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To purchase a print of this drawing by author/artist
Lee Pantas, visit
Cherry Orchard Studio
Chimney Rock Park is
a natural scenic attraction nestled in the foothills of the
Blue Ridge Mountains just above
Lake Lure. Southeast of Asheville and o nly a
short drive from Hendersonville, this 1000-acre park provides breathtaking
views from its many trails and from the top of the 315-foot monolithic “Chimney
Rock.”
Towering 315 over the village of
Chimney Rock, the park which
was privately owned, in 2007 became Chimney Rock State Park, one of the newest
North Carolina state parks. With an elevation range from about 1,100 feet to
2,800 feet, the park is expanding to include some 5,000 acres.
The park features three hiking trails that lead to the 404-foot Hickory
Nut Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. At 2,280
feet above sea level, Chimney Rock is a 535-million-year-old remnant of igneous
rock. You can climb a trail to its top, or take the 26-story elevator carved out
of solid rock if you wish.
The movie “Last of the Mohicans” was filmed at Chimney Rock, and you may
recognize part of the Cliff Trail from scenes in the film. Picnic tables and
grills are located along the roadway to the Chimney Rock, and a less strenuous
trail leads to the base of Hickory Nut Falls. There is also a nature center on
the access road where you may learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the
park.
Website:
Chimney Rock Park
Location: Southeast of
Asheville
Address:
Chimney Rock, NC 28740
Distance: From Asheville, approximately 25 miles -a 45-minute drive
Telephone: 828-625-9611, 800-277-9611
Hours: Open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day; 8:30
a.m.-4:30 p.m. EST (5:30 DST). Park closes 1½ hour after ticket office closes.
Fees: $14 Adults, $6 Children 6-15, Children under 6 free
Allow: 2-3 hours
Tips: Best long-distance views on clear days, take good hiking shoes
Nearby:
Lake Lure
Directions: From Hendersonville, take Hwy. 64 East. Turn right on Hwy. 74 to
Chimney Rock.
From Asheville, take I-240 East to Exit 9 (Bat Cave, Blue Ridge Parkway) and
continue on Hwy. 74A through Fairview and Hickory Nut Gap to Chimney Rock.
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