Chimney Rock State Park
Around 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park, one of the Best Places to Visit in North Carolina, is home to miles of hiking trails and the stunning 400-foot (120 meter) Hickory Nut Falls. Of course, the more than 300-foot (90-meter) monolith known as Chimney Rock, with its breathtaking vistas of the area, is the most well-known location in this state park.
To get to the summit of the Chimney, visitors can either take the 26-story elevator or walk 500 steps, or around 31 flights of stairs. Having only been approved by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2005, this park is rather new.
Chimney Rock State Park boasts some of the state's most beautiful mountain landscapes. To begin with, the 315-foot spire that overlooks Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge provides striking views. Although Rumbling Bald is free to enter and has one of the park's six trails, there is an admission fee at the main entrance to Chimney Rock.
There are lots of opportunities for hiking and picnics at Chimney Rock Access. The degree of difficulty of the trails varies, for instance, from leisurely nature hikes to somewhat taxing ascents of Chimney Rock Mountain. Rocky Broad River is a must-see for trout fishermen and offers gift shops and concessions.
- Location: North Carolina
