Chimney Rock State Park is a beautiful park with many amenities. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and several special events make this North Carolina state park a must-see. There is a trail that goes up to the top of Chimney Rock. It is called the Outcroppings Trail and takes 500 steps to the top. You will find a souvenir shop, snack shop, and a butterfly garden.

Another area you will want to explore is the Hickory Nut Falls trail. This trail features one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. The hike will reward you with incredible views.

In addition to the hiking trails, Chimney Rock State Park has an elevator that will take you up and down the mountain. Visitors can also walk through the Animal Discovery Den, which is home to ambassador animals. A butterfly garden, a butterfly habitat, and a groundhog habitat are all included. Pets are permitted in the Park, but must be kept on a six-foot leash.

Chimney Rock is open May 15 through September 30. Admission to the Park is $17 for adults. Children under 12 and accompanied by a parent or guardian, are free. Some special events are free. Other events require pre-registration and a fee. These include rock climbing, guided tours, and family and youth events.

If you are looking to climb the cliffs at Chimney Rock, you will need to purchase a climbing permit. There are plenty of climbing trails in the Park, including the Four Seasons Trail, which is a 400-foot climb. However, some trails are quite strenuous and challenging. During your visit, watch out for experienced rock climbers as they climb cliffs and caves.

Also in Chimney Park, you will find the Meadows Nature Center. This is an educational and interpretive facility that opened in 1992. Visitors can learn about the history of the Park, geology, and wildlife. Information is provided in both English and Spanish.

Visitors can also explore the Park’s riverwalk. They can watch for wildlife, or enjoy the scenic view of the San Juan Mountains. While here, they can also play miniature golf, watch a live music performance, or stop by the gift shops. At the gift shops, visitors can purchase magnets, t-shirts, and local pieces.

Chimney Rock has a large collection of historical sites, including the Chacoan Great House Pueblo. The Park also has several ceremonial buildings. Guests can imagine what life was like for the ancient people, as well as the current residents. Located at 7,500 feet above sea level, the Great House Pueblo is an ideal place to get a bird’s eye view of the region.

Chimney Rock State Park is an ideal destination for families, friends, and groups. Aside from the many hiking trails, the Park has a number of waterfalls, as well as a rock climbing tower. Several areas within the Park are open for camping. Many of the trails are also pet friendly.

There are several events to check out at Chimney Rock State Park each year. Visit the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park for more information.

The Skyline Trail in Chimney Rock Park recently reopened to the public. This 2.2 mile round trip trail climbs a steep mountain for impressive views. It is the highest elevation in the park, offering a challenging workout for the adventurous. You should pack plenty of water and snacks to sustain yourself.

Chimney Rock Park is located in Western North Carolina, just over 25 miles southeast of Asheville. Chimney Rock is a 535 million-year-old monolith. A small rock house marks the original gatekeeper’s home. Several animals live in the park, including deer, raccoons, and black bears. Visitors can also explore the river boardwalk. There are several special events at the park.

The new Chimney Rock Mountain trail is a good addition to the park’s trail system. It offers a more direct route to the base of Chimney and Pulpit Rock, as well as beautiful rock formations. However, the trail does forego many of the gorge views.

The old Skyline-Cliff Trail was closed in 2008 after a two-year-old fell to his death. This trail used to lead hikers to the top of the waterfall and across the upper cliff face. After the accident, the state bought the property. They were faced with sustainability issues with the railings and bridges.

Since then, the State Parks has been working on improving the elevator and other trails in the park. They have also completed a Master Plan to outline the vision for the park for years to come. The park’s staff has worked to renovate the Outcroppings Trail and Sky Lounge. For more information on the park, visit the Chimney Rock website.

While the Skyline trail is reopened to the public, the Hickory Nut Falls trail is still closed. Hikers can still see the falls, but they won’t be able to go to the bottom of the falls. Because of the nature of the trail, it is recommended that visitors have a sturdy pair of hiking boots, as well as a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

The highest vantage point in the park is Peregrine’s Point, which is 2460 feet above sea level. This rocky area has some of the most amazing views of the park. But be prepared to hike up 800 steps to reach it. If you are looking for a shorter route, you can start at Exclamation Point. At this point, you can walk to the Opera Box, a lookout point that has a great view of Lake Lure.

In September, the State Parks and the Friends of Chimney Rock State Park are inviting annual pass holders to join them on a sneak peek of the trail. The trail will officially open on September 22. Attendees will be led by an expert naturalist. To register, visit the Chimney Rock website.

Hikers should be ready for a workout on this 2.2-mile trail, which is rated strenuous. The trail climbs atop an old access road bed. Several wooden bridge crossings are also included. Keep in mind that the trail is dotted with snakeroot.