney.  The stairs begin the Outcroppings Trail.  

You'll also see Gneiss Cave here at the start of the trail.  

Gneiss Cave

Gneiss Cave (pronounced "nice") is named after the local Henderson Gneiss granite and is the rock that forms the 535-million-year-old Chimney.  The cave isn't deep, but you can sure feel the temperature cool down as you go down the short stairway.  Duck your head!  

Gneiss Cave is a Talus Cave, created when a large rock slid off the side of the mountain at some point, and settled here, forming the cave.  We're glad it did, as it makes for a neat little cave to explore, and a cool retreat from the hot sun!

499 stairs to go ...

From Gneiss Cave, as you begin your trip up the recently redone Outcroppings trail, you'll have 499 stairs to climb.   It's a workout, but the view at the top is well worth it.  On the way up, there are some interesting areas to explore!  The new stairs, recently built over the course of 2 years, offer frequent resting points on the way up.

On the way up, you'll have a couple of spots to visit, and to take a breather!  

Vista Rock, Pulpit Rock and the Grotto both provide beautiful scenic views from a large rock, as you would expect.  

The Subway is basically a rock tunnel you bend over to go through was originally part of the original and now closed Cliff Trail.  The subway is now incorporated into the Outcroppings Trail and Crevice Pass.

As you reach the top of the last staircase, you'll see the Sky Lounge in front of you, the stairs going up the Chimney to your left, and the beginning of the Exclamation Point Trail to your right (stone stairs going further up).

At this point, you should feel very proud of yourself!  You made it!

Chimney Rock

From the main deck at Sky Lounge (also called the Chimney Level), the top of the Chimney is just a few more stairs up (47 to be precise).  The views from the Chimney are absolutely amazing.

Chimney Rock is 315 foot tall, from the parking lot level and is a granite monolith (fancy word meaning it's all one piece).   The Chimney is 535-million-year-old and has an elevation of 2,280 feet.  From the top, you can see Lake Lure, the Piedmont, and many distant mountain ranges.  The view is one of the best you can find in the Eastern US.

Sky Lounge at Chimney Rock

The Sky Lounge is a snack bar and gift shop, located at the Chimney Level.   The lounge is also the destination for the Elevator coming up from the parking lot.  You'll find lots of neat merchandise, good food, cold drinks, and bathrooms here.

The views from the picnic tables outside are excellent!   You'll also find water for your dog here as well.  The Chimney Rock staff are kind enough to keep these bowls full.

Most people stop at the Chimney, and don't go further up.  If you want even more incredible views, and a longer more vigorous hike, you'll want to head on up to Exclamation Point.

Exclamation Point Trail

Exclamation Point Trail begins at the stone steps, just across from the Chimney at the Chimney Level near Sky Lounge.   This trail is a 0.7-mile round trip that will take about 45 minutes.   The trail is moderate to strenuous and is uphill with more stairs (I know ... but it's worth it!).

Here's our video hiking up from the Chimney to Exclamation Point and onto the Skyline trail:

The trail will take you 200 more feet above the Chimney, and up to Exclamation point - The highest viewpoint in the park.  On the way up you'll see the Opera Box, one of my favorite places to sit and enjoy the view, and also Devil's Head - A balanced rock on the cliffside that looks like a Devil.  The Opera Box is a favorite photo spot for photographers due to the great view of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in the distance.

Exclamation point is a large rock face that provides outstanding views, and a great place to sit and relax.  There is often a nice breeze here, making for a cool resting point, even on hot days.  The drop from here is significant, so be sure to stay off and behind the fence.

Skyline Trail

Along with the Cliffside trail, the Skyline trail was also closed in the early 2000s for safety reasons.  Sadly two children and one adult had fallen to the deaths.   When the State took over ownership of the property, the trails were closed.

In 2017, a new and much safer Skyline trail opened for visitors.  This trail goes further up into the woods, and does not allow direct access to the upper portion of the Falls.  You can see it, you just can't get to it, and for good reason.

The new Skyline trail is a moderate 2.2 mile roundtrip hike.    This hike is more remote, and there is no access to food or water, so you'll want to bring those items with you.

The trailhead is located at the top of Exclamation Point, and is a really nice hike through the woods, and partially creekside.   As you near the Upper area of Hickory Nut Falls, you'll see a clearing with old picnic tables on your right.  This was the crew camp for the film crew for the Hollywood movie, Last of the Mohicans.

Hickory Nut Falls Trail

After visiting the Chimney and the various overlooks, we decided to head down to to the base of Hickory Nut Falls, a 404-foot tall waterfall.  The trailhead is located below the parking area on the road just prior to reaching the parking area.  

Hickory Nut Falls Trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip, and moderate, with just a few uphill areas and some stairs.  This is a great trail for families with small children who like to walk.  

Back "in the day", this was an old Jeep trail. Guides would bring visitors to the falls using Jeeps.  You'll notice the trail is wider than a normal hiking trail.

The trail will bring you to a small clearing below the falls, with some seating areas and picnic tables.  You'll climb up a short flight of stone stairs to reach the base of the falls, where there is an observation deck and access to the water and the small swimming pool below it.   This was a popular destination for people and had a large crowd the whole time we were there.

This trail also connects with the Four Season's Trail, which will take you through a nice wooded forest hike down the meadows.

Hickory Nut Falls

Hickory Nut Falls is a 404-foot tall waterfall, that is visible from Chimney Rock Village, and plummets off the top ridge of the mountain.   The waterfall was featured in the movie Last of the Mohicans.  It's also the second highest falls, east of the Mississippi.

See and learn more about Hickory Nut Falls in our Hickory Nut Falls Guide.

Which Hiking Trail at Chimney Rock is right for you?

There are six trails at Chimney Rock State Park:

Great Woodland Adventure Trail

0.6 Miles Roundtrip - Easy - 15-45 minutes

This trail is perfect for families with young children.  The trail is educational, and interactive, teaching about the area, including its wildlife.

The Outcroppings Trail

0.5 Miles Round Trip - Moderate to Strenuous - 20 minutes

UPDATE: The Elevator is currently closed, and anyone wishing to view the Chimney will have to use this trail.

If you prefer to walk up the Chimney and Chimney Level, rather than ride the elevator, this is the trail for you.   This is also the trail you'll need to use if you have your dog with you.  The trail offers sturdy well-built stairs to make the climb, and a number of geological features to explore on the way up.

Four Seasons Trail

1.2 Miles Roundtrip - Moderate to Strenuous - 1.5 hours

This trail is perfect for the wildlife, and wildflower fans.   The trail makes a pretty steep uphill climb from The Meadows to the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.  Along the trail, you'll find birdhouses and signage about the variety and types of birds in the area.

This trail is beautiful, and also provides a good workout!

Hickory Nut Falls Trail

1.5 Miles Roundtrip - Moderate - 1 hour

This is a great family trail, that takes you out to the 404 foot tall Hickory Nut Falls.  Along the way are some interesting natural features, and educational signage about them.

Exclamation Point Trail

0.7 Miles Roundtrip - Moderate to Strenuous - 45 minutes

While this isn't an easy trail, due to the climb up, it's worth it to reach the highest point in the park, Exclamation point.  You'll ascend about 200 feet above the Chimney.  Along the way, you'll see the Opera Box and Devil's Head.

Skyline Trail

2.2 Miles Roundtrip - Moderate - 2 hours

This is the newest trail, and uses the same name as the old trail that used to take you to the top of Hickory Nut Falls.   The hike will take you to a viewing deck where you can view the top of Hickory Nut Falls, and the smaller waterfalls prior to the 404 foot plunge.

You will not be able to access the lower portion of the Falls itself, like in years before.

Chimney Rock in the Fall

While Chimney Rock is magical and beautiful year round, the Fall season is exceptional.   Fall colors at Chimney Rock generally peak in late October in early November, later than most of the Blue Ridge due to the lower elevations.  

We highly recommend visiting Chimney Rock NC when Fall colors are at their peak.   You can read more about Fall Colors at the various elevations using our Fall Colors Guide, which is updated each year in the Fall - We specifically note peak color times for Chimney Rock.

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing is a popular activity at Chimney Rock State Park, and Chimney Rock State Park has partnered with a certified climbing education company.   Rock climbing instruction is available at all different levels, with many different areas and routes available.  Including the new Rumbling Bald area of the park.

The minimum age and weight for climbs and rappels is 7 years old and 50 pounds. There is no maximum age.  Climbs must be booked in advance.   You can learn more about Rock Climbing at Chimney Rock State Park on their website.

Did you know Santa practices making it up and down kid's Chimneys each year at Chimney Rock??   It's true!  What better place to practice, than at the world's largest Chimney right??   If you visit Chimney Rock on in early December, you can see Santa practicing his climbing skills on the Chimney!  For more information on this unique and fun Christmas event, head over to the Chimney Rock events page.

Movies filmed at Chimney Rock

Due to the unique geological formations, and incredibly beautiful scenery, Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock Village, and Lake Lure have served as filming locations for a number of very popular movies:

Last of the Mohicans - The final 17 minutes of the movie where filmed at Chimney Rock State Park, including the famous fight scene at the top of a waterfall.  The waterfall is Hickory Nut Falls, and the scenes leading up to the final scene were filmed along the old Cliff Trail.

A Breed Apart - Wooded areas and trails from the park, were used for outdoor scenes in the movie.  Exclamation Point was the site of the eagle’s eyrie.

Dirty Dancing - Camp scenes, cabin scenes, and many outdoor locations were filmed at Lake Lure, including the famous water lift scene, where the water, due to being behind on their filming schedule, was ice cold.  The famous scene where Baby is dancing down the stone stairs, was filmed at a location that is now a private development, located off Boys Camp Rd.

Firestarter - Stephen King's famous 80s horror movie, Firestarter had filming locations in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.  This includes a few cabin scenes, and Chimney Rock Park's entrance and bridge were used.

Here is the final scenes in Last of the Mohicans, filmed on the old Cliff Trail and at the top of Hickory Nut Falls.

Tips for Visiting Chimney Rock

We've been visiting Chimney Rock State Park since the 1990s when it was privately owned.   Here are some tips we've learned over the years to help make your visit more enjoyable:

• When visiting in the summer or if you are a photographer, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.  The lighting is better, and the temperatures are cooler.  Midday sun can be very hot during the day, so bring sunscreen.
• For fewer crowds, visit during the week.  Weekends are always the busiest times.
• Dress comfortably, and be aware that it can be cooler and more windy up at the Chimney level than it is down in Chimney Rock Village.
• Wear comfortable shoes, either hiking boots or tennis shoes.  Sandals and dress shoes do not work well at all.
• Grab a park map, and visit all of the great locations like the Grotto, Subway and Opera box.
• Dogs are allowed in the park and on trails, but must be on a leash, and are not allowed in the Elevator.
• Bathrooms are located at the top of the parking lot across from the gift shop, where you catch the Elevator.  They are also located in Sky Lounge at the Chimney level and at the Meadows.
• Be sure to visit Chimney Rock Village for a little shopping, food, and an overnight stay.
• If you plan to hike, bring some water, or buy some at the gift shop prior to hitting the trail.
• If you visit the waterfall, be smart.  Don't climb up on the rocks, and be careful getting in the water - the rocks are slick!
• If you bring children, keep them close.   While there is safety fencing, and the park is family safe, some of the areas you will be close to having very long and sheer drops right next to the trails and overlooks.  Be safe!

Chimney Rock Village

Chimney Rock Village sits just below the high cliffs of Chimney Rock State Park and surrounds the entrance to the park.  Chimney Rock Village primarily caters to visitors of the state park and nearby Lake Lure.  

The village is full of unique locally owned shops, restaurants, hotels, motels, and Inns.

Shopping and Dining

All around the entrance to Chimney Rock State Park are a number of locally owned shops and restaurants.  Many carry Chimney Rock memorabilia, along with local arts and crafts.   There are small ice cream shops, coffee shops, candy stores and more.

While visiting, we've eaten a Medinas and Riverwatch Bar & Grill.  We enjoyed both.  We also got a great cup of coffee at Coffee on the Rocks, before we left for home.

Staying Overnight

There are a number of options for overnight stays in the area, the majority of them are locally owned and often very historic businesses.   Over the years, we've stayed overnight at two places: The Lake Lure Inn, the Fibber Magees and The Willowbrook Inn.

We enjoyed all of them very much.   We've also heard great things about The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant, but have not personally stayed there.

History of Chimney Rock

We won't go into the details of the history, because there is an excellent and very thorough book written by the previous directory of Chimney Rock that you can buy and read.