Chimney Rock State Park is an space of excellent pure magnificence and is among the hottest mountains in Western North Carolina.
This 500-million-year-old monument is the proper place for nature lovers and hikers to expertise the recent mountain are of Rutherford County, see uncommon, native vegetation and fauna, and gaze upon the serene panorama from the highest.
Luckily, attending to the highest is straightforward, for the reason that are 499 steps from the park entrace to the point of view on the high.
Don’t fear although, it’s utterly price it when you attain the highest. Not solely do you acquire 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 highway journey with my dad and mom. It was considered one of our favourite issues to do in North Carolina with household as all of us loved completely different features of the hike.
For my dad, being a giant 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 liked the connection that the Chimney Rock space has to that film.
However the place is Chimney Rock and the way do you climb it? What do I must know earlier than I’m going? Properly, when you’re asking all these questions you’ve come to the precise place.
On this information, I’ll be telling you every thing it is advisable to find out about Chimney Rock so you may have the most effective expertise.
The place is Chimney Rock State Park?
Attending to Chimney Rock is straightforward. As a result of the drive time from downtown Asheville is simply 40-minutes, it’s one our high ideas for issues to do close to Asheville.
It’s situated within the Village of Chimney Rock and simply accessible from freeway I-40.
From Charlotte it’s a 2-hour drive, from our house in Raleigh it’s 4 hours, and it’s solely a 5-minute drive from considered one of our favourite locations to go to in North Carolina, Lake Lure.
Click on the map above for Chimney Rock instructions out of your place to begin.
What’s Chimney Rock?
Chimney Rock is a 35-million-year-old, 315-foot excessive massive granite outcropping situated 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 completely 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 be house 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 pinnacle 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 climbing trails, breathtaking views, and waterfalls.
Issues to Do in Chimney Rock State Park
1. Climb To The High 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 superb views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and The Blue Ridge mountains – it’s really considered one of our favourite views of the North Carolina mountains!
The Outcroppings Path is a sequence of staircases and lookout factors permitting you to climb to the highest of Chimney Rock itself.
I believe it is a comparatively reasonable hike as much as the highest – 499 steps to the highest – which my 76 yr outdated father and 69 yr outdated mom managed simply positive.
It’s a pleasant cardio and leg exercise, though we did have a couple of stops alongside the way in which to catch our breath and admire the 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 easy accessibility to the highest of the Chimney for its spectacular views.
Alongside the way in which, make sure 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 unbelievable views you gained’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 photograph for you.
2. Hike the Hickory Nut Falls Path
Most likely the preferred 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.
It is 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 by means of a mixture of Oak and Hickory bushes, and we really helpful it for households with young children and for grandparents.
There are a couple 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 situated providing you an opportunity to relaxation and catch your breath.
The spectacular view of the waterfall is completely price it.
3. Eat, Store, and Chill in Chimney Rock Village
After your time climbing and exploring Chimney Rock State Park, head into Chimney Rock Village for purchasing and maybe a espresso or lunch break.
In the event you don’t have the vitality to journey too far, there’s a cafe on the park entrance known as Previous Rock Cafe, which is situated close to the reward store, Cliff Dwellers Items.
You can even get a picnic from Previous Rock Cafe to take with you on the path when you neglect.
This village is a small one avenue 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 sizzling sunny day.
Sit on the deck of Riverwatch Bar & Grill 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 pals – 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’ll find little swimming pools of water that can assist cool you down.
4. Watch an Occasion at Chimney Rock Village
We have 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 observe it.
Sadly because of my bee sting incident that day, we have been just a little late in arriving.
We solely managed to catch a couple of of the songs on the finish, but it surely was spectacular.
We have been beginning to get into it with the attractive rendition of Wonderful Grace and Danny Boy and wished they stored taking part in. These bagpipes made the mountains behind sing.
It was such an beautiful venue for an intimate music venue with the locals, and a pleasant strategy to cap off a go to to the Chimney Rock space.
There are common occasions held on the park. Be sure you verify the occasions web page earlier than visiting to see what’s on. One of the crucial iconic occasions if the Flock the Rock occasion.
5. Climb Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock
Mountain climbing is a well-liked exercise at Chimney Rock State Park. The park presents classes to each newbie and superior climbers by means of Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing College, so when you don’t really feel assured going alone, you have got an expertise teacher with you.
You possibly can climb within the park all yr 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 Climbing Entry is a hidden gem within the states. It’s a world-class bouldering and technical mountaineering space and has over 1,500 bouldering issues for knowledgeable boulderers to sort out.
The Rumbling Bald is accessed by the 1.5 mile looped Rumbling Bald Path, and a allow have to be given by the state park (although permits are free to acquire).
6. Stroll the opposite distinctive climbing 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 climbing trails and woodlands to discover, so don’t skip these different trails when you have 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 presents details about the species who reside within the park. It is 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 by means of 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 offers nice views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Peregrine’s Level. It passes by means of 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 by means of the forests. It’s a reasonable to strenuous hike that climbs up 400 toes by means of 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.
7. Go to the Animal Discovery Den
The state park is house to some native and uncommon species of vegetation, fauna and wildlife. You possibly can study all about it at Animal Uncover Den, situated close to the exit of the park.
Within the Den, you’ll see animals who have 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:
Guests should buy a park ticket from the ticket plaza on the Park Entrance. Entrace charges value:
- Adults: $17
- Youth: (ages 5-15): $8
- Household (two adults and as much as three youth ages 5-15): $45
The park is open all yr spherical. 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 data about Chimney Rock State Park together with extra climbing trails go right here.
Amenities at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock has all of the services 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 a tenting aloud at Chimney Rock.
Extra Locations to Go to close to Chimney Rock
FAQs About Chimney Rock NC
Right here’s what folks normally ask us about Chimney Rock NC:
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 baby (ages 5-15), Beneath 5s enter totally free.
How lengthy is the hike to Chimney Rock?
Relying on which path you’re taking, the Outcroppings Path and the Exclamation Level Path normally takes about 25 minutes.
Earlier than You Go
So there you have got it, that is your full information to Chimney Rock NC. I hope that this information helped reply all of your questions concerning the state park and helped you intend your go to.
In the event you do have any extra questions, tell us within the feedback!
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Supply: Breaking Travel News
