A recent family vacation took us to Asheville, North Carolina - which definitely had been on my bucket list for a while. Being in the beautiful mountains of Asheville meant that I wanted to find a family friendly hike in the area to take advantage of our location, so I set about finding one. Enter Chimney Rock State Park, which is near Lake Lure about 40 minutes outside of Asheville. The Chimney Rock itself is an image you may have seen if you have perused any North Carolina travel publications in the past: the rock and its American flag are iconic.
The park offers the trail to the Chimney Rock, which involves a LOT of steps. There is an elevator but it was out of service when we visited (and still out of service at this writing). I knew going in that we would have to take a few rest breaks on the stairs for our elementary aged son but it worked for us. The view at the top did not disappoint with its sweeping views of the quaint town of Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains.
At the top, there is also a gift shop, café and restroom. You can continue your hike to the "Opera Box" which is an under cliff overhang with an even higher view, and then on to "Exclamation Point" which is the highest point in the park.
Another popular hike below the Chimney Rock parking area is a hike to Hickory Nut Falls. Classic movie enthusiasts will note that this waterfall was the site of an pivotal scene in "Last of the Mohicans". The trail to the waterfall is short and flat, making it even more family friendly and not a tiresome add on after the previous hikes.
Chimney Rock State Park is a fun destination to add your list when visiting Asheville or Western NC!
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