Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, showcasing a striking geological formation under a pristine blue sky. The base is a large, smooth rock, surmounted by a smaller, rounded boulder with two figures visible at its peak, indicating the formation’s grand scale. A constructed walkway with railings ascends alongside, inviting visitors to explore this majestic natural landmark.

Chimney Rock State Park

Rising like a medieval guard tower above the valley below, Chimney Rock keeps a silent eye over Hickory Nut Gorge and the people below. Visible for miles around this granite monolith has stood as a silent marker pointing the way from the highland regions in the north to the flatland in the south.

Chimney Rock from the side - an American flag proudly waving in the wind atop a high rock outcrop. Below, visitors are gathered on an observation deck that juts out over the edge, offering a view of the surrounding dense forests. A river meanders through the landscape in the distance, all under a vast, clear blue sky. This setting is likely a popular spot for its breathtaking views and historical significance
Step into a world where adventure meets tranquility at Chimney Rock, North Carolina. Feel the exhilaration as you ascend towards the sky, with each step promising a new perspective. Here, laughter fills the air as families and friends create memories against a backdrop of endless blue skies and lush landscapes.

Passing between mountains on each side, the Hickory Nut Gorge for centuries was a reliable route from the highland regions in the north to the flatland in the south but is now a tourist destination in the Western North Carolina Mountains that includes Chimney Rock State Park .

a majestic rock formation known as Chimney Rock, which is characterized by its towering, flat-topped pinnacle. The weathered and striated rock surfaces suggest geological aging and erosion. A metal railing at the summit indicates a viewing area, and a flagpole with a flag suggests human presence. The sparse vegetation at the base contrasts with the rocky prominence, emphasizing the natural landmark’s grandeur.
“The Rock” at Chimney Rock State Park can be seen for miles around and was used as a landmark for explorers and travelers. And can even be seen from nearby Lake Lure.

Totaling over 8,000 acres offering breathtaking views, unique rock formations, abundant wildlife, and waterfalls Chimney Rock State Park has made a name for itself as one of the must see sights in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Click Here to learn more about the history of Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock from above - An American flag waves proudly atop a rocky outcrop, accessible by a winding staircase. Below, visitors enjoy the view from a platform overlooking a scenic river valley with lush greenery and scattered buildings, under a clear blue sky
Chimney Rock State Park’s central feature. This huge stone monolith towers above the valley below. Enjoy vies not only of the state park, but Chimney Rock Village and Lake Lure too.

The signature feature is the 315 foot granite monolith that the park is named after. It can be seen from miles around. From the top of Chimney Rock you’ll be treated to a 75 mile panoramic view of the surrounding area including Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

Things to Do at Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park Hiking

The Lower Parking lot

Chimney Rock State Park Trails - A welcoming entrance to the ‘Four Seasons Trail’ is marked by a large wooden archway with the trail’s name painted in vibrant yellow letters. The arch, supported by sturdy rustic brown pillars, stands at the threshold of a forested pathway. The trail commences just past a paved road, bordered by stone walls on either side. Surrounding leafless trees hint at a winter or early spring setting, inviting hikers to explore the natural beauty ahead.
Hiking trails are plentiful at Chimney Rock State Park. You can even hike all the way from the base of the mountain to the base of Chimney Rock itself, then climb the steps up to the top of the rock. Once there you can hike up to Exclamation Point and then hike along the the Skyline Trail. If that all sounds like too much – drive up to the base of Chimney Rock and take the elevator. Whatever way you get to the top, you’ll be glad you came.

When you arrive at the park, follow the park road for about a mile to the ticket plaza where you’ll pay for admission and get a park map. From the ticket plaza continue straight and you’ll arrive at the lower parking lot. If you want to hike the entire park or visit the kids section, this is where you need to park.

Four Seasons Trail – 1.4 mile trail up the mountain to the base of Chimney Rock, it will bring you out close the start of the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Along the way you’ll see some of the parks large boulders and abundant wildflowers.

Chimney Rock Park Animal Discovery - A wooden building with a sign reading ‘Animal Discovery Den’ is nestled among leafless trees. A winding gravel path leads to the entrance, and a tall wooden tower structure is visible in the background to the right. The setting appears to be a park or nature reserve, with a grassy area in the foreground and bare trees surrounding the structures, suggesting it might be winter or early spring.
Animal Discovery Den at Chimney Rock State Park where kids can learn about the animals that call the mountain home. Regular programs take place throughout the park day.

Great Woodland Adventure trail – .4 miles and designed especially for kids with signage to help them learn about the local wildlife. At the start of the trail is The Animal Discovery Den, a small building where kids can get a close look at some of the wildlife they learned about along the trail.

Upper parking Lot

waterfall at chimney rock - A serene waterfall gracefully descends over a smooth, dark rock face, surrounded by the stark silhouettes of bare branches and a few resilient evergreen trees. The thin, white ribbon of water creates a striking contrast against the shaded stone backdrop, while the sunlight kisses the top of the falls, accentuating its gentle arc and the misty veil it casts into the air.
At over 400 feet Hickory Nut Waterfall at Chimney Rock State Park is the largest waterfall in North Carolina and one of the largest in the eastern United States.

If you want to drive to the base of Chimney Rock, keep to right at the lower lot and follow the road an additional mile and a half. The road up has a few spots where you can pull over for a picnic. Tables and grills are set up at the pull offs. As you get close to the top, you’ll see the trail for Hickory Nut Falls on the right. Soon you’ll see a gravel parking lot right in front of you, but to the right is a paved lot.

Chimney Rock State Park Outcroppings Trail - A wooden staircase rises steeply between rugged rock faces, its metal frame and wooden steps leading daring explorers upward. Handrails flank the path, offering guidance and safety as the journey ascends into the embrace of nature’s grandeur.
Ascend the Outcroppings Trail at Chimney Rock State Park and conquer the ‘Ultimate Stairmaster.’ With each of the 494 steps, you’ll rise above Hickory Nut Gorge, passing by the Grotto, Subway, and Pulpit Rock. It’s not just a hike; it’s an adventure etched in stone.

Once at the base of Chimney Rock, you can either take the Outcroppings Trail or ride the elevator to the top. The elevator is located in a tunnel right before the Cliff Dwellers Gift Shop. The original elevator was shut down in 2010 and the State undertook a long 8 year project to completely modernize and rework it. After a few missteps, the finished elevator was reopened in 2018 and has been available to visitors since then, but is closed for maintenance from time to time. So if you know you’ll need to use it, check Chimney Rock State Park’s Website or Facebook page for updates.

The "Grotto" at Chimney Rock Park - a rock overhang shading an area with a bench - wooden safety rails run along steps leading to the bench and across the ledge in front of the bench.
The Outcroppings Trail is almost 500 steps to the top of Chimney Rock, but offers a number of spots along the way with great views. If you don’t think you can tackle the climb all at once, take a beak along the way. “The Grotto” is a great place to rest, have some water, and cool off before finishing your climb.

If you walk past the gift shop on your left and the restroom on your right, you’ll step out onto a wooden deck. From here you can have a look at the Gneiss Cave, although currently the gate to the cave is locked. The deck has a few picnic tables and is a great place to cool down and have a little break. The Outcroppings Trail begins here with a series of stairs going up, and you also have access to the Hickory Nut Falls Trail from a series of stairs leading down.

Hickory Nut Falls Trail At Chimney Rock - An outdoor scene with a stone wall on the right, with a viewing platform via uneven stone steps. Surrounded by bare trees, suggesting a late fall or winter season.
Near the end of Hickory Nut Falls Trail there’s an old stone viewing platform that still offers a great view of the waterfall.

Hickory Nut Falls Trail – 1.4 mile out and back trail leading to Hickory Nut Falls. At over 400 feet tall. It’s the largest waterfall in NC and one of the largest in the Eastern United States.

Outcroppings Trail – .4 mile to the top of Chimney Rock. A Set of staircases (almost 500 steps) leading to the top of the rock. Along the way you’ll find great viewing platforms and rock formations like “The Grotto” and a small cave called “The Subway”.

Climb the Last Steps to the Top of Chimney Rock

If you took the elevator to the top, you’ll step out into the Sky Lounge gift shop and deli. Turn to your left and head out onto deck where you’ll find more picnic tables and your first closeup view of Chimney Rock. You’ll already have a great view of Lake Lure and the valley below, but it gets even better. If you took the Outcroppings trail up, you’ll find yourself on the same platform but on the opposite side of the final staircase to the top of Chimney Rock.

View of Chimney Rock from the upper observation deck. A staircase leads across a crevice and up to the relatively flat granite rock formation - Two trees are growing on top as an American Flag flys from a pole planted in the rock formation.
After taking the elevator or climbing the stairs to the observation deck next to the top of Chimney Rock, you just have a little bit further to go before reaching the top.

If you want to continue your hike, there are two more trials at the top of the mountain, both leading to some spectacular views.

Exclamation Point Trail – .6 mile trail to one of the highest lookout points in the park. Along the way you’ll find sights like the “Opera Box” – a rock overhang that proves a small sheltered area on the side of the mountain, and the “Devils Head” – a menacing looking bolder.

Exclamation Point at Chimney Rock State Park - An outdoor scene with a wooden observation deck built on rocky terrain. The deck has a rustic wooden railing and metal wire mesh for safety. In the foreground, there are large, uneven rocks leading up to the deck. An informational sign is attached to the railing, angled slightly towards the camera, but the text is not legible from this distance. The background reveals a panoramic view of rolling hills covered in bare trees under a vast blue sky with wispy clouds. The scenery suggests it might be late fall or early spring due to the lack of foliage on the trees.
Exclamation Point one of the highest lookout points in the state park and offers amazing views of Hickory Nut Gorge.

The Skyline Trail – 2.2 miles starting at the end of the Exclamation Point Trail. It runs along the top of the mountain finally ending at the top of Hickory Nut Falls.

Other Areas of Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State New Area - a scenic landscape under a vast blue sky with fluffy white clouds. In the distance, rolling green mountains create a serene backdrop, while in the foreground, a gravel-covered ground leads to a line of regularly spaced wooden posts. The scene conveys the beauty and tranquility of nature.
Some of the best views of the surrounding mountains in Hickory Nut Gorge are found in this parking lot.

In addition to Chimney Rock Attraction which is the main part of the park and has an admission price, there are two other areas of Chimney Rock State Park that aren’t connected to the main attraction. Both areas are free and offer great hiking but have limited infrastructure.

Rumbling Bald Access at Chimney Rock State Park

It’s best to visit this spot in the cooler months because the sun bakes the rock face of the mountain and makes climbing if not impossible seriously ill advised. The vegetation in the warmer months also obscures the view of the boulder fields and the Cereal Buttress.

Chimney Rock State Park New Area Hiking - a natural scene with large, rugged boulders amidst a forested area. The boulders display various shades of gray and brown and have distinct stratification lines that highlight their geological formations. Sunlight filters through the canopy of green leaves above, casting dappled shadows on the rocks and the surrounding foliage. It’s a serene image that captures the essence of a tranquil forest setting.
Breakfast Area just before the Cereal Buttress

Eagle Rock Access at Chimney Rock State Park

Limited parking at this site has held back development for decades, but now there’s some limited parking on site, so climbers don’t have to hike 10 miles to reach this spot. Parking is free, but you do need to sign up online for a parking permit. Otherwise you have park at Buffalo Creek Park and hike the 10 mile Weed Patch Mountain Trial to reach this spot.

For details on our visit check out our Chimney Rock Field Report

Chimney Rock Through the Ages

Chimney Rock From distance - A majestic rock formation rises with a flat summit against a backdrop of dense green foliage. At its peak, a flag proudly stands, signifying its importance as a landmark. The layered rock face and surrounding forested hills under a hazy sky create a serene and historic atmosphere.
Morse Park Trail at Lake Lure offers a new perspective of Chimney Rock.

Before it became home to Chimney Rock State Park tourist attraction and a mountain lake resort, Hickory Nut Gorge was known as a “drover’s road” where herds of livestock were driven between grazing lands. Long before that, it was known only to the Cherokee who used the passage to trade for tobacco with growers to the south.

Hickory Nut Gorge as seen from Chimney Rock State Park - A panoramic view of a lush mountain range under a clear blue sky. The mountains are blanketed with dense forests. A river snakes through the valley, its surface glistening in the sunlight, with a road paralleling its course.
Looking at Hickory Nut Gorge from high atop the Exclamation Point Trail. It’s easy to see why this was a major passage for so many peoples over the centuries.

Legend of the Little People and Chimney Rock State Park

Saying that Chimney Rock looks like a medieval guard tower may not be too far from the truth. The Cherokee believed that Hickory Nut Gorge was the domain of the Yunwi Tsunsdi, or Little People in English. The Yunwi Tsunsdi were a race of magical beings. They were short in stature, only coming up to your knee and had long hair almost touching the ground. They lived in rock caves and on mountain sides where they always kept watch over their mountain home.

Devil's Head at at Chimney Rock State Park - A large, distinct rock formation stands on the edge of a smooth cliff, resembling a face gazing skyward. The backdrop features rolling hills under a soft blue sky with sparse clouds, creating a serene natural vista.
Devil’s Head is an interesting rock formation along the Exclamation Point Hiking Trail at Chimney Rock State Park. This unique bolder rests precariously on a ledge.

Unlike other Little People legends, the Yunwi Tsunsdi weren’t malicious by nature, but they could be mischievous at times. They saw themselves at stewards of the mountain and would often help humans in need.

They weren’t to be feared, unless you crossed them. Despite their small stature, they were powerful magical spirits, and as such they were respected by the Cherokee.

The Yunwi Tsunsdi were said to be fond of music. You could hear their drumming throughout the mountain. But if you hear their drumming, best to stay away. While they are often helpful, they value their privacy. You only see them if they want to be seen. And they’re said to have cursed people who have gone in search of them.

Chimney Rock and the Underground Railroad?

Final stretch to Chimney Rock - a wooden staircase leading up to an American flag flying atop a rock outcropping. The staircase, with its metal railings, ascends steeply towards the sky. The surrounding landscape includes sparse trees against a clear blue sky, suggesting a high elevation or mountainous area. The absence of visible people or animals highlights the solitude of the structure within the natural setting.
Stairs leading to to the top of Chimney Rock. The best vies of Lake Lure can be had right here.

Another legend associated with Chimney Rock is the local belief that it was used as a guide post along the Underground Railroad. Former slaves making their way to freedom in the North are said to have taken shelter in the caves of nearby Bat Cave, North Carolina. However, most historians discount this belief. The majority of Underground Railway activity in North Carolina took place in the Quaker settlements in the eastern part of the state. Looking at maps of the Underground Railroad, you’ll see that the routes bypassed the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.

That’s not to say, that the legend is completely untrue, though. The reason that the Underground Railroad worked is because it was secret. It’s entirely possible that some slaves may have made their way North through the Hickory Nut Gorge. It wasn’t heavily populated at the time and has numerous caves and rock formations where they could hide during the day.

Chimney Rock State Park Goes From Home of the Spirit People to Tourist Attraction

Up until the late 1800’s Chimney Rock and vicinity saw very little development. The Hickory Nut Turnpike ran through the area from Lincolnton to Asheville, and Scotch Irish settlers had arrived as early as 1670. But the area remained mostly isolated from the outside world and completely unrecognizable from what it’s like today.

That all began to change in 1890 when Jerome Freeman came up with a plan to build a staircase to the top of Chimney Rock and construct a park around it.

Soon, tourists began making their way to the new attraction. One of these tourists was Lucius Morse. Later in 1902, Morse would buy Chimney Rock and go on to change the landscape of Hickory Nut Gorge forever.

In 1916, Morse constructed the stairway from the base of Chimney Rock to give park visitors easier access and a series of hiking trails to points of interest throughout the park. Then a few years later he opened the Cliff Dwellers’ Inn for weary visitors to the top of the mountain. At the same time the village began taking shape at the base of the mountain.

Automobile ownership exploded in the 1920’s. By 1928 North Carolina had 473,623 licensed cars. People’s new found mobility gave rise to tourist attractions throughout the region and the country as a whole. Morse’s Chimney Rock became the premier destination for folks from all around. In 1922, he came up with the idea of a summer resort to capitalize in this rise in tourism.

view of lake lure - A panoramic view from a high vantage point captures the serene beauty of a winding river meandering through a lush landscape of rolling hills and dense forests. The clear sky, adorned with a smattering of clouds, arches over the expansive horizon, while a stately coniferous tree on the right gracefully frames the tranquil scene.
Lake Lure as seen from the Exclamation Point Trail at Chimney Rock State Park.

But a resort would require power – much more than could be provided by generators. So he organized a corporation that bought 8000 nearby acres and constructed a hydroelectric dam. The dam was completed in 1926, and Lake Lure was born.

An Elevator to the Top of Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock State Park Elevator - An underground tunnel with rugged, natural stone walls and a ceiling illuminated by warm orange lighting. An open metal door at the tunnel’s end leads to an unknown area. To the right, a black informational stand displays text and images. A yellow caution sign on the floor reads ‘Social Distancing"
The Elevator at Chimney Rock State Park. If you can’t make it up the stairs to the top (or just want to save your energy for the trails at the top of the mountain) you can sill enjoy the spectacular views from Chimney Rock.

As tourism continued to grow, Morse realized that many people were unable to climb to the top of the rock. He himself was having difficulties as he aged, having to hire donkey rides to the top. So in the 1940’s he began work on what would become an engineering marvel. In May of 1949 the first elevator running through the middle of a mountain was opened. Construction took 18 months and required 8 tons of dynamite to blast out the 258 foot elevator shaft and 198 foot tunnel. All through solid rock.

Chimney Rock State Park Moves Into a The New Millennium

Chimney Rock's Opera Box - a rugged stone pathway leading to a rock outcrop that forms a sheltered area, enclosed by a wooden safety rail. On the side of a recycle bin, the word “RECYCLE” is stenciled in black. The natural stone surroundings, except for the recycle bin, wooden rail, and vegetation, create a serene outdoor setting, likely popular for its hiking trail and nature observation opportunities.
The Opera Box at Chimney Rock State Park offers a nice place to sit back, relax, and take in the view before travailing further up to Exclamation point.

In 2005 a coalition of nature conservancy groups bought 1500 nearby acres of what was known as “World’s Edge”. The land included steep slopes, streams, and waterfalls and is habitat to rare flowers as well as endangered and unique species. This land became known as the Hickory Nut Gorge State Park.

Chimney Rock View - A serene panorama of a winding river cutting through a lush valley, flanked by rolling hills blanketed with dense forests. Overhead, a partly cloudy sky reveals stretches of blue, while small clusters of buildings peek through the trees along the riverbanks. A distant bridge arches gracefully over the tranquil waters, completing this idyllic rural landscape.
The View of Lake Lure and the surrounding area from the top of Chimney Rock

Final Thoughts On Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock has been a must see attraction in Western North Carolina for as long as I can remember. Talk to anybody within 100 miles and they’ve either visited or plan to visit. With all the activities, it really can be a full day’s adventure, but if you knock out everything in the park early, the towns of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offer plenty of shopping and restaurants as well as natural scenery.

The only drawback is the price at $17 per adult, although a real bargain when compared to places like Baltimore Estate, the price can add up if you’re bringing the whole family. Thankfully, they have a special price for kids and they also offer annual passes that cost $32. So if you plan on visiting again within a year, pick up the pass and save a few dollars. The nice thing about repeat visits is that you get to see the how the park changes with the season.

What’s Nearby

Lake Lure Thumbnail
Lake Lure
4.1 mi
Alexander’s Ford
20 mi.
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Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park
20.7 mi
Historic Johnson Farm thumbnail
Historic Johnson Farm
21.2 mi
Sandburg House thukmbnail
Carl Sandburg House
22.6 mi
Connemara Dairy
22.6 mi
Pearson’s Falls
Pearson’s Falls
29.7 mi
Historic Carson House Thumbnail
Historic Carson House
33.5 mi

Fast Facts About Chimney Rock State Park

Type:State Park
Admission:$17 for adults, $8 for kids (ages 5-15). Children under 5 are free.
Location:431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Website:https://www.chimneyrockpark.com
Phone828-625-9611
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Things to do at Chimney Rock State Park: Hiking, Scenic Views, Picnicking, Kid’s Activities, Waterfall Viewing, Bird Watching

Map to Chimney Rock State Park