Chimney Rock State Park
21 miles from our VRBO rental in Chesire Village, NC - we wanted to explore this area because of the beautiful images we had seen. We made this a day-trip because we planned on visiting an Asheville French restaurant that evening.
We had just arrived at the entrance to Chimney Rock, and are walking up to the elevator area from the bus stop. You can see Chimney Rock in the top left of this picture.
The entrance to the elevator, and as you can see, the entrance shaft was hacked out of granite, as was the elevator shaft to the top.
Beautiful view of the valley below from Chimney Rock, that is Lake Lure in the distance.
This is the view you get of Chimney Rock as you walk up to the elevators from the parking lot.
This is the view you get from the observation platform on Chimney Rock, and the Broad River leads out to Lake Lure.
And this is the view you get once you have walked up to the top of Chimney Rock!
Hickory Nut Falls Trail Waterfall
The 404 foot tall Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The water flow varies depending on recent rainfall. During dry periods, the flow reduces to a small stream; while after a heavy rain, the flow is very impressive.
Leashed pets are welcome on the trail. This trail starts from the lower end of the main parking area below the Chimney. The trail also connects with other trails in the Park, including the Four Seasons Trail that heads down the mountain and the Outcroppings Trail that climbs to the top of the Chimney.
NOTE: Click here to view a video we took of the waterfall.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
Hickory Nut Falls Trail is three quarters of a mile from the Chimney Rock area, and up a constantly ascending trail to the second highest waterfall east of the Mississippi (404 feet). Some of the scenes from the movie "The Last of the Mohicans" were filmed here.
This image displays how steep the upper part of the trail is, this is just below
the waterfall pool area. Below this part, it gets back to a bit less steep but all
gravel.
Click here to go to
the Park Website where you can find more trail info.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail Stairs
The stairs to return from the trail to the Chimney Rock area, yes they are steep and by the time you get to the top, you are going to be huffing & puffing.
To view all images from our Chimney Rock visit, click here 
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Our Chimney Rock State Park Image Gallery
- Chimney Rock State Park on the "National Park Service" site
- Guide to Chimney Rock State Park Site on the "Visit Shenandoah" site
- VRBO Search Results list for rentals near Chimney Rock State Park
- Lodging near Chimney Rock State Park on the "Expedia" site
- Big Meadows Lodge on the "National Park Service" site
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