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

Sunrise at Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Outdoor Recreation

The Appalachian Trail (AT) travels 72 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Abrams Falls.

Outdoor Recreation

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to see a whole new side of the Smokies on these amazing trips from 4 to 11 miles round trip.

Kids on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Park Itineraries

Sweeping views that are easy to get to, many old historic buildings to explore, and picnic spots galore, make it one of the most family-friendly national parks in the east.

Hyatt Lane through Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Park Itineraries

Got 24 hours? Get the most out of them with this guide. Take a hike, touch the past, cruise a view, and more.

An aerial view of Lake Fontana in North Carolina

Options for trails and what to expect on the hike, from a moderate walk to a waterfall to a strenuous hike to the top of a mountain.

Sunset over Shenandoah National Park

Neighboring Parks

Just 75 miles from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park feels a world away.

Visitors walking down Thanksgiving Hall in Mammoth Cave National Park

Neighboring Parks

Steer away from the crowds at America’s most visited national park by going underground in nearby Kentucky.

Children fish in a stream at Caldwell Place in Cataloochee Valley inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Places Inside the Park

Popular to visitors are the Palmer Chapel, the Will Messer Barn, and Caldwell Place. Also enjoy a campground, hiking trails, wildlife watching, and fishing.

Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The National Park Service’s best East Coast sights are peppered with history, breathtaking nature and a vibrant music scene along the way.