chimney rock state park

Chimney rock is a great destination with gorgeous views that most all families will surely enjoy. Make sure to take the short hike to see beautiful Hickory Nut falls within the park as well, it is well worth your time. The surrounding lake lure area has a variety of GREAT local restaurants and activities that most any family (or romance seeking couple) will enjoy. We believe its ideal for those quick weekend getaways, as the activities are in close enough proximity that you can enjoy a lot within a short period of time.

Chimney Rock offers a great view of the surrounding area, including Lake Lure, where Dirty Dancing was filmed (part of the Last of the Mohicans was also filmed at Blowing Rock). I love to hike there in the fall, since the lack of humidity offers an expansive view of the surrounding area and fall colors.There is an elevator up to the top for those who don't want to climb stairs to the top. Additionally, there is a waterfall nearby, within walking distance, inside of the park.The town of Blowing Rock is also very charming and has some fun and inexpensive gift shops.

One of the highlights of our vacation to Asheville had to be Chimney Rock State Park. The drive up the mountain is spectacular from the scenic views of good old America to the pretty houses along the way. When we arrived in the small main street town oitside the park entrance, we were already glad we came. The small town has so much charm and so much to see do and eat, for such a small quaint place. The river walk is peaceful and pretty. The hike is the highlight! The views from the top really topped off our excitement and joy. A definite must do, along with the Biltmore estate and an evening by the fireplace at the Grove Park Inn. All truly are among the best Asheville has to offer!

Easy trail to Hickory Falls from parking lot. Then a long climb up to the top of Chimney Rock. They have an elevator that connects the parking lot/ visitor shop to the restaurant near the top of the Rock. They also have stairs all the way up from the trail to the Falls. The day I went the elevator was not working because the restaurant was not open. We took our dogs and although it was a long climb up, we can stop on the way and sit down to rest and enjoy the fabulous views. Once we reached the top we sat on the rock and really enjoyed the expanse around us and a direct view down onto Lure Lake. Some of the trails were closed, but what we saw was wonderful and we plan to return in Spring.

we had so much fun visiting chimney rock park and the scenic view is amazing. I would recommend spending the day here and having a nice picnic lunch on one of their picnic tables.

Gorgeous views from several different look outs. Lots of places to stop & rest. Several trails were closed, call ahead if you are really looking to explore the entire park.

We visited Chimney Rock in early November 2014. The staff was super helpful and friendly. I managed to get carsick on the twisty turny mountain road up there. I stumbled into the gift shop, gasped for some Dramamine which they quickly sold me. I have a feeling that they see that quite often. The elevator ride had no line, and the view from the top is breathtaking. We also loved our hiking trip to the falls. I can't wait to go back with my kids!

If you like to be high up on a mountain and see phenomenal views then this is the attraction for you! I would recommend the elevator to get to the top unless you are very fit and like stairs. Lots of great photo opportunities. Nice trails as well. We went to one of the waterfalls and it was very nice. Whether you would like to walk a short trail or take a long hike there is something for you here.We did go in the off season in early October which was perfect! The weather wasn't too hot and while there were still crowds, I am sure it would have been ridiculous in the peak season.

This is our second trip to Chimney Rock Park. It has awesome view and you can get your exercise by taking the stairs or the elevator. We love going to the park and packing a lunch and finding a quiet spot to sit and enjoy a picnic lunch. They have added a gift shop and snack bar since our last trip. I would recommend visiting on a warm day not a cold or windy day.

Like all the places in America, this place too, has been well built and well preserved. Tucked in the remote corner of North Carolina state, most of the time it skips the attention of travelers. You can easily spend a day here, without any regrets.The whole place is built on a natural rock, called Chimney Rock, which stands over 100 meter vertically from the surface. A lift takes you to the top, and then the whole scene changes. The trail around the forest is very scenic and worth exploring. Of course, you need to have a hiker's shoes and a wind-cheater to be comfortable.This is good place to spend a day out of your hectic weekend.

Love this place. It's back to nature at its best. Lots of hiking trails for all levels. Take the elevator up to the chimney and climb up to the rock. The view is amazing.

The views from the parking lot were stunning in theirselves, so we could only imagine what they looked like from above. We chose to take the elevator up and walk the stairs down( boy are we glad we didn't walk up all those steps lol) The views from the Chimney and Opera Box were amazing, breath taking and beautiful as you could see everything below and well into the horizon. Seeing Devils Head and wondering how it formed was great also. We will be back again with the kids and will visit Hickory Nut Gorge on that visit. Even though there is an elevator to the top, none of the spots (The Chimney, Opera Box or Devils Head are wheelchair, stroller accessible), so prepared to walk up some steps when you get to the top.

Discovered this State Park after a visit to the Asheville visitor center and it was our plan B since the Blue Ridge Parkway was closed as a result of an early snowstorm. This turned out to be a great plan B :-) You reach this Park by following a beautiful drive through narrow winding hills and valleys and we even crossed the Eastern Continental Divide. Once you arrive it's a bit of a drive to the top of the mountain where there is ample parking. A short walk through a lighted tunnel area guides you to the elevator whigch brings you up through the mountain to its peak - interesting to say the least :-)This 26 story elevator is literally built inside the mountain and when you exit you arrive in a small store/snack bar area which then leads to a viewing platform. The views were spectacular. We walked up to the Chimney Peak and also took the stairs higher up into the Opera Box which was literally on the side of the cliff. Just amazing views on a crystal clear day. Sweeping panoramic 75 mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure offered spectacular views on this beautiful Fall day. Once we return to the parking lot we took the mile and a half round trip hike on Hickory Nut Falls trail . A beautiful gently rolling trail leading up and down a winding path that leads to the Hickory Nut Falls. Although the Falls were not at full strength it was still an impressive site. There is a picnic table there and it would be a perfect spot for a picnic before walking back to the parking area. There are may other trails throughout the park with varying degrees of difficulty which you can take advantage of. We truly enjoyed our visit to this state park......

Just as a forewarning, it may be busy. Today on a beautiful day, the parking lot was full and it is mid-January. The view explains it. It is lovely, and the walk up provides a perfect amount of effort. Yet, for those who can't climb stairs, there is an elevator, guaranteeing good views for all. You are able to see Lake Lure and a vast expanse of the mountain range.Yet, Chimney Top isn't the only reason to stop by. There are 4-5 trails in total. Not all of the them may be open in the winter, but do try the ones that are. The walk to the waterfall is easy. The waterfall is a bit dry, but you can't really complain too much. You can't walk among it at all. You are bordered at the end and you'll again meet a crowd. Entrance is $15/adult. They do offer AAA and military discounts, so make sure you ask when you arrive.

I'm a local that visits Chimney Rock State Park numerous times throughout the year and I don't think I've seen the same view the same twice. There's so much to see. Formerly named Chimney Rock Park, it was recently bought by the state of North Carolina and became a state park and has been completely renovated. With majestic panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge to the west, the Piedmont and the Blue Ridge foothills and mountains as well as a spectacular view of Lake Lure. On a clear day, you can see Charlotte on the horizon. There are several trails that take you Hickory Nut Falls or to the top of Chimney Rock Mountain. There is plenty of parking for your car or motorcycle club, scout or school group, church or motor coach tour., a gift shop, an elevator will take you to the "chimney" if you're not willing to take the stairs or trails. Hiking, bird-watching, rock climbing are some of the best this side of Asheville. You can either eat at the Sky Lounge near the "Rock" or you can travel back down the mountain and eat at the Old Rock Café, both places will satisfy. The deli however, is closed from December through March as it's impossible to get supplies on top during the winter.