Chimney Rock State Park

The chimney is a granite monolith standing about ninety metres clear of the mountainside with a flag on top and a view down Hickory Nut Gorge to Lake Lure. Getting up it is the unusual part: in the 1940s a shaft was blasted eighty metres into the rock and a lift installed inside the mountain, so visitors ride up through solid granite and step out near the top - the alternative is a stairway of around five hundred steps. Hickory Nut Falls further along the trail drops about 120 metres. The park was private until the state bought it in 2007. Hurricane Helene in September 2024 caused catastrophic damage to the village and gorge below, and access has been affected since - check before travelling.

What you actually see

• A granite spire about ninety metres clear - with the gorge below.
• A lift inside the mountain - through an eighty-metre blasted shaft.
• Hickory Nut Falls - around 120 metres, along the trail.
• A view to Lake Lure - down the length of the gorge.

When to go

April to October, subject to access. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Hurricane Helene devastated the gorge and village in 2024 and recovery is ongoing - confirm the park and roads are open before setting out. The lift has been out of service for extended periods historically. Stairs are the alternative and there are many. Autumn weekends are busy.

Nearby

Lake Lure is below; Asheville is west.