Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina

Climb the 491 stairs on Outcroppings Trail to get to the top of Chimney Rock and see sweeping views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.

Author:: Gloria Wadzinski
Publish date:: Jul 3, 2019

An aerial view of the flag and overlook on top of Chimney Rock — An aerial view of the flag and overlook on top of Chimney Rock
Deposit Photos

Seventy-five miles east of North Carolina's Cherokee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies Chimney Rock State Park. Its namesake attraction is the 491-stair, 315-foot climb on Outcroppings Trail to a sweeping view of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge below. On a clear day you can see up to 75 miles.

Traveler Tips:

A seasonal elevator to the Sky Lounge Patio, restored to service in May 2018, makes the views accessible to everyone.

You can't see the falls from atop Chimney Rock, but the .75-mile Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a nice leisurely walk and it's pet friendly. The falls drops 404 feet and its mist feeds the plentiful wildflowers and birds surrounding the trail.

The newest trail, Skyline Trail, gives adventurous hikers even more views on a moderately-strenuous trail that's 2.2 miles round trip.

The view of Lake Lure from on top of Chimney Rock in North Carolina — The view of Lake Lure from on top of Chimney Rock in North Carolina
Deposit Photos

Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock State Park — Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock State Park
Deposit Photos

For more information:
www.chimneyrockpark.com

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