While Chimney Rock might not be the ACTUAL top attraction in North Carolina (Biltmore House rings in at number one with Battleship North Carolina falling at number two) many people are unaware of the sublime, unique, and easily accessible beauty Chimney Rock offers. As North Carolina’s No. 5 top attraction…you’ll want to take a trek here this summer.
Flickr / SusanK Located in Rutherford County, many people associate Chimney Rock with the breathtaking granite monolith pictured above. But, there’s also SO much more to this 6,807-acre state park.
Flickr / GDRainwater At Chimney Rock state park you’ll discover a land of breathtaking hiking trails, a waterfall, cinematic locations (Last of the Mohicans, anyone?) and one-of-a-kind flora and fauna.
Flickr / GDRainwater Depending on your endurance level, you might want to start your day with a brisk yet rewarding hike up the Outcroppings Trail. The 499 steps are hard - but with constant beauty along the way you can’t beat it.
Flickr / daveynin The Outcroppings Trail starts you at the Gneiss Cave - a natural formation thats namesake derives from the Henderson Gneiss Granite that forms the legendary 535-million-year-old Chimney.
Flickr / Red On your way to the top you’ll witness the Grotto, Subway and Pulpit Rock - each offering magnificent views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Piedmont.
Flickr / GDRainwater Of course - the view from the top is beyond coveted and worth the hike. The best part is - if you’re looking for easy access to this view you can take an elevator all the way to the top.
Flickr / Brian Leon
Flickr / switz1873 Besides the view from the top - Hickory Nut Falls is an incredibly spectacular 404-ft waterfall. It’s easily accessed from the Hickory Nut Falls trail.
Flickr / Daveynin
Flickr / daveynin Chimney Rock has SO much to offer for a day trip. Aside from the ‘Chimney’ and Hickory Nut Falls there’s plenty to see and do. You can make a whole day or even a whole weekend out of it!
Have you visited Chimney Rock before or have plans to now? What do you think of this beautiful place?
Flickr / SusanK
Located in Rutherford County, many people associate Chimney Rock with the breathtaking granite monolith pictured above. But, there’s also SO much more to this 6,807-acre state park.
Flickr / GDRainwater
At Chimney Rock state park you’ll discover a land of breathtaking hiking trails, a waterfall, cinematic locations (Last of the Mohicans, anyone?) and one-of-a-kind flora and fauna.
Depending on your endurance level, you might want to start your day with a brisk yet rewarding hike up the Outcroppings Trail. The 499 steps are hard - but with constant beauty along the way you can’t beat it.
Flickr / daveynin
The Outcroppings Trail starts you at the Gneiss Cave - a natural formation thats namesake derives from the Henderson Gneiss Granite that forms the legendary 535-million-year-old Chimney.
Flickr / Red
On your way to the top you’ll witness the Grotto, Subway and Pulpit Rock - each offering magnificent views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Piedmont.
Of course - the view from the top is beyond coveted and worth the hike. The best part is - if you’re looking for easy access to this view you can take an elevator all the way to the top.
Flickr / Brian Leon
Flickr / switz1873
Besides the view from the top - Hickory Nut Falls is an incredibly spectacular 404-ft waterfall. It’s easily accessed from the Hickory Nut Falls trail.
Flickr / Daveynin
Chimney Rock has SO much to offer for a day trip. Aside from the ‘Chimney’ and Hickory Nut Falls there’s plenty to see and do. You can make a whole day or even a whole weekend out of it!
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