South of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park brings a mountain summit, waterfall and hiking trails together in Rutherford County, 25 miles southeast of the city.
At its paid-admission Chimney Rock access, you can ride an elevator inside the mountain, visit the Sky Lounge and tackle the steep route to the top. The entrance is at 743 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock, NC 28720.
- Start with the elevator to the Sky Lounge and the short but steep Outcroppings Trail if you want the summit experience.
- Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for the Chimney Rock attraction; you can spend a whole day exploring.
- There are also two other access areas: Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock, with free trails at both and in Chimney Rock Village.
概览
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01What to see at Chimney Rock State ParkAt the Chimney Rock access, begin with the elevator ride inside the mountain, then take in the views from…
02Tickets, hours, and entryThe Chimney Rock access is the paid-admission area, with six trails, the elevator, the summit and Hickory…
03Trails and accessibilityChoose a route to match your energy and mobility.- 04Weather and visit planningSet aside at least 1–1.5 hours for the Chimney Rock attraction, or longer if you want to explore more of…
- 05FAQsThe park is 25 miles southeast of Asheville.
What to see at Chimney Rock State Park
At the Chimney Rock access, begin with the elevator ride inside the mountain, then take in the views from the Sky Lounge and, if you’re up for a strenuous climb, continue on Outcroppings Trail to the top of the Chimney.
The elevator’s 30-second ride connects the upper parking lot with the Sky Lounge. It opened to the public in May 1949.
For a different kind of view, walk Hickory Nut Falls Trail to the base of the 404-foot waterfall. The route is 0.7 mile one way and rated moderate. The park has six trails at the paid-admission Chimney Rock access; four additional free trails are at Rumbling Bald, Eagle Rock and Chimney Rock Village.
Tickets, hours, and entry
The Chimney Rock access is the paid-admission area, with six trails, the elevator, the summit and Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Four trails are free at Rumbling Bald, Eagle Rock and Chimney Rock Village. Allow at least 1–1.5 hours at the Chimney Rock attraction; a longer visit gives you time to explore more trails.
How do you get from Asheville to Chimney Rock State Park?
Chimney Rock State Park is 25 miles southeast of Asheville. From The Asheville Inn, the drive to Chimney Rock is about 50 minutes. The available transit information does not establish a direct Asheville-to-park trip or an end-to-end journey time, so plan on driving or confirm connections before travelling.
Trails and accessibility
Choose a route to match your energy and mobility. Outcroppings Trail is a strenuous 0.2 mile one way, with 499 stairs, including 44 steps to the flag. The elevator is an alternative for visitors with limited mobility or disabilities. The parking lot, elevator, Sky Lounge and bridge are wheelchair accessible, but the top of the Chimney is not.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail is 0.7 mile one way and moderate, ending at the base of the 404-foot waterfall. Conditions can affect access, so confirm trail status before departure. For another scenic outing, see routes and stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville.
Weather and visit planning
Set aside at least 1–1.5 hours for the Chimney Rock attraction, or longer if you want to explore more of its trails. The elevator, parking lot, Sky Lounge and bridge are wheelchair accessible; the summit of the Chimney is not.
Check current conditions before leaving, since access to particular areas can change. For another outing during your Asheville stay, consider a day trip from Asheville to Brevard.
FAQs
How long does it take to get from Asheville to Chimney Rock State Park?
The park is 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The available transit information does not establish a direct trip or a current end-to-end journey time.
What are Chimney Rock State Park’s hours?
The park has three access areas: Chimney Rock, Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock. The Chimney Rock attraction recommends allowing at least 1–1.5 hours for a visit.
Do you need tickets for Chimney Rock State Park?
Admission is charged at the Chimney Rock attraction, which has six trails. Four trails at Rumbling Bald, Eagle Rock and Chimney Rock Village are free.
Can you access trails at Chimney Rock State Park?
Yes. The paid-admission Chimney Rock access has six trails, including strenuous Outcroppings Trail and the moderate Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Four free trails are at Rumbling Bald, Eagle Rock and Chimney Rock Village. The elevator helps visitors with limited mobility reach the Sky Lounge, but the top of the Chimney is not wheelchair accessible.