Monday, April 29, 2024

Chimney Rock State Park: How to Enjoy an Epic NC Attraction

chimney rock charlotte

Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. We love the Carolinas and think they are one of the most special areas in the world. Natasha moved to North Carolina for college years ago (but she's not trying to age herself here). Her days were spent reading a book on the beach and enjoying a cold glass of sweet tea in between classes at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Upon graduation, she met her partner, Cameron, and they traveled the world together crossing 85 countries and seven continents. During the summer months of June, July, and August, it’s best to arrive early when the park opens or in the evening.

Purchase admission tickets for the attraction in advance

It also has the most facilities, including riverside areas, interpretive exhibits, and gift shops. The free Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock accesses provide a more rugged backcountry experience. Access to this trail requires paid admission to the attraction. The trailhead is located near the top of the park road; visitors can park at the upper parking area and walk carefully down the park road. Alternatively, there is a set of stairs adjacent to the restrooms in the upper parking area, at the base of the Outcroppings Trail, that leads down to this trail. The park features hiking trails for all skill levels, views of the Devil's Head balancing rock, and a 404-foot (123 m) waterfall, Hickory Nut Falls.

The best of the mountains in one place.

chimney rock charlotte

The opening hours always depend on the time of year, as the season will affect weather patterns and daylight. The street address for the GPS is 431 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC. Be sure to study the park map upon arrival, there are so many magical spots to see within the wild grounds, other than just the main formation of course. It’s a more recent addition to the NC state park scene, as it existed privately until 2007. The preserved ecology and geology of the area make it a special highlight of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a mecca for outdoor adventure.

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Sharing the Trail

Located near the elevator, the gift shop sells local pieces as well as apparel, magnets, and more. Chimney Rock’s Animal Discovery Den is home to several animals who serve as ambassadors to educate about the park’s wildlife. In the Den, you’ll meet Mufasa the Eastern King Snake, Petunia the Snapping Turtle, and Ossie the Opossum, among many others. I personally like the hike up because you get a lot of different perspectives of Chimney Rock and the rest of the park. Plus, you pass through the Subway (a small tunnel) and other scenic walkways. To reach the top of Chimney Rock, you’ll have to drive up to the base of the monument.

Things to Do in Chimney Rock State Park

The entirely of Chimney Rock State Park spans for 6,800 acres and is most famous for the granite “Chimney Rock” which is so named because it looks like a rock chimney. Because the drive time from downtown Asheville is just 40-minutes, it’s one our top suggestions for things to do near Asheville. Please do not wander off the trail when hiking, biking, or walking with your pet. Going off trail also increases the chances of encountering ticks, venomous snakes, and poisonous plants. Along the bottom of the scenic Hickory Nut Gorge runs the rushing Rocky Broad River, from Chimney Rock to Lake Lure.

Scheduled Events at Chimney Rock State Park

Not only do you gain a sense of achievement, but the panoramic views from the observation deck are just magnificent. This trail has a natural surface, including stone steps. The Great Woodland Adventure would suit well as a self-guided trail for kids, as part of the nationwide network of Kids in Parks Track Trails, but any trail can be utilized. Visitors can download activity brochures, track all of their adventures online, and get prizes on the Kids in Parks website. Please follow safety rules and encourage others to do the same when you are near waterfall areas. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region.

Waterfall Safety

Me and husband decided that we were not going to take the elevator and just hike all the way up. It was a fun experience but next time we will take the elevator so we can see the rest of the park. Once you make it to where the flag pole is your not going to want to hike up the rest of the way if you didn't take the elevator. There is also two views of a water fall but we only did the bottom view.

From East Asheville

Please dispose of pet waste bags in garbage bins and do not throw waste bags in the woods or leave them on the ground. When sharing a trail, hikers with pets must yield to all other trail users, including bicyclists. This family-friendly trail offers fun for nature lovers of all ages.

The amazing scenery and buzz that surrounds this place are enough to keep the park on our NC Bucket List. Music lovers should take a second to listen to John Mason, an award-winning artist who plays most sunny days outside the gift shop. Music has always been a key aspect of Appalachian culture, and the state park strives to incorporate music wherever it can. Before or after you explore the top of Chimney Rock, stop by the gift shop for a souvenir to remember the views!

Be sure to confirm the land status and collection rules before you travel to an unfamiliar location or collect any material. There are many places that people can rockhound in the Charlotte NC area. Morse said the "safety of the park was not in question." Kyle A. Kroll, 9, of Charlotte, died from injuries she sustained in a fall about 4 p.m., said to Shane Earley, Rutherford County coroner. Join our community of 700,000+ as we explore North Carolina from the mountains to the sea.

It’s a great pick to avoid some of the bigger crowds and stay on a budget. It’s a 1.5-mile loop located only about two miles from the Chimney Rock entrance. It winds its way around impressive boulders at the base of the Rumbling Bald Mountain. The 315-foot-tall Chimney Rock is the park’s main attraction and it’s easy to see why.

Just outside of Hendersonville is the town of Flat Rock, home to one of our favorite Western NC attractions—the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site. This National Parks site commemorates the famed Pulitzer Prize author’s home, where he spent his final days. Chimney Rock State Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Events include outdoor yoga sessions, music concerts, survival skills, and more.

Along this trail are picnic tables, benches, and resting areas are conveniently located offering you a chance to rest and catch your breath. The view spans for miles, across to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina Piedmont in the distance. We visited Chimney Rock State Park as part of our USA road trip with my parents. It was one of our favorite things to do in North Carolina with family as we all enjoyed different aspects of the hike.

📷 Fort Macon State Park, NC#hikingpartner #fortMacon #hikingviews#hikingtime #hikingvibes #femalehiker #nctrails #ncstateparks... This trail is located inside the Chimney Rock attraction and starts at Exclamation Point. It guides visitors even higher in elevation to Peregrine Point at 2,460 feet. The trailhead is located at the end of the upper parking area, past the restrooms. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times. Please pick up after your pet when you are at the park; pet waste is not fertilizer and can put plants, other animals, and visitors at risk for disease.

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