Chimney Rock State Park

Explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains region at this iconic North Carolina state park.

Chimney Rock State Park is situated in the eastern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, less than an hour away from Asheville, North Carolina. This park is best known for its hiking trails. Most of the hikes in the park are challenging, so it is best suited for avid hikers with good hiking boots. Exclamation Point Trail is one of the shorter hikes; however, it is a pretty steep hike to reach the peak. First, you will come across the Opera Box, a picturesque overlook where you can view Lake Lure in the distance. Eventually, you will arrive at Exclamation Point and soak in views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the Rocky Broad River. Hickory Nut Falls is another must-see here, and it is located on a roundtrip 1.4-mile hike. The trail goes through dense foliage to the bottom of the 400-foot cascading waterfall.

Outcroppings Trail is the one to follow if you're here to see Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock is 535 million years old and features a breathtaking view from its peak. The Outcroppings Trail is a 494-step undertaking, but there is also an option to take their unique elevator to the top. The elevator will drop you off with just 44 steps remaining to reach the top. Bring your camera to capture views of the gorge, lake, rolling mountains, and endless trees. Explore the beauty of North Carolina at this beloved state park.