CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK
Located in Rutherford county 25 miles southeast of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park offers some of North Carolina's most dramatic mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. At the fee-based Chimney Rock attraction, hike to Hickory Nut Falls and take an elevator or climb to the top of the park's namesake, a 315-foot freestanding rock spire. It also has the most facilities, including riverside areas, interpretive exhibits, and gift shops. The free Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock accesses provide a more rugged backcountry experience.
Chimney Rock State Park is located near Arden, Asheville and Black Mountain
Chimney Rock State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills. Enjoy scenic views while eating near the Hickory Nut Falls.
Chimney Rock State Park offers 10 trails of varying difficulty, each with unique vistas and many opportunities to view flora and fauna. Six trails are located at Chimney Rock access, where visitors must pay a per person fee to enter. Four free trails are located at Rumbling Bald access, Eagle Rock access, and Chimney Rock Village. In addition, the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail runs through the park.
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 130 species recorded. It's home to Peregrine Falcons, which can be observed from the top of Exclamation Point during nesting season in spring and early summer. The Great Woodland Adventure trail is another popular spot for spotting songbirds like warblers and vireos. Birdwatchers may also see raptors along the Hickory Nut Falls Trail or near Lake Lure.
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