Chimney Rock State Park is one of the most popular parks in the North Carolina mountains, and for good reason. The iconic rock spire offers panoramic views of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills, and you don’t have to hike to it (if you don’t want to.) There’s an elevator that takes you almost there. You do have to climb 40 steps to get to the very top.
The chimney is not the only attraction at the park, though. There’s also some great hiking and a spectacular waterfall.
Chimney Rock State Park is at 743 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, North Carolina, 95 miles to the west of Charlotte.
Chimney Rock can get crowded, and there can be a line for the elevator ride. If you want to avoid crowds, you might want to avoid holiday weekends, and even go on a weekday if you can.
Admission to Chimney Rock State Park
Unlike many state parks, Chimney Rock is a paid attraction. Admission is $17 for adults and $8 for kids 5-15. The price may be lower in the winter.
Admission includes the elevator ride to the top of the chimney, but you have to pay admission even if you’re not planning to ride the elevator.
Annual passes are available for $32. If you decide you want an annual pass after you get there, just show your ticket and you can upgrade for $15.
Parking
There’s a large lower parking lot, with a free shuttle to take you to the top. There’s also a small upper parking lot that you might be able to get a spot in, if it’s not too busy. You do have to drive up a pretty steep, winding road to get to the top parking lot.
Elevator and Sky Lounge
From the upper parking lot, you’ll see Cliff Dweller Gifts, and near that, follow signs to the elevator. You’ll walk through a stone tunnel with educational signs. It’s here that you’ll take the elevator. Only seven people, plus the operator, can be in the elevator, so there might be a line in the tunnel. There are markers on the wall saying how long the wait is.
After the 30-second elevator ride, you’ll be at Sky Lounge Gift Shop and Deli. Exit the gift shop to the bridge that offers the 75-mile panoramic views.
If you prefer, you can walk the strenuous .2 mile Outcroppings Trail to the top of Chimney Rock, instead of taking the elevator.
Walk up 40 steps to the top of the “chimney.” This is the most popular photo opportunity in the park. But even if you can’t walk up those steps, you’ll get the same view from the bridge. Except for the 40 steps, it’s all wheelchair accessible, assuming you take the elevator.
Hickory Nut Falls
Hickory Nut Falls, with a 404-foot drop, is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The trailhead of Hickory Nut Falls Trail is near the upper parking lot. It’s .7 mile each way and is rated as moderate.
There are benches and some picnic tables along the way.
The majestic falls are absolutely worth the walk. This is a must-see attraction. This spot was featured in the film, “The Last of the Mohicans.” There’s a viewing platform at the base of the falls.
Four Seasons Trail
If you parked at the lower parking lot and took the shuttle to the upper parking lot, you might choose to take the Four Seasons Trail back to the lower parking lot, rather than returning to the upper parking and waiting for the shuttle.
You can access the Four Seasons Trail from Hickory Nut Fall Trail. It’s .7 mile long, and is rated as strenuous. However, you’ll be walking downhill if you’re returning to the lower parking lot. There are lots of steps on the trail. As long as your knees don’t mind that, it’s a beautiful walk through a hardwood forest, with a number of impressively large boulders along the way.
Other Trails at Chimney Rock
In total, the park includes 10 trails. 6 of them (including Hickory Nut Falls and Four Seasons Trails) are within Chimney Rock access, which require visitors to pay for admission. Read about all the trails here.
Pets at Chimney Rock
Leashed dogs are welcome at Chimney Rock State Park. The exception is the elevator, where only service animals are allowed.
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