Chimney Rock State Park is located in North Carolina, USA.It lies between the town of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains area, and is famous for its tall granite spire, scenic views, and hiking trails.
Chimney Rock State Park Location Map, Chimney Rock, North Carolina
North Carolina Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Chimney Rock State Park
- Chimney Rock – Iconic 315-foot granite monolith offering panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge.
- Hickory Nut Falls – Stunning 404-foot waterfall accessible via scenic hiking trails.
- Exclamation Point – Dramatic overlook providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
- Four Seasons Trail – Easy walking trail showcasing seasonal flora and scenic viewpoints.
- Outcroppings Trail – Moderate hike with unique rock formations and lookout spots.
- Visitor Center & Museum – Informative exhibits on the park’s geology, history, and wildlife.
Chimney Rock State Park Facts
| Official Name | Chimney Rock State Park |
| Location | Chimney Rock, Rutherford County, North Carolina, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 35.4327° N, 82.2502° W |
| Total Area | 8,014 acres (≈ 3,243 hectares) |
| Established / State‑Park Since | May 4, 2005 (Park established as state park) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} |
| Managed By | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation / NC State Parks :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
| Region | Blue Ridge Mountains / Hickory Nut Gorge, Western North Carolina |
| Address | 743 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Elevation | ≈ 2,280 ft above sea level (at the top of the main rock formation) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) - UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Main Theme / Concept | Mountain geology, dramatic rock spire & vistas, waterfalls, biodiversity, Hiking & Outdoor Recreation |
| Sections / Areas | The “Chimney Rock” Attraction Area - Upper Trails & Lookouts (Skyline, Peregrine’s Point) - Waterfall Area (Hickory Nut Falls) - Backcountry / Wilderness Add-on Lands (World’s Edge, Rumbling Bald Access, Cane Creek Mountain, etc.) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Famous Attractions | 535‑million‑year‑old Chimney Rock monolith (315 ft tall) - 75‑mile panoramic views over Hickory Nut Gorge & Lake Lure - 404‑foot waterfall Hickory Nut Falls - Multiple hiking & scenic trails - Biodiversity & rare flora/fauna zones :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Annual Visitors (recent estimate) | Over 414,560 (2023 visitors for the park overall) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission (for main attraction area) / Free access for certain backcountry or access‑areas depending on section (e.g. Rumbling Bald access is free) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Typical Ticket Price (Chimney Rock Attraction) | Adult: ≈ US$10–17; Youth: ≈ US$5–8 (varies by season) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| Ticket / Admission Options | Single‑visit Day Ticket (Chimney Rock attraction) - Annual/North Carolina State Parks Passes - Free access to backcountry/wilderness access areas (when allowed) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring through Autumn — for pleasant weather, clear views, hikes, and waterfall flow (early Spring especially for waterfall) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
| Nearby Major Airport | Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), 25 miles northwest; also accessible via Charlotte / other regional airports depending on origin |
| Transportation / Access | By car via NC-9 / US‑74A to Chimney Rock Village → park entrance; On‑site: elevator (to top of Chimney Rock) or hiking stairs/trails; network of foot‑trails & overlooks; parking lots at base :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} |
| Official Website | https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/chimney-rock-state-park :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} |
Distances from Chimney Rock State Park to Nearby Landmarks
- Village of Chimney Rock – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Lake Lure – 10 km (6 mi)
- Hickory Nut Gorge – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Chimney Rock Village Historic District – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- Chimney Rock Lake – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Rumbling Bald Mountain – 5 km (3 mi)
- Blue Ridge Parkway (nearest access) – 30 km (18.5 mi)
- Tryon International Equestrian Center – 18 km (11 mi)
- Bat Cave – 20 km (12.5 mi)
- Carolina Foothills Scenic Highway – 8 km (5 mi)
Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.