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It was also the setting for the movie, Last of the Mohicans. I didn’t do it on this trip, but I did on a previous trip with other adult friends – ah the serenity of a glass of wine uninterrupted by cries of your kids of “Moooommm”. Sit on the deck of Riverwatch Bar & Grill with a nice glass of champagne while your kids scramble over the rocks below. You can also get a picnic from Old Rock Cafe to take with you on the trail if you forget. After your time hiking and exploring Chimney Rock State Park, head into Chimney Rock Village for shopping and perhaps a coffee or lunch break. It’s a nice cardio and leg workout, although we did have a few stops along the way to catch our breath and admire the views.
Rock Climbing
Try the Opera Box for one of the best vistas in the park, or the base of a waterfall for a more wet and wild experience. Scattered across the Chimney Rock access road, you’ll find many picnic tables and grills for enjoying a snack or a meal with a beautiful backdrop. Also, the entire Village of Chimney Rock is set right at the park’s base and offers its enticing array of adorable shops, cafes, and restaurants to try out. The two main areas on the entrance road will offer all of the facilities here. The Old Rock Cafe can be found right at the state park entrance.
Admission Fees and Hours to Chimney Rock State Park:
Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 384.7 near Asheville onto Highway 74A East. Take Interstate 26 East toward Hendersonville to Exit #49A (Bat Cave and Highway 64 East). Stay on 64 East for 18 miles and the Park entrance will be on the right. Take Interstate 240 East to Exit #9 (Blue Ridge Parkway and Highway 74A East). Exit Biltmore and turn right onto US Highway 25 S (Hendersonville Road).
Parking is limited
In addition, there’s a climbing tower to hone your abilities in a more controlled environment before hitting the craggy rock face of Chimney Rock State Park. Along this path is where you’ll find the Opera Box, a hidden gem that actually offers the most impressive overlook for Lake Lure and the Chimney. This moderate to strenuous hike follows along the cliffside and is mostly uphill. Another popular hub nearby is Hendersonville, one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina, and a bit more off the beaten path and full of Southern charm.
Trails at Chimney Rock State Park
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Only the first mile of trail is currently within Chimney Rock State Park property, so please be mindful of local rules and regulations. The trailhead is located at Rumbling Bald access, which is off Boys Camp Road, between Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. This trail, located inside the Chimney Rock attraction, is a child-friendly interpretive trail. It teaches hikers about the animal residents of Chimney Rock State Park through interactive sculptures and displays. Outdoor sculptures handcrafted by North Carolina artists represent all the cute creatures whose habitats are here.
Chimney Rock Access and Park Office
At Exit #49A (Bat Cave and Highway 64 East), turn right onto Highway 64 East. At the first exit in North Carolina, Exit #67 (Columbus and Highway 108), turn right onto Highway 108 East. Follow 108 East for approximately 6 miles to the intersection of Highway 108 and Highway 9 (a traffic stoplight).
When is the Best Time to Visit Chimney Rock State Park?
Here we can witness fall colours from the edge of the chimney rock mountain. The price of the ticket for an adult to enter this park is $17. There are even different trails for different groups such as great woodland adventure, hickory nut falls trail, skyline and four seasons trails. A route map for trails is Available at the ticket counter. The best thing over here is, if one arrive after 4 pm DST, we can visit next day at no additional charge. At the fee-based Chimney Rock attraction, hike to Hickory Nut Falls and take an elevator or climb to the top of the park's namesake, a 315-foot freestanding rock spire.
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There are several access points along Highway 74, but be sure to have the proper permits first. Autumn, in particular, provides an opportunity to see the mass migration of hawks, falcons, eagles, and vultures. It’s earned a spot on the official NC Birding Trail and offers many guided walks, workshops, and programs throughout the year. The fastest bird in the world, the Peregrine Falcon, can often be spotted soaring rapidly about the gorge. Chimney Rock State Park is one of the best spots for avian enthusiasts to spot some special flying friends.
Unless you’re under 4 years old, there’s a small entrance fee. If you’re thinking of going even a few times within a year, look into getting the annual pass for $32 to save a few bucks. Chimney Rock State Park offers some of North Carolina’s most stunning scenery. There is an underground gold mine that is open for self-guided tours, as well as opportunities for visitors to pan their own gold and other minerals. Located in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains, the Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. This guided experience allows the most passionate rockhounders the chance to dig their own holes and search for all of the minerals that this area can provide.
They combine to create a mountain adventure experience that is postcard perfect. Though Chimney Rock is the crown jewel of the park, it slightly overcasts the other hidden gems that this park has to offer. There are several hiking trails and woodlands to explore, so don’t skip these other trails if you have more than half a day to explore the park.
Located near the elevator, the gift shop sells local pieces as well as apparel, magnets, and more. Chimney Rock’s Animal Discovery Den is home to several animals who serve as ambassadors to educate about the park’s wildlife. In the Den, you’ll meet Mufasa the Eastern King Snake, Petunia the Snapping Turtle, and Ossie the Opossum, among many others. I personally like the hike up because you get a lot of different perspectives of Chimney Rock and the rest of the park. Plus, you pass through the Subway (a small tunnel) and other scenic walkways. To reach the top of Chimney Rock, you’ll have to drive up to the base of the monument.
Check their online calendar full of upcoming excitements to see if there’s something that matches the time frame of your visit to Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock State Park often hosts seasonal and community events. This includes guided hikes, educational programs, and special happenings like the Llamapalooza, the Full Moon Series or Yoga at Sunrise. The lot has been recently renovated and provides convenient and safe parking with enough space for everyone.
Look for the public accesses next to the Old Rock Cafe and the village restrooms.This trail has a natural surface, gravel, paved areas, and stairs. Chimney Rock State Park offers 10 trails of varying difficulty, each with unique vistas and many opportunities to view flora and fauna. Six trails are located at Chimney Rock access, where visitors must pay a per person fee to enter. Four free trails are located at Rumbling Bald access, Eagle Rock access, and Chimney Rock Village. In addition, the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail runs through the park.
Fees are charged for group climbing, certain event permits, and facility reservations. We absolutely love exploring Hendersonville and think it’s another wonderful base for visiting Chimney Rock State Park. You’ll enjoy all the fun things to do in and around this small town. After a long day of exploring the park, you’ll likely be looking for a place to eat. There are picnic areas scattered throughout the park, including a few tables near the Four Seasons Trailhead, the Animal Discovery Den, and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Find more information about two-hour, half-day, or full-day rock climbing sessions here.
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