Photo courtesy of Chimney Rock Park.

Sights & Sounds

• See related photos, video, and audio.

Chimney Rock State Park

Standing atop Chimney Rock, a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge, visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1,200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. Chimney Rock State Park, located in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, encompasses 1,000 acres, including the Chimney itself and Hickory Nut Falls.

The Chimney can be reached by taking the elevator 26 stories inside the mountain, or by hiking along an exciting trail which features a subterranean shortcut, catwalks from rock to rock, and a stop at an authentic moonshiner's cave. Either way, after catching a breath on the Chimney, hikers can head out along the Skyline Trial for a 45-minute scenic hike to the top of Hickory Nut Falls, which drops 404 feet into a pool below.

Kids and kids-at-heart will love the easy 0.6-mile Great Woodland trail, inhabited by larger-than-life sculptures of native critters at 12 discovery stations along the winding path. The many trails throughout Chimney Rock State Park offer an up-close-and-personal experience with the flowers, birds, animals, trees, and geology of this natural heritage site. Leashed dogs are welcome in the park.

Hours of Operation

Ticket Plaza open from 8:30am to 5:30pm EDT, Park closes at 7pm.
Check for winter hours.

Admission Fees

Adults: $14
Youth (ages 6-15): $6
Under 6: free
Annual passes and group rates available.

Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.

Location

Chimney Rock Park is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on US 64/74-A.

Chimney Rock State Park
Box 39
Chimney Rock, NC 28720
828-625-9611 or 800-277-9611