Chimney Rock

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

A Private User

I used to LOVE this place until the STATE took over . They closed the CLIFF TRAIL . This trail was over 5 miles of the most breath taking scenery you have ever enjoyed . By the parks own literature the trails were there to be enjoyed for over 80 years . The story I heard was someone fell off the trail and was badly hurt or killed . This is a great reason to repair and upgrade safety precautions , not close the best trail in NC ! Lets see if a person is killed in an auto incident are we all now not allowed to drive ??? This is obscene and the only reason they have gotten away with this is they tell people it is closed for improvements ! For 3 years now ! The ranger and staff have told me they never intend to open this section of trail ! This was available by the men that built the park for almost one hundred years ! If someone wants to get hurt or be careless they will . There are still plenty of places where if you are not careful you could fall and break your neck , like the stairs coming down from Chimney . Take a look at the first picture they have posted to their place page , A MAN STANDING ON THE VERY EDGE OF A CLIFF ! This is really ridiculous and was arbitrarily decided by some bureaucrat ! I am not sure who is in charge but they obviously took the easiest route for themselves and disregarded the public and 80 years of freedom they enjoyed . Maybe they needed a higher fence in one section That is no reason for the State to close one of the best trails in NC . So to summarize THEY HAVE CLOSED THE CLIFF TRAIL AND NEVER AGAIN WILL IT BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ! !!!!

J V Myers

$44 admission for two adults and two small children is ridiculous. There are hundreds of great activities, hiking trails, and water falls in WNC with minimal or no fees. For example, the NC Arboretum is free with a $6 parking fee, the Asheville nature center is like $5-6 dollars for resident adults and just a few dollars for kids, and Bradley Falls on the Green River is a beautiful hike and completely free of charge. The entry way for the park is a few miles below the mountain in the town, and there is no sign listing admission fees when you first enter the park. You must spend several minutes to driving up the mountain at 15 mph to reach a gate where they hit you up for the outrageous cover. They simply bank on you being more likely to dish out $15 a head after you have already driven up the mountain, rather than simply posting a sign with entry rates at the first gate, where patrons are much more likely to simply turn around and avoid the tourist trap all together. I understand that the fees are listed online, but we essentially just ended up in the area and thought we would check it out on a whim. I figured $5-7 a person would be about right, but boy, was I wrong. The cars both in front of us, and behind all turned around after we reached the gate and discovered the ridiculous rates. Instead, my family and I just hiked one of the thousands of other mountains in the area for a cover charge of $0. Go west of of Asheville on the parkway for great hiking and views, and save yourself some cash. Locals beware, and leave this gimmick for the tourists.

Amy Carroll

Im a Rutherford County native (where Chimney Rock is located) and this is an annual visit for me and my family. The views are beyond spectacular, especially the Hickory Nut Falls. You can see most of Lake Lure and the surrounding areas. Theres several different hiking trails you can enjoy or if youre lazy (and want instant gratification), you can take the elevator to the top. The admission is $15 per person but we try to time it when they have other special events going on (check their website) so we get more bang for the buck. Of course, you have to take a picture by the American flag on top of the iconic Chimney Rock formation with the miles of mountains in the background. The only reason I didnt give it five stars is (as others have stated), is the price. I remember when admission was half what it is now. It is pricier than other state parks in the area but obviously I think its worth it because I keep going back every year! If youre visiting, this should be a must see on your trip.

Holly Davis

Beautiful views. We were a little put off by the admission price, which was discounted to $11 EACH I believe, because the elevator was broken. We drove to the parking area, ate a picnic lunch. My 88 yo mom decided she wanted to try the 499 stairs, so my sister and I felt embarrased not to succeed as well. We took our time and made it without a problem. We didnt realize there was a cafe at the top, we had not brought money up with us. We used the whimsically painted restrooms and the drinking fountain and relaxed at the top, and walked back down the steps in much less time than the ascent. Others in the group went to the waterfall or sat in the rocking chairs at the gift shop. I agree with others who say to get rid of the elevator. I can imagine how crowded it would be. As it was, we saw small children, dogs, an older lady in flip-flops and a sari doing the climb with us. The view from the parking lot is really something to enjoy for those who dont do the climb.

john wildy

Must see in the bat cave, chimney rock, lake lure valley. Cost is $15/adult. Drive all the way to the top for parking first before parking down below. The 500 step trek up to rock is steep and rigorous. Do not count on elevator working. We live here and in the dozen times we have been here, its never worked. The hickory nut falls(last of the Mohicans movie fame) is spectacular and a must see as well. Its a 1.5 Mile round trip hike and an easy mostly flat trail with a small incline on the trek out to it. There are also two other more moderate longer trails at the park and a nature center at the base of the mountain for children that is interesting. There are plenty of bathrooms and places to get drinks, water, etc.. the best time of year is fall. The summers here are cooler than most places but be prepared with lots of waters in a back pack. It is a tourist spot so it can be pricey.

A Private User

Great views, great staff, great trails, elevator access to the top, but like many other nature-ish things youll have a tough time in a wheelchair. North Carolina State Parks has purchased it and it will probably get better with time (to a reasonable degree, of course), but for now it still has fairly limited handicapped options. Active wheelers wont be deterred and will know what to expect with nature trails, but older and/or less experienced wheelchair-bound people wont have many options except the parking lots and such. You can get to the top in a chair, but you wont be able to get to the flag. Kind of pricey ($12/person if I remember right), but still worth the trip for the great views. While youre there go to the public park at Lake Lure. There are nice paved and wooden-slat trails that weave around and over the lake.