Chimney Rock, North Carolina

brandi  Friday, April 8, 2011

Adventure Review

We hiked Chimney Rock in April 2011 with our 10 and 13 year old kids.  The drive up to the top is all switchbacks, but very well paved and maintained.  Once at the top, we parked and took several pictures in front of the gift shop.  The view is amazing from here!!!  Unfortunately the steps and elevator were closed for winter repairs still so we couldn’t go all the way to the top of the Rock, but the view from the gift shop will still take your breath away!  We could see for miles!!!!  It was truly magnificent! 

From the gift shop, you can take some steps down the Hickory Nut Trail and hike up to the Hickory Nut Falls…..let me just say that these falls are absolutely gorgeous!!  This is the location they used to film part of  “Last of the Mohicans” .  The trail is very easy to walk, and is well maintained.  Gorgeous views, however, I think in the summer when the trees are in full bloom, your views will be limited somewhat.  Part of the trail that went up next to the falls was closed due to the winter season, but we were still very close and were able to get great pictures. 

There is also another trail called the Four Seasons, but we were unable to do it due to time restrictions. 

We went down into the town of Chimney Rock and ate lunch at the Riverwatch Cafe. Very good food, and we were able to sit on the back deck by the river with excellent views of Chimney Rock Mtn. 

A few suggestions: 

 I would recommend going in late spring, summer or fall in order to avoid the winter shutdowns. I was still very impressed with the views, but it would have been better if we could have gone all the way to the top!!!

The gift shop is really nice so make sure you have some cash for souveniers.

The trail isn’t that long, but it is up a mountain.  As well as the Four Seasons trail, it’s up and down the mountain as well from beginning to end.

Definately take a camera….absoulutely breathtaking views and photo ops.

Chimney Rock Village is an adorable town with a lot of great shops, icecream shops and fudge places!!  I would recommend taking some time to walk around and browse!

Also just north of the Village is Bat Cave, NC.  I wasn’t able to stop but did notice that there were a lot of little shops and places to go for entertainment if you want.  It seemed like a great little place to visit!

I would very much recommend this trip for anyone wanting a great hike with awesome views in the Appalachain Mountains.