Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

PARK CLOSED: Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene on 9/27/2024, Chimney Rock State Park is closed until further notice.

At 315 feet tall, Chimney Rock towers over the land of its mountain home. This 535-million-year-old monolith stands for everything that makes the Appalachian Range so singularly unique. The rolling mountains and winding waterways of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure are on full display from the vantage point at the top. Here, hikers will face a stunning 75-mile view.

Chimney Rock State Park encompasses the 499-stair trail up to the iconic monolith itself as well as several other hiking trails and waterfalls, including the massive 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. The Skyline Trail meanders along ridgetop forests and sheer cliffs towards Peregrine's Point, the highest point in the park. The family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure Trail turns the spotlight on woodland creatures for a .6-mile educational trail through the forest, while the Old Rock Café and the Sky Lounge Deli provide places to relax and refuel.