Chimney Rock Park

Imagine a 75-mile mountain view, surrounded by waterfalls, wildlife and the stunning Appalachian Mountain range. At Chimney Rock Park in North Carolina, hiking trails are abundant, with 1,000 acres of land, a constant schedule of special events, and an amazing 404-foot waterfall.

Depending on how much time you have to spend, visitors should prioritize their options at Chimney Rock Park. First and foremost, the most recommended activity is the 75-mile view at the top of Chimney Rock, accessible via a 20-minute hike on the Outcroppings Trail or a 30-second ride on the 26-story elevator. Rock climbing is also a great way to get to the top, and excursions are available with Fox Mountain Guides. Newcomers are welcome at any age, but expeditions must be scheduled in advance. At the top, you can shop at Cliff Dwellers Gifts or eat at the Sky Lounge Deli.

If you have time for another hike, we recommend going to the stunning 404-foot Hikory Nut Falls, either via the hour-long Hickory Nut Falls Trail, or through a two-hour hike along the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop. After a good night's rest, you may be ready to face the Great Woodland Adventure Trail, a 4-hour hike which features giant sculptures by local artists along the trail, and which is especially fun for children. From there, take the Four Seasons Trail back to Hickory Nut Falls, which returns you to Chimney Rock. To fuel you throughout the day, since there are not very many places to eat in the wilderness, it is best to pack lots of water and a lunch for a picnic--there are many open picnic sites along the way. Also, since there are no bathrooms on the trails, hikers should pack toilet paper for outdoor pit-stops.

The best time to visit Chimney Rock Park is in the morning, when the weather is cooler, and the lines are shorter, or in the afternoon, since entrance tickets bought after 4 pm can be used the next day. Weekends are the busiest, especially during October and July. Locals agree that the view from Chimney Rock is the clearest in the fall and winter seasons, when the leaves are bare and the air is clear. Chimney Rock Park is handicap accessible except for the trails and at Chimney Rock, and leashed pets are welcome on the trails.

Chimney Rock Park is open almost every day until 6 pm, although the Ticket Plaza is only open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 AM, so plan your arrival accordingly. Children under age 6 are admitted for free, and group rates for more than 20 people can save money on the entrance fee. Annual passes are relatively cheap, and provide discounts on local restaurants, shops, events, and venues. Also, during bad weather, the entrance fee is cheaper if more than two trails have been closed. Families can also take advantage of the Family Getaway Package, which offers passes to Chimney Rock Park as well as The Health Adventure, a health and science museum dedicated to improving health awareness and lifestyles, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center. Packages can be bought at any of the participating venues.

Once you have enjoyed all of the trails at Chimney Rock Park, there are other interesting attractions within an hour's drive. For tourists seeking other outdoor adventures, there are opportunities to whitewater raft, ski, horseback-ride, and hike in the area. You can also take a one hour boat tour of Lake Lure in nearby Hickory Nut Gorge. Other unique experiences include the Broad River Gems and Mining Co., which has on-site fossil digging and a museum, and Creasman Farms or Grandad's Apples N'Such, where visitors can pick apples. Other places to visit include the Brevard Music Center, which holds a summer music festival, the Flat Rock Playhouse, which is the State Theatre of North Carolina, the KidSenses Children's InterActive Museum, and the Cradle of Forestry, a forestry conservation center. There are more museums and shops at Pack Place in nearby downtown Asheville.

For overnight accommodations, you can go to any of the hotels that Chimney Park has partnered with, and take advantage of the packaged deals which includes the hotel, tickets to the Park, food, and more. Groups are welcome, including field trips and weddings, and Chimney Rock Park will gladly work with you to accommodate your needs.

The drive to Chimney Rock Park is a scenic one. Once you arrive at Chimney Rock Village, drive through the Park gates and across the wooden bridge to Ticket Plaza, which is another 2 miles away from the parking lot and trails. Keep in mind that you can only come by car, since the curvy road prohibits walking and biking.