Sure, you’ve gotta climb the chimney for the views, but you shouldn’t visit Chimney Rock State Park without crossing these off your list too.
Note: If you don’t like stairs then this is definitely not the place for you!
What: See my Top 7 list below!
Where: Chimney Rock State Park ($12 admission fee), Chimney Rock, North Carolina
Time: make a day of it and allow up to 6 hours
1- Probably why you came! Hike the stairs up to the top of Chimney Rock itself & gaze out on the beautiful views of Lake Lure & the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
2 – Hike to Hickory Nut Falls
Featured in scenes of Last of the Mochicans, Hickory Nut Falls cascades down 404 feet of sheer rock face.
3 – Look for bats inside Gneiss Cave
4 – Catch views from the “Opera Box”
5 – Crouch your way through the “Subway”
6 – Check out the Devil’s profile (Devil’s Head rock)
7 – Hike the Skyline Trail – for more amazing views & to stand at the very top of Hickory Nut Falls
Even if you don’t have time to do everything I’ve suggested, just taking some time to wander around in nature here should inspire you. 🙂
Have you ever been to Chimney Rock State Park? What was your favorite part?