Monday, April 29, 2024

One Tank Trips: Things to see and do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

chimney rock charlotte

So there you have it, this is your complete guide to Chimney Rock NC. I hope that this guide helped answer all your questions about the state park and helped you plan your visit. It is famous for its 499 steps up to the top of Chimney Rock.

One Tank Trips: Things to see and do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Fees are charged for group climbing, certain event permits, and facility reservations. We absolutely love exploring Hendersonville and think it’s another wonderful base for visiting Chimney Rock State Park. You’ll enjoy all the fun things to do in and around this small town. After a long day of exploring the park, you’ll likely be looking for a place to eat. There are picnic areas scattered throughout the park, including a few tables near the Four Seasons Trailhead, the Animal Discovery Den, and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Find more information about two-hour, half-day, or full-day rock climbing sessions here.

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Not only do you gain a sense of achievement, but the panoramic views from the observation deck are just magnificent. This trail has a natural surface, including stone steps. The Great Woodland Adventure would suit well as a self-guided trail for kids, as part of the nationwide network of Kids in Parks Track Trails, but any trail can be utilized. Visitors can download activity brochures, track all of their adventures online, and get prizes on the Kids in Parks website. Please follow safety rules and encourage others to do the same when you are near waterfall areas. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 384.7 near Asheville onto Highway 74A East. Take Interstate 26 East toward Hendersonville to Exit #49A (Bat Cave and Highway 64 East). Stay on 64 East for 18 miles and the Park entrance will be on the right. Take Interstate 240 East to Exit #9 (Blue Ridge Parkway and Highway 74A East). Exit Biltmore and turn right onto US Highway 25 S (Hendersonville Road).

Chimney Rock Village

This is the best state park near Charlotte, Southern Living says. What makes it special - Yahoo Canada Sports

This is the best state park near Charlotte, Southern Living says. What makes it special.

Posted: Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Its most notable feature is a 315-foot (96 m) granite monolith named Chimney Rock, which is accessible by elevator and provides views of the park and surrounding countryside. Visitors can catch their breath at Devil’s Head and the Opera Box on a hike to Exclamation Point, where panoramic views of the 14-mile Hickory Nut Gorge are sure to delight. It is a bit on the pricey side to get into the park but the views are really good. The road going up is pretty narrow so beware when you drive in and out of the park. There is an elevator to go almost all the way up to the main Chimney Rock portion.

There are several access points along Highway 74, but be sure to have the proper permits first. Autumn, in particular, provides an opportunity to see the mass migration of hawks, falcons, eagles, and vultures. It’s earned a spot on the official NC Birding Trail and offers many guided walks, workshops, and programs throughout the year. The fastest bird in the world, the Peregrine Falcon, can often be spotted soaring rapidly about the gorge. Chimney Rock State Park is one of the best spots for avian enthusiasts to spot some special flying friends.

The best way for those looking for little to no walking is to take the elevator to the top. Also, Chimney Rock State Park is one of the few North Carolina state park sites to charge admission. Admission fees go towards maintaining the park and allowing it to operate as a major tourist destination. Take Highway 25 North (White Horse Road) into North Carolina. Follow Highway 19 toward Interstate 40 East and Asheville.

This state park in North Carolina ranks among nation’s best. Why adventurers love it - Charlotte Observer

This state park in North Carolina ranks among nation’s best. Why adventurers love it.

Posted: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

They combine to create a mountain adventure experience that is postcard perfect. Though Chimney Rock is the crown jewel of the park, it slightly overcasts the other hidden gems that this park has to offer. There are several hiking trails and woodlands to explore, so don’t skip these other trails if you have more than half a day to explore the park.

chimney rock charlotte

They also have a peacock habitat and goat exhibit to offer more than just rock experiences. From gifts for relatives to keepsakes, this is perfect for visitors who want to wear their experience. The North Carolina State Parks also host a 100-mile challenge throughout their state parks. The mountains here provide an opportunity to see rocks up close and personal by scaling their cliffs and mountainsides. Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Located near the elevator, the gift shop sells local pieces as well as apparel, magnets, and more. Chimney Rock’s Animal Discovery Den is home to several animals who serve as ambassadors to educate about the park’s wildlife. In the Den, you’ll meet Mufasa the Eastern King Snake, Petunia the Snapping Turtle, and Ossie the Opossum, among many others. I personally like the hike up because you get a lot of different perspectives of Chimney Rock and the rest of the park. Plus, you pass through the Subway (a small tunnel) and other scenic walkways. To reach the top of Chimney Rock, you’ll have to drive up to the base of the monument.

As the name suggests, every seasonal hike here has a special highlight to offer. It’s also a great spot for trying to spot some local wildlife. This is the perfect pick for those interested in a venture into the more remote rugged terrain in Chimney Rock State Park.

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