Quick Facts

• Chimney Rock Park comprises 1,000 acres in the furthest end of western Rutherford County, NC, 25 miles southeast of Asheville, NC in scenic Hickory Nut Gorge. Purchased in 1902 by Missouri physician Lucius B. Morse and his twin brothers Hiram and Asahel, the Park is still privately owned and operated by the Morse family.
• The top of Chimney Rock, a height of 2,280 feet above sea level, provides visitors a 75-mile view of Lake Lure, Hickory Nut Gorge and the Carolina Piedmont. The Chimney is actually a 535-million-year-old remnant of igneous rock. From the upper parking lot, visitors can reach the Chimney by the trail system or ride a 26-story elevator inside the mountain. The elevator opens into the Sky Lounge Gift Shop & Deli at Chimney level.
• Chimney Rock Park’s trail system features more than 3½ miles of nature trails that lead to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in eastern America. The trails provide visitors an opportunity to see rare and indigenous plants, unusual geological formations and a variety of native wildlife.
• The moderately strenuous Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop leads to the top of the waterfall, while the less strenuous Hickory Nut Falls trail winds through rhododendron and hardwoods to the base of the Falls. From the pool at the end of the Hickory Nut Falls trail, the Falls cascade another 900 feet before joining the Rocky Broad River at the floor of the Gorge. The Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop is an hour-and-a-half to two-hour hike while the Hickory Nut Falls trail takes approximately an hour round-trip.
• The Four Seasons trail is a moderate-to-strenuous trail that begins at the upper end of the Meadows and climbs up – past hardwood trees, thickets of Carolina rhododendron and mountain laurel, a rich cove hardwood forest community, possible sightings of wild turkey and deer activity, and large rock formations before the trail joins the Hickory Nut Falls trail about 1/3 of the way out to the bottom or Hickory Nut Falls. This hike is approximately 1 mile in length. The large rock outcropping about 2/3 of the way up the trail offers not only a nice place to rest, but also a good place to listen to the many bird species found in the Park. Certain sections along this trail are being monitored and studied due to the sensitive nature of the plant communities. Therefore, it is imperative that the trail remain as undisturbed as possible.
• The Great Woodland Adventure trail offers an easy hike through lush forest, over a small marshy area, and past rhododendron and laurel thickets. This loop trail begins at the top of the Meadows and takes less than 30 minutes. Big kids, small tots and connoisseurs of the “leisurely stroll” love the Great Woodland Adventure. Woodland critters take the spotlight on this .6-mile journey past 12 discovery stations along the winding trail. Grady the Groundhog, the Park’s mascot, illustrates how his forest friends (like chipmunks, spiders, frogs, owls and butterflies) live. Larger-than-life sculptures bring the trail to life.
• The Nature Center on the lower Meadows features exhibits on the natural and human history of the Park and is the setting for special programs and hands-on workshops throughout the year. Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, located on the upper Meadows, gives students and guests a hands-on experience with some of the animals that call the Park home.
• The Park’s Environmental Education Program includes guided nature and bird walks, slide presentations and nature talks by the Park’s Naturalist and Education Coordinator for groups by reservation. The pages of textbooks come alive during a visit to the Park. Park specialists offer field trips, homeschool programs, unique summer camps and scout programs. If you can’t bring your group to us, our specialists can bring an Outreach program to you.
• Through a partnership with Fox Mountain Guides, the Southeast’s only AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) accredited guide service, guests of all ages and abilities can now climb the rock faces of the Park. For those not ready to take on the actual cliffs, groups can arrange to climb our 32-foot climbing tower.
• The Old Rock Café located in Chimney Rock Village not only offers lunch and beverages overlooking the Rocky Broad River and RiverWalk, it also caters to weddings, reunions, school groups and bus tours in the Park. Some fun old photos of the “Rock” for which the Café is named can be found in the restaurant.
• With its dramatic scenery, the Park has become popular as a site for Hollywood film locations and backdrops for commercials. You may have recognized the Park’s cliffs in Atkins Power Bar and REI outdoor gear print ads. A Breed Apart, starring Powers Boothe; Firestarter, starring George C. Scott and Drew Barrymore; and the 1992 release of the epic film The Last of the Mohicans, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Madeleine Stowe, introduced Chimney Rock Park and its trail system to an international audience.
• Hickory Nut Gorge and the surrounding areas are gently touched by the four seasons. Located in the thermal belt, the Park is protected by the higher mountains to the north. Consequently the spring flowers occur earlier than in other mountain areas and the fall colors appear later, sometimes lasting well into the second week of November.
• Chimney Rock Park opens daily at 8:30 am, weather permitting, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Ticket Plaza closes at 5:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time and 4:30 pm Eastern Standard Time. The Park remains open 1½ hours after the Ticket Plaza closes. Daytime admission tickets are $14.00 for adults and $6.00 for youth (ages 6 through 15). Children under six are admitted free. Reduced rates apply when more than two trails to the waterfall are closed due to inclement weather (adults $9, youth $5). Annual passes and group rates are available. For additional information, call 800-277-9611 or visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Image and information courtesy of chimneyrockpark.com

July 2008 Events

What‘s Blooming this Summer!
Dates: Jul 1st - Jul 30th
Below is a brief listing of some of the plants, trees and shrubs to look for in and around Chimney Rock Park and our surrounding area in the summer. June/JulyTurk’s cap lily, fire-pinks, milkweed, phlox, hypericums, sourwood

John Mason Plays the Hammered Dulcimer
Dates: Jul 3rd - Jul 7th
Our featured entertainer, John Mason, treats guests to beautiful music on the hammered dulcimer.

Tree ID Guided Hike
Dates: Jul 12th Cost: $20, $5 for Annual Passholders, $10 for ages 6-15, $3 for Grady’s Kids Club Members
Use summer leaves to learn some of the 70+ kinds of trees that grow in Chimney Rock Park. This easy stroll, part of our “Off the Beaten Path” series will introduce you to natural history of the trees as well as their identifying traits. Call 800-277-9611 to register.

The Trails of Chimney Rock Park

Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop

PLEASE NOTE - THIS TRAIL LOOP IS CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS AS OF 06/28/08.

Sheer cliffs, breathtaking views, and the dramatic plunge of a waterfall—just a few of the fascinating sights along the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop. This one-and-a-half to two-hour, moderately strenuous hike courses through lush woodland and across natural cliffs and ledges on its way to such geologic spectacles as the 2,280-foot-high top of the Chimney, the remarkable overhang and panoramic vistas at Opera Box and the highest point in the Park, 2,480-foot-tall Exclamation Point (whose name speaks for itself!).

Hickory Nut Falls Trail

This .75-mile trail offers a leisurely walk that’s chock-full of wonder! Hardwood forests of oak, hickory, maple and basswood harbor abundant plant life, including rare and endangered wildflowers and old favorites such as Jack-in-the-pulpit and Solomon’s-seal. Listen and look for the resident and migrant birds that take cover high above in the forest’s canopy. Cross the bridge and you’re near the grand finale: Hickory Nut Falls, all 404 feet of it! Dainty white blossoms of Lady rue and grassy fronds of Deerhair bulrush thrive in the waterfall’s mist.

Four Seasons Trail

This .6-mile, moderate-to-strenuous trail starts above the Meadows to provide you access to the top of the mountain year-round without driving. It wends through hardwood trees, thickets of Carolina rhododendron and mountain laurel and abundant wildflowers and indigenous plants, some species not found along the Park’s other three miles of trails. You may even spot deer and wild turkeys.

Outcroppings Trail

As an option to the elevator, or if you have your pet, take this network of stairs and boardwalks either to or from the Chimney level. Choose your path of adventure - thread your way through the Needle’s Eye, duck through the Subway, cross the bridge from Pulpit Rock to the Rock Pile, or venture out on the Spiral Staircase.

Great Woodlands Adventure

Kids and kids-at-heart will love this easy .6-mile trail. Woodland critters take the spotlight at 12 discovery stations along the winding trail. Grady the Groundhog, the Park’s mascot, illustrates how his forest friends live, including chipmunks, frogs, owls and butterflies. Try to jump as far as a spider, spot the salamanders, or name the birds of prey soaring above. Larger-than-life sculptures bring the trail to life. The Park’s 32-foot climbing tower and Grady’s Discovery Den are located next to the trailhead.

Also visit the Chimney Rock Park Interactive Trail Map

Some Interesting Numbers

• The Park’s 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls kisses your face with a gentle mist as Falls Creek tumbles over the high cliffs. Think our Falls look familiar? They were showcased in the 1992 remake of the epic film The Last of the Mohicans.
• The waterfall is the stunning reward at the end of a not-too-strenuous .75 mile hike on the Hickory Nut Falls trail. Recommended for the casual hiker and families with children, this trail’s got plenty of shade with just a few moderate inclines.
• With the 185 stair steps that take you through the Needle’s Eye, it’s more than the views that will take your breath away.
• The Park has been in the same family for 104 years.
• Within our 1,000-acre paradise, there are more than 3 miles of nature trails.
• You can take a 258-foot elevator ride inside the mountain in about 30 seconds to the Chimney level.
• There are 44 steps from the boardwalk near the Sky Lounge to the top of Chimney Rock.
• This 535-million-year-old monolith whereby the Village of Chimney Rock gets its name can be seen from the charming streetscape down below.
• The Rock itself is 315 feet in height.
• On a clear day you can see Kings Mountain, more than 75 miles to the east.
• The rare Peregrine falcon can travel in excess of 200 miles an hour. A pair have made their home on our cliffs since the mid-1990s, and they are followed closely by the NC Wildlife Commission and bird enthusiasts. Best viewing times are early in the morning from the Outcroppings trail in the Park.
• If you hike to the top of the Chimney from the parking lot, you’ll have climbed 400 stairs along the trail.
• Hickory Nut Gorge is 14 miles long and is comprised of the villages of Gerton, Bat Cave and Chimney Rock and the town of Lake Lure.
• The Gorge supports at least 14 natural community types, 6 of which are considered rare.
• In 1996, there were 37 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species known from the Gorge.

History of the Park

As we savor the incredible beauty that is Chimney Rock Park, it’s easy to take its access for granted. But people haven’t always had the option to take the stairs or ride the elevator to the top of the mountain. The Morse family had a vision and has worked tenaciously to “acquire, protect and share this natural wonder” with guests from around the world. A commitment that began more than 100 years ago continues today through expanded efforts to make the Park accessible to all ages and capabilities. The history of the park, the village of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure itself is indeed a rich story that is as relevant and alive today as it was when Dr. Lucius B. Morse first came to Chimney Rock.

The story of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure cannot be told without recounting the life of one man—Lucius B. Morse

—who demonstrated what uncompromising vision and foresight can accomplish. The rugged beauty of Chimney Rock and the surrounding area so captivated him that it shaped the rest of his life and those of his older twin brothers,Hiram and Asahel.

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The land that comprises the Park and the dreams of the Morse family are still entwined today, more than 100 years after Lucius B. Morse first glimpsed the magnificent Rock

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