Whether you have an hour to spare or the entire day, you’ll be amazed at all the Park has to offer.

Check out our Interactive Trail Map to get your bearings and to see how all the trails connect.

What are you interested in?

1 - 1.5 Hour Visit
2 Hour Visit
2 + Hour Visit
Ambitious Hiker Itinerary
Extreme Leisure Itinerary
Family Hikes
Make a Day of It!

If you have 1 to 1.5 hours to spend at the Park:

Go to the top of Chimney Rock and enjoy the 75-mile views. You can get to the Rock in about 20 minutes by taking the Outcroppings Trail. Or, you can take the 26-story elevator to the top in about 30 seconds. Taking the elevator will give you more time to shop at Cliff Dwellers Gifts or grab a quick bite to eat in the Sky Lounge Deli.

If you have 2 hours:
After enjoying the views from the top of the Chimney, you can walk or take the elevator back down to the parking level. When you reach Moonshiner's Cave, take the stairs down to Hickory Nut Falls Trail, or start at the trailhead located one curve below the top parking lot. This trail takes about one hour to hike. At the end of the trail is 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, the second tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi.

If you have 2 - 2.5 hours or more:
From the Chimney, take the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop to the top of Hickory Nut Falls. This moderate to strenuous trail takes 1.5-2 hours minimum. There are some low and narrow passages that add interest to this trek. There are also numerous stairs and boardwalks along the way to provide safety and prevent erosion. Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry some extra water. You might also have time to walk the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, stop at the Nature Center or hike the Great Woodland Adventure Trail located in the Meadows. If hiking makes you hungry, the Sky Lounge Deli or Old Rock Café can prepare a Hiker’s Lunch for you. There are plenty of places to picnic throughout the Park.

Ambitious Hiker Itinerary:
(You need at least four hours to hike all the trails in the Park.)
Start off in the Meadows for a warm-up loop on the Great Woodland Adventure Trail, perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. This easy to moderate .6 mile trail features larger than life sculptures created by local artists. Next, head across the road to the Four Seasons Trail. This .6 mile trail is very steep and strenuous. It connects to the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. Hike to the bottom of the falls on this moderate trail in about 30 minutes. Back track on the Falls Trail and go up the stairs on right. Continue up thru Needle’s Eye to connect to the Outcroppings Trail. Jump on the Cliff Trail for some awesome views. Don’t miss Inspiration Point. Connect up with Skyline Trail after crossing over the top of Hickory Nut Falls. This trail will take you to Peregrine’s Rest, Exclamation Point, Devil’s Head, the Opera Box and finally, to the Chimney. The Skyline-Cliff Trail loop takes about two hours. There are only 40 steps to the top of Chimney Rock. Take a break and enjoy the 75-mile views. This plan also works in the reverse!

Extreme Leisure Itinerary:
Drive all the way to the upper parking lot. Check out the unique items in Cliff Dwellers Gifts. Then, take the elevator to the Sky Lounge, grab a snack, pull up a chair and enjoy the views from the deli area or out on the patio. If you still have time and energy, climb the stairs to the top of the Chimney to take in the 75-mile views.

Family Hikes:
If you have little ones, we highly recommend the Great Woodland Adventure Trail located in the Meadows. This easy to moderate .6 mile trail features 12 discovery stations with larger-than-life sculptures of animals. You and your kids can learn about how these animals live, what they eat, and other interesting and fun facts.

We also recommend the Hickory Nut Falls Trail for families. This moderate trail takes you through the woods to the bottom of the Falls in about 30 minutes. Enjoy the mists from the waterfall as it plunges 404-ft into a clear pool at the bottom. The dense woods along this trail provide a natural barrier, which makes for a safer hiking experience.

Please note, we do not recommend the use of strollers on any of our trails. The rugged terrain makes it very difficult to use them. However, we do have baby packs for rent for only $8.

Make a Day of It!
You could easily spend a day visiting Chimney Rock Park and Hickory Nut Gorge.

Tour Chimney Rock Park (1 1⁄2 to 5 hours, depending on activities)
Guided boat tour of Lake Lure (1 hour)
Shopping in Chimney Rock Village and Hickory Nut Gorge (1-3 hours)

Page Tools