27 Things to do When Visiting Chimney Rock, NC
CHIMNEY ROCK FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Chimney Rock, NC
HOURS: 8:30am-5:30pm
COST: $17 Adults, $8 Children (5-15), under 5 are FREE
TIME TO COMPLETE: 3-4 hours
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lot, public restrooms and Gift Shop
You’ve probably seen pictures of Chimney Rock, the 535-million-year-old monolith the Park is named after, at some point or another and wondered where on earth it was. The iconic American flag gives away the country but you might not have guessed North Carolina. Chimney Rock was discovered by Dr. Lucius B. Morse in the late 19th century and he and his family are largely responsible for the tremendous accessibility the park offers today.
Of all the National and State parks we have visited, Chimney Rock (just under 2 hours’ drive northwest of Charlotte) might be the most well-maintained and laid out. You can access different areas of the park easily and quickly. We spent 2 days there but could have seen everything in a single (albeit energetic) day. The trails are beautiful and clean while the lookout points are well placed for spectacular views of the village below, Lake Lure and the surrounding Blue Ridge mountain ranges.
The time of year you visit can impact how you see the park. In the summer it is hot (though most of the trails are under tree cover), late October or early November is foliage season while winter and early spring is not as colorful you are afforded longer views through the bare trees. An ideal time to visit is Spring as the winter runoff means better water flow for the Hickory Nut Falls, and the Broad River in town, as well as more colorful flora and tree leaves filling in.
There are numerous ways to plan your activities at Chimney Rock State Park and certainly no “right” way. Following are the activities we engaged in during our visit. It took us around a day and a half to complete at a nice steady pace. As you enter the park you’ll drive about a mile of switchbacks until you reach the Rangers station. You can get a day pass for $17 per person or, as we opted to do since we were planning on multiple days, an annual membership for $34 (which includes other benefits as well). From here you have (2) parking options: lower level near the Great Woodland Adventure and the trailhead for the Four Seasons Trail; upper level (or Chimney level) which is the main level with Cliff Dwellers Gift shop, the elevator up to Chimney Rock as well as access to the main trails up and down.
Jump to a specific section.
Entering the Park
Chimney Rock Village is on a single street (Main St or Route 9) that runs about 2-3 blocks. At the midpoint is the entrance to Chimney Rock State Park. On the first day we arrived around Noon on a Friday and drove to the Chimney level parking area. You are greeted by beautiful ivy-covered trees to your left as you get a glimpse of the Chimney Rock in the distance. As we made our way to our first stop we passed the Elevator tunnel and the gift shop on our left and, on the right, one of many amazing views looking down onto Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. There is a massive rock that lays beneath the Chimney Rock. Stay to the right of this rock (facilities are on the right) until you see the green sign with white lettering that announces “Choose Your Path of Adventure to the Chimney”.
Crevice Pass
Crevice Pass, like a few of the trails at Chimney Rock, are actually just stairs. This cut-through “shortcut” along the Outcroppings Trail allows you to literally walk through a split in two massive rocks. It was created in 2017 as a temporary pass-through while they were creating the platform deck where the Gneiss Cave resides but kept it open by popular demand. But other views on this path are quite appealing as well between looking up at huge rock formations or looking out onto the mountain tops above the village.
Outcroppings Trail
The Outcroppings Trail would be considered the primary trail in the park though it is entirely comprised of stairs. It is the connecting point between the Hickory Nut Trail at the bottom and the beginning of the Exclamation Point Trail at the top. Along the way are most of the main lookout points as well as the Chimney Rock itself. You can join the trail at multiple points but from the platform deck (just outside of Gneiss Cave) to the Chimney level you’ll be climbing 494 steps. Don’t worry though as there are multiple viewing areas along the way that serve as natural rest stops. The stairs themselves were last rebuilt in 2012 using zip lines and four helicopter airlift operations. You have an option to explore as few lookouts along the way or you could go straight to the top to the Chimney Rock. The stops along the way include . . .
Grotto Rock
The first stop is Grotto Rock which offshoots to a viewing area with a bench. Ironically there are actually better views from just before the viewing area but it’s hard to complain about either. You get spectacular views of Lake Lure and the Blue Mountains to the east as well as the band of mountains and foothills, known geologically as the Inner Piedmont Belt to the north. The Grotto also serves as a cool relief from the hot summer sun. It is located underneath a rock ledge overhang that shields visitors from direct sunlight all day.
Subway
The Subway is a natural underpass that used to be part of the old Cliff Trail that discontinued when the Outcroppings Trail was redesigned a few years ago. It isn’t very long, maybe 30’ (9m) in length and both ends have clear openings visible from either side. I only mention this because it is a cave like experience that might be uncomfortable for someone with claustrophobia. You’ll definitely need to bend well over to navigate the lowest points but they’ve done a nice job with the footing in some of the darker areas so it’s a safe path through. It’s also a welcome cool relief in the hot and humid months.
Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock is the second most frequented rock in the park. It is a geological wonder and affords spectacular views of not only Lake Lure and the valley below but also of Chimney Rock itself. One of the more interesting vantage points is the view of the village below with a few beautiful rock formations just below it. The actual Pulpit Rock is easy to ascend with natural “steps” so you may have to wait your turn to sit or stand at the top. It’s worth the wait. As you descend the stairs back to the outcroppings Trail appreciate the view of the southern rock wall straight ahead of you. It is reminiscent of the open rock faces of Yosemite.
Vista Rock
Vista Rock is on the east side of the Outcroppings loop so if you are heading up on Outcroppings it is a bit “out of the way”. We ended up seeing it on our second day on our way down from the top. Regardless it provides more amazing views of Lake Lure but there is an added bonus. When you descend the stairs, but prior to walking onto the Vista platform, turn around and look up. There is a most interesting and unique view of the Chimney Rock. From most vantage points of Chimney it appears to extend out from the rock formations behind it. From this perspective it becomes clear that it truly is a standalone chimney. You also gain an appreciation of just how large the rock is. As a bonus, if you’re lucky you’ll catch an occasional glimpse of the USA flag just on the right side of the rock.
Chimney Rock
Finally, what you’ve been waiting for . . . Chimney Rock itself. When you reach the top of the Outcroppings Trail you’ll still have another 44 stairs to climb to reach Chimney Rock. The rock is 315’ (96m) tall and is 2,280’ (695m) above sea level, with a 75-mile panoramic view of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. It is considered a granite monolith which basically means it is a single piece of rock and is dated back 535,000,000 years. At the top the rocks form plenty of flat areas to sit and have a snack or even a meal. There is solid metal railing all around so it is safe (if not a bit scary) to walk along the edge but be mindful (please).
There are a few distinctive elements of the rock that set it apart. The giant iconic USA flag is perhaps the most famous calling card of the Chimney. Because of the elevation it is always waving in the wind and an easy site to see even from great distances. The resilience of nature is very much on display with a few stubborn trees that have made a home on the rock itself and continue to flourish. In the northeast corner there is a cool large panoramic picture that shows the names of all the different mountains, rivers, falls and lakes that are visible from the Chimney.
At the foot of the stairs is the Lake Lure Lookout that provides another vantage of the lake. As great as the view of Lake Lure and the Piedmont ranges are, the best part of the Chimney Rock is viewing it from a distance . . . don’t worry, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that coming up.
Sky Lounge
By this point you’ve probably worked up an appetite. On the Chimney level is the Sky Lounge which serves a few functions. Inside there is a food area with pizza, corndogs, wraps, snacks and ice cream in addition to soft drinks, energy drinks, tea and coffee . . . at reasonable prices. There is also a gift shop with many of the same offerings as the Cliff Dwellers Gifts on the lower level. Two important exceptions are the bathroom facilities (with amazing artwork of the park on the walls) and access to the Elevator down to the lower level. One additional feature are the outdoor tables for eating that offer some of the best views in the state including a unique side view of the Chimney and, of course, Lake Lure.
Exclamation Point Trail
Most trails above, and below, the Outcroppings Trail represents more traditional hiking but is quite manageable for most ages and abilities. That being said, the first portion of the Exclamation Point Trail is stairs . . . very steep stairs. It’ll definitely burn your thighs a bit but it doesn’t last that long. Along the way you’ll be treated to incredible rock formations, a cool underpass, tons of switchbacks, three distinctive lookout points (Opera Box, Devil’s Head and Exclamation Point) and the quintessential vantage point of the Chimney Rock.
Opera Box
The first stop on the Exclamation Point Trail is the aptly named Opera Box. Not only is it situated nicely in a “boxed” in area of an overhanging rock formation but it also has the single best view in the entire park, maybe in the entire state. This perspective allows you to see the Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in the same frame from a few different vantage points. My favorite is from the higher angle when you can see the entire top of the rock with the Blue Ridge Mountain range in the distance above it. These angles really showcase why the park is so popular and, more importantly, why the walk up the Exclamation Point Trail is handsomely rewarded.
Devil’s Head
When we were planning this excursion this was one of the areas I circled as a must-see . . . honestly, I was a bit disappointed. Not that it isn’t great, it is a geological wonder. It was more that it seemed bigger in the pictures. That said, it is remarkable how nature has a way of creating patterns that we can only replicate. The so-called “Devil’s Head” sits, seemingly unsupported, defiantly staring out over the valley, the master of all it surveys. If you can, try to get here in the morning when the sun is shining directly on the head. The afternoon shade provides an interesting contrast with the distant mountains but the Devil’s Head should be lit up by the morning light.
Exclamation Point
As you wind your way west along the ridge you come upon the most unique rock formation in the park. It is a massive dome that isn’t apparent initially. The first thing you notice is a long angular slope of rock on your left nestled in between small trees and shrubs. You can continue around the outside or take a quick run up the rock (it is fun but you best have hiking shoes on). At the top the rock continues until it slopes gently down the other side. On the west slope the rock resembles tree roots. At its base it begins to layer, forming natural stairs that opens up into a perfect flat viewing vista. The best part of the view is the east facing wall of granite framed by Table Mountain pine trees. On the east side is a different, but equally spectacular view of Lake Lure and many of its fingers. As with the Devil’s Head, Exclamation Point is best seen in the morning light. Of note . . . this is also the highest point of the park at 2,480’ (756m).
Skyline Trail
Though it may appear intimidating on paper, the Skyline Trail is not that difficult and worth the additional journey. This trail will take you further around the rim until you get to the summit of the Hickory Nut Falls. Skyline is filled with ridgetop forests, sheer cliffs and a spectacular partial view of Lake Lure. It features a lookout (Peregrine’s Point), the Falls Creek, the summit of one of the east coast’s tallest waterfalls and a stunning view of the Hickory Nut Gorge. The total round trip is 2.2 miles of moderate hiking.
Peregrine’s Point
When you first approach Peregrine’s Point you are somewhat underwhelmed. It looks like a small unassuming picnic area with a few tables. Then you start to notice an opening beyond that slopes downward to a railing and you are no longer disappointed. Peregrine’s Point provides yet another unique view of the northern mountain range as well as truly beautiful sight of Exclamation Point with Lake Lure in the distance. This is an ideal place to take a break and have a snack as you prepare to take on the final leg of Skyline Trail.
Hickory Nut Falls Upper Cascades
As you proceed along the Skyline Trail you will happen across a small creek. If the water levels are up then be prepared to get your feet wet. There is a fallen tree for the brave in your group but otherwise you’ll be skipping on the rocks just beneath the surface. A few minutes beyond that is you’ll see a green sign with white lettering pointing you down to the “Upper Cascades Viewing Area”. If the water level is up you’ll get a nice cascade show but even if not, the way the water has reshaped the mountains over the millennia is fascinating. After viewing the cascades you simply walk back the way that you came.
Gneiss Cave
Back on the Chimney level, on the other side of the huge rock from the Crevice Pass (and next to the Outcropping Trail stairs), is the Gneiss Cave (pronounced “nice”). We weren’t sure exactly what to expect here . . . honestly, it isn’t much to look at but its history is fascinating. Gneiss Cave is a talus (fissure) cave which is created when any large rock slides off the side of a mountain and forms a cavern. It’s always fun to descend into a cave and Gneiss is no different. 20 steps down and there is a platform with a seating bench. A look over the railing and you can see the fallen rock and how it has become wedged creating the cavern. A nice bonus is the quiet and coolness of the cave.
Cliff Dwellers Gifts
Back at the Chimney level entrance is the proverbial gift shop. The Cliff Dwellers has all of the expected amenities like t-shirts, sweatshirts, postcards, keychains, jewelry, stuffed animals, jigsaw puzzles, coffee table books, etc. They also have items more specific to the park such as walking sticks, park calendars, park badges, coffee cups and even shot glasses.
Elevator Tunnel
To the left of the gift shop is the 198’ (60m) tunnel that leads to the elevator. For those that aren’t up to the 499 steps of the Outcroppings trail, the elevator will take you up 26-stories to the Sky Lounge where you only have 44 more steps up to the Chimney Rock. The elevator has a capacity of only 8 so there can be some long lines during peak hours. Construction for the elevator began in 1947 and proceeded at about 4-6’ (1-2m) per day with crews drilling by day and blasting at night. Amazingly the miners were able to complete their part of the job in 91 days and the entire project was finished in 15 months and was officially opened to the public in May 1949. Even more remarkable the entire project was done without a single injury.
Four Seasons Trail
Our second day started by parking in the lower level (Meadows) parking area and taking on the Four Seasons Trail. Though only .6 miles (.97km) this is definitely the most challenging trail in the park. The 400’ (122m) gain includes several steep inclines and declines along the way and ends with a 67 step staircase. That’s the bad news . . . the good news is that it’s also an absolutely beautiful trail. Filled with lush forests of hardwood trees and thickets of Carolina Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel the real highlight are the amazing rock formations. There are clusters next to monoliths next to overhangs next to . . . you get the point. Tough but very rewarding trail.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
At the end of the Four Seasons Trail you intersect with the Hickory Nut Falls Trail where you can either turn left, where you’ll meet the bottom section of the Outcroppings staircase, or right to the Hickory Nut Falls. We chose the falls direction and were pleasantly surprised to find a more moderate trail but equally beautiful. The path weaves back and forth and up and down through rocky slopes of Carolina Rhododendron, exposed tree roots, oak and hickory trees, massive shear rock faces and edge drop-offs of hundreds of feet (some straight down). Though we wouldn’t recommend strollers, small children should be able to walk this trail. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the falls from the end of Four Seasons.
Hickory Nut Falls
From the base of the falls you are looking up 404’ (123m) to the summit of Hickory Nut Falls. The water that feeds the falls starts at the natural springs on top of Chimney Rock Mountain and flows eastward down a rocky ravine then into the Rocky Broad River. The lack of direct sunlight on parts of the rock wall allows for the growth of several species of plants that thrive in cooler environments. How stunning the falls are really depends on the water flow but even if it’s low (as it was for us) it is still an amazing sight. If you’ve ever seen 1992’s “The Last of the Mohicans” you might recognize many parts of the park but, in particular, the final fight scene at the brink of the falls.
After viewing the falls you would backtrack to either the Four Seasons Trail or continue on to the base of the Outcroppings Trail (Stairs) to head up to the Chimney level.
Great Woodland Adventure
If you have children the Great Woodland Adventure, and the Animal Discovery Den next door, is a mandatory stop. Located at the Meadows (lower parking area), and on the other side of the road from the Four Seasons Trailhead, the Adventure is a .5 mile (.8km) loop filled with 12 Discovery Stations. Each stop features a different animal indigenous to the area including jumping spiders, salamanders, turtles and frogs. Visitors can learn more about each animal and be treated to larger-than-life wood and metal sculptures crafted by local artists. After your short hike is completed be sure to visit the Animal Discovery Den to see live animals like snakes, woodchucks and chipmunks or try your hand at traversing the climbing tower.
Chimney Rock Village
Once you’ve completed your visit to the park there is still plenty of other things to do locally. The village itself isn’t large but is filled with numerous restaurants, a great coffee stop and eclectic shops and boutiques. There is the glamorous (and somewhat overpriced) Burntshirt Vineyards for wine, food and a large patio deck with an unsurpassed view of the mountain and the Chimney Rock. Across the street is Genny’s (Home Style) and Nachito’s (Mexican), two more reasonably priced and excellent alternatives frequented by locals (always a good sign) which also both feature deck dining with a view of the Broad River. If you need a coffee break stop in at Coffee on the Rocks and get an Old Time Photo while there.
There are tons of eclectic shops and boutiques featuring everything from samurai swords and skull candles to custom jewelry and precious gemstones. Gales features a mix of handmade items and nostalgia pieces where the John Bull Trading Co. is a bit more upscale with items like hand-carved Native American art and porcelain sculptures. My personal favorite is the Mountain Traders which has a bit of everything from ancient replica weapons and fantasy figurines to stuffed animals and wind chimes. For an entirely different experience visit the Chimney Rock Gold Rush and see every precious stone and gem from the local region.
Another favorite is Bubba O’Leary’s Outfitters. The store is split in half with the left side featuring up-scale outdoor clothing and accessories and the right side filled with some very cool nostalgia items including an old-fashioned Coca-Cola cooler. And no visit to a small American town is complete without popping into the local Harley-Davidson store. Not quite as rebellious as it used to be, there are still items not to be found anywhere else.
Chimney Rock Country Fair
On the east end of town you’ll find a little fairgrounds perfect for little ones. It features a train ride, a merry-go-round, a Kiddie Ferris Wheel and (4) different amusement-style rides. Parking is right in front and there is even a snack shack. The theme is nostalgia and the atmosphere is perfectly innocent. Each of the rides was built in the second half of the 20th century including the Hampton Umbrella Ride built in 1971, the 1950 Merry Go Round and the Sky Fighter from 1958 that originally was operating on Myrtle Beach.
Rocky Broad Riverwalk
If you love whitewater rivers you are in for a treat. The Broad River runs at the base of the park just behind the Village shops. There are a few places you can enter and exit but the best place to start is down the alley next to Coffee on the Rocks. There are clear signs so it’s hard to miss. The walk itself offers a lot of variety. You can walk along the path, go right down to the water’s edge or even venture out for a walk on the rocks. If the water is up the rapids are loud and beautiful. If the water is low it isn’t as dramatic but you also have more dry rocks to hop on and explore. Just be respectful of disturbing the plant life around you and avoid walking on private property.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
The final stop is actually about a 5 minutes’ drive out of town as you head towards Lake Lure on the 9. It is the unique Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Run and organized entirely by a local group of volunteers, the bridge is a visual delight that also has an audio tour accessible via your cell phone. The grounds are filled with an endless variety of flowers, clever displays, seasonal decorations and rare plant life set against the Mountains on one side and the Broad River on the other. Early morning is the perfect time to visit as the crowds are low and the air cool. It is a non-profit project of passion so please make sure to make a donation in one of the many boxes spread throughout the exhibit.
As is by now apparent . . . there is no end of things to do at Chimney Rock. Each season has its own charms and advantages so when you visit really depends on personal preference. You will never be disappointed. If you have visited please let us know if we missed anything and what you enjoyed the most. We’d love to hear from you!
Wow beautiful and plenty to see it looks like!! Is there a campground nearby??
Chimney Rock is indeed amazing.
There are several local camping grounds to choose from. Here are a few options.
Hickory Nut Falls Family Campground (639 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC) is a ½ mile from the Chimney Rock State Park entrance.
Creekside Mountain Camping (2800 Gerton Hwy, Gerton, NC) is 10 minutes west of the park entrance.
Hitching Post Campground (620 Girl Scout Cp Rd, Mill Spring, NC) is 12 min southeast of the park entrance.
River Creek Campground (217 River Creek Dr, Rutherfordton, NC) is about 20 minutes east of the park entrance.
They each have their own advantages . . . hope you have a chance to visit!
I love how detailed this guide is! Very helpful, thank you!
Our pleasure! Chimney Rock is truly a special place.