The Trails of Chimney Rock Park

This page contains the details of individual trails in Chimney Rock Park.

Cliff

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Travels along a long, natural ledge in the cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge, from the parking area to the top of Hickory Nut Falls. Makes a great loop with the Skyline Trail. Much of this trail is a natural surface, with some wooden structures. See Also the Skyline/Cliff Trail Loop Best Hike.

Forest Stroll

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Following an old jeep road, this trail leads through a mixed hardwood forest to the base of 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Some sections are rocky, but the hills are generally mild and children should be able to reach the falls.

Four Seasons

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This trail connects the Woodland Walk to the Four Seasons trail. Using this trail, you can hike all the way from the Meadows at the park's ticket gate to any other trail in the park, making a great 5 mile day hike. It also provides access to the Chimney during weather that precludes driving.

Outcroppings

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This "trail" provides walking access to the Chimney in lieu of the elevator, and it's a climb of its own right. This is actually a series of criss-crossing paths that wind their way up through a huge jumble of rock outcroppings and boulders near the base of the Chimney. There are three options: the Needle's Eye, the Subway, or the rock-top trail that crosses several bridges and has a spiral staircase. All of the routes are steep with many steps and interesting wooden structures.

Skyline

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Travels from the Chimney literally straight up the mountainside on a huge staircase structure to a path above the top of the Cliffs, eventually reaching the top of Hickory Nut Falls and the Cliff Trail. Some of the trail is natural surface, while much of it is wooden steps or boardwalk structures. The viewpoints along the trail are outstanding. This trail can be combined into an excellent loop hike. See the Skyline/Cliff Trail Loop Best Hike.

Woodland Walk

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Travels from the top of the Meadows up to the Four Seasons trail. It does have a few short, steep sections and a set of steps, although it is generally easy and short.