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Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock, NC

Photo: Ehume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

Chimney Rock State Park

Mountain park overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, known for its towering rock spire.

743 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, NC 28720 · Chimney Rock, NC

About Chimney Rock State Park

Set in Rutherford County about 25 miles southeast of Asheville, this state park offers sweeping mountain views over Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Visitors can reach a fee-based attraction at the namesake 315-foot freestanding rock spire by elevator or stairs, hike to Hickory Nut Falls, and use riverside areas and interpretive exhibits. A free backcountry access at Rumbling Bald offers a more rugged experience. Some trails and bike routes are currently closed, and Eagle Rock access remains shut.

  • #mountains
  • #waterfall
  • #hiking
  • #rock spire
  • #scenic views

What's around here?

The closest stops to Chimney Rock State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Outdoor Adventure

    Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

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    Ride an elevator up a 315-foot rock monolith for gorge views, then hike to the base of 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.

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    No admission fee

    Drive a 469-mile mountain road along the Blue Ridge, stopping at overlooks, trails and visitor centers.

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  • Museums
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    Folk Art Center

    Check prices

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  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Asheville Art Museum

    Under $25

    See 20th and 21st century American art, studio craft and work tied to Black Mountain College in a renovated museum on Pack Square.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sports & Outdoors

    North Carolina Arboretum

    Under $25

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