Chimney Rock: “The Ultimate Stairclimber”
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Western North Carolina is an outdoor lover’s dream vacation with so many enchanting state parks and waterfalls to explore. Since relocating to Asheville, I have explored many of these awesome places. As a regular hiker and fitness buff, there is some fun way to get into shape each weekend which is what I love most about living here. One place that is quite popular with tourists is Chimney Rock State Park. It’s not a tourist trap though and I would easily put it on my best-of WNC list.
Located in the picturesque western portion of the state, the scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains and Lake Lure, accessible via a climb or elevator ride, are unparalleled. I have hiked many trails in this area, and while Chimney is definitely not the most peaceful, the views are pretty spectacular.
Not only are the views on this climb wonderful, but there is another equally beautiful hike which takes you to the state’s tallest waterfall. I recommend a daytrip here if you are staying in a nearby city like Asheville or Greenville (SC).
The magnificent 315 foot, 535 million year old granite outcropping known as Chimney Rock affords panoramic views of this gorgeous mountainous region of the state. On a clear day you can see 75 miles way.
At 2285 feet above sea level, the climb up the rock is no small feat. Known as “the ultimate stairclimber,” the trek involves a 499 step climb up a steep staircase. If you have ever gone up a lot of stairs before, then you know it is a challenge even if you are in great shape.
The Stairmaster always kicks my butt no matter how many runs and hikes I do. You can definitely skip your morning workout! At least you get to enjoy tremendous views and fresh forest air as opposed to staring at a screen via a gym machine. The trail is easy to follow and nicely maintained.
Get ready for a massive leg workout! I am in decent shape as a regular jogger, cyclist, and hiker but almost 500 steps is quite a challenge. But really, those views! Remember what goes up, must come down. Fortunately, going down stairs is much less taxing.
For those not up for the challenge, there is an alternate means of getting to the top via an elevator. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can ride an elevator up a mountain. As the entrance fee is steep ($17 per person), I recommend challenging yourself to the climb for the best bang-for-your-buck experience if you can do so.
Exclamation Point: An extra trek worth taking
For the more adventurous, I recommend continuing on 200 feet up above Chimney to Exclamation Point, the highest point in the park. This hike will take up an extra 20 minutes of your time (as well as 330 more steps!), in exchange for more incredible views of Lake Lure, Hickory Nut Gorge, and Chimney Rock.
It’s well worth the additional cardio workout if you are up for the challenge (and post workout soreness!). The nice thing about going up further is that the crowds really thin out the further you venture up. The scenery is even more enchanting this high up!
On the way up to Exclamation, you will be treated to incredible vistas of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure via the Opera Box lookout. Next, you will come across Devil’s Head. If you look closely at the rock on the boulder, you will be able to make out a sinister head jutting out. Lots of crazy theories and legends abound, however scientifically speaking, the rock most likely formed as a result of sliding rock and weather erosion.
Hickory Nut Falls: A quick hike to the state’s second tallest waterfall
The breathtaking Hickory Nut waterfall hike is just as mesmerizing although tourists often pass it up because they are too tired or just don’t know about it. Although WNC is home to so many wondrous waterfalls (check out some of my favorites near Asheville), Hickory Nut has the height! Not to mention, hiking more than one trail makes the hefty entrance fee seem a bit more reasonable. A better bang-for-your-buck experience if you will.
A lush shady walk through hardwood forest leads you to the 404 foot tall Hickory Falls, the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi (Whitewater with a height of 411 feet, the tallest in the state, is located 2 hours south in Transylvania County).
You may remember seeing this beauty in Last of the Mohicans. I’ve never seen the movie personally, but I was left in awe nonetheless. Like all waterfalls, pics do no justice – you have to see this one for yourself. I loved standing right next to it feeling the mist in the air. What a wonderful experience!
The trail is just over a mile long round-trip and relatively easy with just a slight elevation gain. After the rough climb up to Exclamation Point, this hike to me felt like an easy nature walk in comparison. Take this time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and replenish with lots of fluids.
The entire trek is pretty shady, and thus, this hike is still doable on hot summer days. Save this trail for after your Chimney Rock climb as it shadier and less congested. You will want to hike the harder, more popular trail before the heat and crowds begin to roll in!
Chimney Rock Village: The place to shop & dine after your hiking adventure
Right outside the park, you will find an eclectic dining and shopping area known as Chimney Rock Village. A bit cheesy and over-the-top, yes, but still a fun and interesting place to relax for a bit after your hard workout. Not to mention, the mountain views are gorgeous! This is a convenient place to grab breakfast or lunch before your visit. I like to enjoy a cup of joe and some carbs before embarking on any strenuous hikes.
Dirty Dancing & Bigfoot memorabilia: A strange combination
Numerous locals and visitors have reported Bigfoot sightings throughout this region. With the lush green surroundings and frequent dreary skies, it’s really not hard to imagine a Sasquatch roaming through the woods.
The only place you will ever see a Bigfoot/Dirty Dancing tribute. How could I not take my picture next to this cheesy sign? To be honest, I love quirky places like this. Most places are quite boring today with the same restaurants and shops so any opportunity to explore something different is always a fun experience.
If you are not familiar with the history of the area, you will be wondering what is up with the Dirty Dancing memorabilia. I visited Lake Lure before visiting this park so I already knew the backstory. Basically, the famous scene where Baby is practicing her dance movies on the steps was filmed at nearby Lake Lure. I am a pretty big 80’s movie buff so it was cool to add this movie filming site to my ever growing list.
Lake Lure: A worthy side trip
It’s hard to believe that Jennifer Grey & Patrick Swayze’s iconic lift scene accompanied to “I had the time of my life” took place over 30 years ago! Over 30 years later and the movie still has a cult following. If you are a fan and have the time, you will want to plan for a sightseeing cruise on this gorgeous lake located just a few miles away.
Not only do you get to cross off a filming site, but the views are out-of-this-world. No wonder the crew used this beautiful lake (which was supposed to be set in the Catskills) to represent Upstate New York.
Where to eat
Unfortunately, you will not find a Starbucks anywhere near the rock. However, you can enjoy your morning caffeine boost at an independent shop right near the entrance. Coffee on the Rocks is an excellent local cafe where you can enjoy an espresso and carb heavy snack prior to your hike. They offer oatmeal, pastries, power bars, and other quick snacks. The coffee is decent enough for a small town and the pastries will provide you with plenty energy to get through the stair climbing workout.
After climbing up all those stairs, you will likely be ready for a filling meal (I know I was!). Unfortunately, fried food and burgers comprise the majority of menus in town. If you are a health conscious eater, this can be a problem. Medina’s is really the only restaurant offering any vegetarian fare. This is the place to go for a healthier salad or sandwich.
Update: Medina’s has closed. Fortunately, there are plenty of cafes and grills to choose amongst.
Quirky shopping: A little bit of everything
Gift shops specialize in quirky Southern style decor, Bigfoot souvenirs, Mayberry knick knacks, & nostalgic gifts. You may wonder what is the deal with all the Bigfoot decor and knick knacks dominating every shop. Like all wooded areas, legends of Bigfoot sightings abound.
As for shops, you will find a little bit of everything. One of the shops I liked browsing around was Bubba O’Leary’s General Shops. This is one of those old time stores where you can find just about anything and everything. You’ll find souvenirs, jams and jellies, old time candies, and household goods. It’s a fun shop to browse around after a long day on the trails.
Additional details
- Admission: $17 per adult, $8 for kids. Kids under 4 are free. Online reservations are required.
- Discounts: Consider an annual pass if you live in the region.
- Location: 174 Chimney Rock Park Rd.
- Hours: 8:30-5:30, 7 days a week. You can hike the trails until 6 and the park until 7.
- Pet policy: Leashed dogs are allowed. Note that they are not allowed in the elevator.
- Accessibility: Free wheelchair loans. The trails are not wheelchair friendly, however, you can take the elevator up to the Sky Lounge patio.
