Chimney Rock State Park
Iconic sandstone spire offering panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge, accessible by stairs or elevator.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for peaceful views
Chimney Rock State Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds for peaceful views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic sandstone spire offering panoramic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge, accessible by stairs or elevator.
"The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking! Mountains, valleys, and endless beauty in every direction."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Advance reservations are required for entry. Book your time slot online to secure your visit.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rugged and involve many stairs. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Chimney Rock Summit
Top of Chimney Rock
Panoramic 360-degree views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and surrounding mountains. A truly awe-inspiring vista.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
Base of the falls
A moderate hike leading to a stunning 404-foot waterfall, one of North Carolina's tallest.
Exclamation Point
Further up the trail from Chimney Rock
An even more expansive viewpoint offering dramatic perspectives of the gorge and Chimney Rock itself.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reopening After Hurricane Helene
+1Getting to the Top: Stairs or Elevator?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Advance reservations are required for entry. Book your time slot online to secure your visit.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rugged and involve many stairs. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to hike the trails. Water is available for purchase, but it's cheaper to bring your own.
⏰ Arrive Early
To experience fewer crowds and better photo opportunities, aim to arrive shortly after opening.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Advance reservations are required for entry. Book your time slot online to secure your visit.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rugged and involve many stairs. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you plan to hike the trails. Water is available for purchase, but it's cheaper to bring your own.
⏰ Arrive Early
To experience fewer crowds and better photo opportunities, aim to arrive shortly after opening.
🚶♀️ Hike or Elevator?
Choose the 500+ stairs for a workout or the elevator for easy access to the summit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chimney Rock State Park for its absolutely breathtaking views from the summit, accessible via stairs or an elevator. The park is well-organized, clean, and offers beautiful hiking trails, including a notable path to Hickory Nut Falls. While the admission fee is noted as a bit steep, the stunning scenery and overall experience are widely considered worth the visit.
"Visiting Chimney Rock was an amazing experience! You can reach the top by climbing about 700 steps or by taking the elevator, which makes the place accessible for everyone. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking! The park is well-organized, clean, and has a good structure for visitors. Definitely worth a visit!"
Delta Nunes
"My husband and I visited the park during our honeymoon and it was one of the most beautiful parks I've had the pleasure of visiting! There are mutliple beautiful places to go hiking, including a moderate hike to Hickory Nut Falls (it is stunning) and so many incredible views. From Chimney Rock itself, to "Exclamation Point," it has become one of our favorite, most memorable hiking spots. We hope to bring our family here in the future and return in the summers to reminisce. A must-see in Western North Carolina!"
Brooke Davis
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chimney Rock State Park is absolutely breathtaking! Shelly and I took the elevator up to the top, and the views from Chimney Rock were nothing short of awe-inspiring — mountains, valleys, and endless beauty in every direction.
The staff and park rangers were all friendly, helpful, and informative, which made the visit even better. On the drive up, we even spotted a bear — a once-in-a-lifetime memory that reminded us just how wild and wonderful these mountains are.
What stood out most was the peacefulness. Even though this is a popular spot, it never felt crowded. It was serene, quiet, and truly a place where you can slow down and take in the natural beauty of Western North Carolina.
Highly recommend making the trip — whether you hike or take the elevator, the view at the top is worth every second. 🌄"
Jim Logan (Team Logan Properties)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chimney Rock State Park is located at 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720. It's about a 40-minute drive from Asheville, 1 hour 15 minutes from Greenville, SC, and 2 hours from Charlotte, NC.
Yes, there are multiple parking lots available. The highest parking lot is closest to the Chimney Rock Elevator, while lower lots require a longer walk or hike to reach the main attractions.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Chimney Rock State Park directly. Driving is the most common and convenient method.
From Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 64, then US-64 East towards Chimney Rock. From Charlotte, take I-40 West to Exit 53, then US-64 West towards Chimney Rock.
While the park has parking, it's advisable to check the park's official website for specific guidelines regarding RVs and large vehicle access, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically $17 for adults (ages 16-64), $8 for youth (ages 5-15), and $15 for seniors (ages 65+). Children under 5 are free. Prices are subject to change.
Yes, advance reservations are currently required for entry. These are offered in one-hour time slots, but you can stay until the park closes once you enter.
The park is currently open from Friday through Sunday. Hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Chimney Rock State Park website for the most current operating schedule.
Tickets are currently available online only with advance reservation. It's recommended to purchase them well in advance, especially for weekend visits.
Discounts are available for seniors and youth. Check the park's official website for any special offers or group rates.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Outcroppings Trail (leading to Chimney Rock), the moderate hike to Hickory Nut Falls, and the strenuous trail to Exclamation Point.
You can climb approximately 500-700 stairs or take the convenient Chimney Rock Elevator to reach the summit for incredible views.
Yes, the park offers restrooms, gift shops, a cafe, and ice cream. These are generally located near the main entrance and visitor areas.
Yes, the elevator provides easy access to the top, and there are shorter, less strenuous paths. However, some trails are rugged, so supervision is key.
Typically, pets are not allowed in North Carolina State Parks, including Chimney Rock State Park, to protect wildlife and natural resources. Always check the park's official policy before visiting with a pet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe and an ice cream shop located within the park, offering refreshments and snacks.
Picnic areas are usually available, and bringing your own food is a great way to save money. Check park regulations for designated picnic spots.
Chimney Rock Village offers several restaurants and cafes with various cuisines. Many provide scenic views of the surrounding area.
Options can vary, but it's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Generally, alcoholic beverages are not permitted in North Carolina State Parks. It's best to confirm the specific park's policy.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Chimney Rock offers the most iconic panoramic shots. Exclamation Point and the overlook near the Hickory Nut Falls trail also provide stunning photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check the park's official regulations regarding drones.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly dramatic.
While not always advertised, local photography groups or guides might offer specialized tours. It's worth checking local tourism boards or photography communities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Don't miss the hike to Hickory Nut Falls, a stunning cascade that's a highlight for many visitors. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Impact of Hurricane Helene and Reopening
However, the community and park staff worked tirelessly to restore the park. The official reopening on June 27th, nine months after the hurricane, was a momentous occasion, symbolizing resilience and the return of a beloved natural landmark.
Visitors are encouraged to visit respectfully and support the ongoing recovery efforts in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. This event has added a layer of significance to visiting the park, with some visitors noting a deeper appreciation for the views and the town's regrowth.
Navigating the Trails: From Gentle Walks to Strenuous Climbs
For those seeking a more moderate hike, the trail to Hickory Nut Falls is a popular choice, leading to one of North Carolina's tallest waterfalls. This trail is known for its beauty but can be rugged with elevation changes.
More adventurous hikers can tackle the trail to Exclamation Point, which offers even more dramatic and expansive vistas of the surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge. Regardless of your chosen path, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are highly recommended for any hiking activity within the park.
Accessibility and the Chimney Rock Elevator
This inclusion ensures that a wider range of visitors, including seniors and those with mobility challenges, can experience the park's most iconic viewpoint. Even with the elevator, the park maintains a well-organized structure for visitors, ensuring a positive experience for everyone.
While the elevator is a fantastic option, many visitors still opt for the stairs to enjoy the physical challenge and the incremental views as they ascend. The choice between the stairs and the elevator allows visitors to tailor their experience to their personal preferences and physical capabilities.
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