Table Of Content
In order to preserve the beauty of our parks, we would like to remind visitors to please park only in designated areas. Parking along the grass, along road shoulders, and in front of parking signs causes congestion, damages access areas, and could result in a parking citation. Please respect our resources so that they may be conserved for future visitors. Another spot where you can soak in the scenery is Lake Lure Beach and Water Park.
Best Hiking Trails at Chimney Rock State Park
Not only do you gain a sense of achievement, but the panoramic views from the observation deck are just magnificent. This trail has a natural surface, including stone steps. The Great Woodland Adventure would suit well as a self-guided trail for kids, as part of the nationwide network of Kids in Parks Track Trails, but any trail can be utilized. Visitors can download activity brochures, track all of their adventures online, and get prizes on the Kids in Parks website. Please follow safety rules and encourage others to do the same when you are near waterfall areas. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region.
Rock Climbing
Unless you’re under 4 years old, there’s a small entrance fee. If you’re thinking of going even a few times within a year, look into getting the annual pass for $32 to save a few bucks. Chimney Rock State Park offers some of North Carolina’s most stunning scenery. There is an underground gold mine that is open for self-guided tours, as well as opportunities for visitors to pan their own gold and other minerals. Located in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, the Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. This guided experience allows the most passionate rockhounders the chance to dig their own holes and search for all of the minerals that this area can provide.
Upcoming Events
It offers views of the mountain tops and a gorgeous picnic pavilion. Using the space is free and operates on a first come first serve basis. There is a main parking area that lies at the top of the entrance. From here, there’s direct access to many of the trails within the park and an easy entrance to the main attraction, the Chimney itself.
Learn about how these animals exist while exploring their beautiful home. Be sure to visit the Animal Discovery Den, set right at the entrance of this trail, to meet some of the native critters in real life. The large deck that overlooks Hickory Nut Gorge at the Sky Lodge is a wonderful little spot to chow down during a hike here. The tunnel takes you to the elevator for the cliff viewpoint, the Cliff Dwellers and Sky Lounge gift shops, a delicious deli, and restrooms all around the parking area.
The opening hours always depend on the time of year, as the season will affect weather patterns and daylight. The street address for the GPS is 431 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC. Be sure to study the park map upon arrival, there are so many magical spots to see within the wild grounds, other than just the main formation of course. It’s a more recent addition to the NC state park scene, as it existed privately until 2007. The preserved ecology and geology of the area make it a special highlight of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a mecca for outdoor adventure.
Events at Chimney Rock
📷 Fort Macon State Park, NC#hikingpartner #fortMacon #hikingviews#hikingtime #hikingvibes #femalehiker #nctrails #ncstateparks... This trail is located inside the Chimney Rock attraction and starts at Exclamation Point. It guides visitors even higher in elevation to Peregrine Point at 2,460 feet. The trailhead is located at the end of the upper parking area, past the restrooms. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times. Please pick up after your pet when you are at the park; pet waste is not fertilizer and can put plants, other animals, and visitors at risk for disease.
Black Mountain
Tar Heel Treasures: Chimney Rock State Park - Spectrum News
Tar Heel Treasures: Chimney Rock State Park.
Posted: Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:00:00 GMT [source]
It also has the most facilities, including riverside areas, interpretive exhibits, and gift shops. The free Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock accesses provide a more rugged backcountry experience. Access to this trail requires paid admission to the attraction. The trailhead is located near the top of the park road; visitors can park at the upper parking area and walk carefully down the park road. Alternatively, there is a set of stairs adjacent to the restrooms in the upper parking area, at the base of the Outcroppings Trail, that leads down to this trail. The park features hiking trails for all skill levels, views of the Devil's Head balancing rock, and a 404-foot (123 m) waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls.
After three years on the fritz, Chimney Rock's buried elevator is running again - Charlotte Observer
After three years on the fritz, Chimney Rock's buried elevator is running again.
Posted: Thu, 05 Jul 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Park Hours
Chimney Rock has all the facilities to make your visit comfortable. You’ll find restrooms at the Meadows near the Ticket Plaza, on the upper parking lot near the Outcroppings trail and in the Sky Lounge at the top of Chimney Rock. The Skyline Trail is a 2-2.5 hour hike that leads from Exclamation Point and into the backcountry. The trail follows the ridge and gives great views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Peregrine’s Point. It passes through woodlands, wildflowers, and Falls Creek, as well as the top of the Hickory Nut Falls. Rock climbing is a popular activity at Chimney Rock State Park.
Just outside of Hendersonville is the town of Flat Rock, home to one of our favorite Western NC attractions—the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site. This National Parks site commemorates the famed Pulitzer Prize author’s home, where he spent his final days. Chimney Rock State Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Events include outdoor yoga sessions, music concerts, survival skills, and more.
The entirely of Chimney Rock State Park spans for 6,800 acres and is most famous for the granite “Chimney Rock” which is so named because it looks like a rock chimney. Because the drive time from downtown Asheville is just 40-minutes, it’s one our top suggestions for things to do near Asheville. Please do not wander off the trail when hiking, biking, or walking with your pet. Going off trail also increases the chances of encountering ticks, venomous snakes, and poisonous plants. Along the bottom of the scenic Hickory Nut Gorge runs the rushing Rocky Broad River, from Chimney Rock to Lake Lure.
There’s such a wide variety of terrains within the grounds that there’s quite a diverse array of habitats as well. KOA and River Creek are nearby campgrounds that offer plenty of private and group sites for tents and RVs in the stunning mountain surroundings with all the amenities needed. Sometimes these scheduled festivities will also encompass an overnight camping component.
Currently, there are only eight parking spaces at the access, so please be prepared with alternate plans if the parking area is full when you arrive. Weed Patch Mountain Trails connect to Buffalo Creek Park, which is managed by the town of Lake Lure. Please do not park on private property or block any gates.
The best way for those looking for little to no walking is to take the elevator to the top. Also, Chimney Rock State Park is one of the few North Carolina state park sites to charge admission. Admission fees go towards maintaining the park and allowing it to operate as a major tourist destination. Take Highway 25 North (White Horse Road) into North Carolina. Follow Highway 19 toward Interstate 40 East and Asheville.
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