Can you hike Chimney Rock for free?


Can you hike Chimney Rock for free? Six trails are located at Chimney Rock access, where visitors must pay a per person fee to enter. Four free trails are located at Rumbling Bald access, Eagle Rock access, and Chimney Rock Village.


How long is the elevator ride to Chimney Rock?

The elevator tunnel is easily accessible from the top parking lot. A 30-second ride takes you from the parking lot level to the Sky Lounge, our upper gift shop. From here, you can exit to the bridge where you will find 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills.


What is so special about Chimney Rock?

Chimney Rock has become one of the most famous landmarks in the American West, largely due to its stop along the Oregon Trail. This unique formation came to symbolize the greatest voluntary migration in the history of mankind.


Is Chimney Rock an easy hike?

Hiking at Chimney Rock (Also see our Hiking Guide.) Hickory Nut Falls Trail: This easy trail is a wide, gently rolling path to the bottom of the 404-ft. Hickory Nut Falls waterfall. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail is mostly wooded with just a few moderate uphill sections.


How many miles is the trail to Chimney Rock?

Experience this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail near Inverness, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 49 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.


Is Chimney Rock worth it?

Chimney Rock has been standing tall over North Carolina for more than 500 million years. It's well worth the effort it takes to climb to the top - but there's also an elevator for anyone unable to make the trek.


Can you hike Chimney Rock without paying?

Naturally, being one of the best attractions in North Carolina for nature lovers and outdoorsy folks, Chimney Rock is not free to visit; admission fees are charged on a per-person basis. However, there are no entry fees to access Rumbling Bald and Eagle Rock for day use.


Does Chimney Rock have waterfalls?

The 404-ft. tall Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Take a beautiful woodland hike on an easy 3/4-mile trail to enjoy an up-close view at its base from a platform.