North Carolina is filled with mesmerizing natural landmarks. From the stunning Jockey’s Ridge, the highest active sand dune on the east coast, to Looking Glass Rock, a giant granite monolith on top of a mountain – there’s plenty to see and do here. Yet, one landmark tops them all and must be seen to be truly appreciated and believed.
Flickr / GDRainwater 535-million years ago, the giant ‘Chimney’ that Chimney Rock is known for was formed. Today, Chimney Rock State Park encompasses 6,807-acres filled with waterfalls, hiking trails, caves, extreme rock formations, and 499 steps to the top of the Chimney.
Flickr / Chris Diroll
Flickr / bobistraveling Besides the landmark Chimney, the park is home to multiple rock formations like Devil’s Head Rock pictured above.
Flickr / PhotosbyTamar
Flickr / Craig Bennett The hiking trails wind you around daring rock formations, like Opera Box pictured above.
Flickr / daveynin A popular trail to wind your way around the Chimney is the Outcroppings Trail. It starts you at Gneiss Cave, a natural formation thats namesake derives from the Henderson Gneiss Granite that forms the legendary 535-million-year-old Chimney.
Flickr / daveynin The stairs to the top of the Chimney are an adventure in themselves, while it’s a great workout, the views along the way are unbelievable. For those who prefer a shortcut or have difficulty hiking, you can also simply take an elevator to the top.
Flickr / SusanK At the top you’re offered stunning views of Lake Lure, the Piedmont, and the Foothills. The view is one of the many parts that make this place so amazing!
Flickr / Brian Leon
Flickr / GDRainwater
Flickr / switz1873 Another point of interest is the spectacular Hickory Nut Falls. At 404-feet, this stunning waterfall runs down a granite face and is accessed with a short hike through Hickory Nut Falls Trails.
Chimney Rock is SO amazing and one of my favorite places to explore in the state. Have you visited here before?
Flickr / GDRainwater
535-million years ago, the giant ‘Chimney’ that Chimney Rock is known for was formed. Today, Chimney Rock State Park encompasses 6,807-acres filled with waterfalls, hiking trails, caves, extreme rock formations, and 499 steps to the top of the Chimney.
Flickr / Chris Diroll
Flickr / bobistraveling
Besides the landmark Chimney, the park is home to multiple rock formations like Devil’s Head Rock pictured above.
Flickr / PhotosbyTamar
Flickr / Craig Bennett
The hiking trails wind you around daring rock formations, like Opera Box pictured above.
Flickr / daveynin
A popular trail to wind your way around the Chimney is the Outcroppings Trail. It starts you at Gneiss Cave, a natural formation thats namesake derives from the Henderson Gneiss Granite that forms the legendary 535-million-year-old Chimney.
The stairs to the top of the Chimney are an adventure in themselves, while it’s a great workout, the views along the way are unbelievable. For those who prefer a shortcut or have difficulty hiking, you can also simply take an elevator to the top.
Flickr / SusanK
At the top you’re offered stunning views of Lake Lure, the Piedmont, and the Foothills. The view is one of the many parts that make this place so amazing!
Flickr / Brian Leon
Flickr / switz1873
Another point of interest is the spectacular Hickory Nut Falls. At 404-feet, this stunning waterfall runs down a granite face and is accessed with a short hike through Hickory Nut Falls Trails.
Chimney Rock also made our list of 7 natural wonders in North Carolina.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
