Hickory Nut Falls Best Hike

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Hike Description

Note: There is a fee to enter Chimney Rock Park. Get more information here.

Formerly called the "Forest Stroll" trail, this has been more appropriately named the Hickory Nut Falls trail, since that is its main destination - and one of the top destinations in the park! It's one of the tallest waterfalls in the area, made more notable by its appearance in the movie The Last of the Mohicans.

When compared only to those trails in the park, this trail is rated moderate - however, when comparing to all trails in Western North Carolina, it is easy. The out-and-back trail takes you to the base of one of the tallest waterfalls in the region. The trail travels along an old jeep trail, and in most areas it is wide enough to carry one even today. Shortly after heading under the entrance sign and gate, you'll encounter the intersection with the outcroppings trail, a set of steps which leads left up toward the main parking area. Keep straight. Then you'll intersect the Four Seasons trail, which as its name indicates, is open all year. Keep straight again. Passing through the next gate puts you solidly on the path to the base of the falls. There are no other intersections beyond the gate.

You're in a mixed hardwood forest along the entire route, and at times the surface is quite rocky. Although the trail is not difficult, there are a couple of moderate climbs. Along the route, signs explain various points of interest and depict the ecology of the environment through which you are traveling. Various plants are introduced and aspects of the geography are discussed. One sign depicts an erosion gully as a natural factor in the shaping of this mountain. This is true; however at the gully in question, it appears that when the jeep road was cut and filled, it exacerbated the erosion of the gulley on the uphill side. Nevertheless, this is an interesting spot with the deep, rocky gully reaching up to the base of the sheer rock cliffs which stretch above you.

Erosion is definitely a part of what shaped this environment and created the towering cliffs and the Chimney. Along this trail you can see plenty of evidence of it and how it relates to the creation of the topography. During a major rainstorm several years back, a major section of the trail slid away and a huge, beefy bridge was built to replace it. This bridge is sturdy and wide and can easily carry a loaded pickup truck across. After this bridge, you'll round a small "ridge" and at this point you'll be near the base of the falls. The trail ends up in a paved area with a picnic table, and a narrower path heads left up a set of steps to a viewing area at the base of the falls. It is possible to rock-hop and explore the stream right at the base of the falls; however stay close to the base as the stream cascades steeply below the small flat spot below the falls.

Once you're done exploring and staring at the falls and huge cliff walls, return to your vehicle on the same path.

View more photos in this hike's gallery.

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