Climb to the top of this towering 315-foot monolith located on the very edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains high above beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge. At a soaring elevation of 2,280 feet with its 75-mile views, this mountaintop experience will take your breath away. And you can get to the top of the "Rock" with great ease or some effort. It's up to you!
The easiest way to reach the Chimney is to ride the elevator up a 26-story shaft blasted through solid granite. The cool 198-foot tunnel to the elevator stays a comfortable 55-65 degrees year-round. You'll get a brief introduction to the Park from the elevator operator on your way up to the Sky Lounge - a gift shop and snack bar with a view! Then it's just a short walk across the clear-span bridge to the stairs to the Chimney.
If you're more adventurous, you might choose to walk up the 400+ stairs from the parking lot to the Chimney. However you arrive at the Chimney, be sure to have your camera ready to capture the panoramic beauty - Lake Lure below and on a clear day, King's Mountain 75 miles to the east.
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