Trails in the Chimney Rock State Park Trailhead Area

Here is a list of all trails in the Chimney Rock State Park Trailhead area.

Each trail has its own printable page with all the information and links, including (where available):

  • directions to the starting point
  • difficulty
  • length
  • elevation change
  • a map
  • photos from along the way, and
  • a detailed description and trail directions.

For general information about the Chimney Rock State Park trailhead, see the Chimney Rock State Park Trailhead page.

Need to find trails by another method? Go back to Trails.

Exclamation Point Trail

Moderate
  • The Exclamation Point trail leads from the Chimney to the eponymous point in Chimney Rock Park, a rock outcropping overlooking the Hickory Nut Gorge at 2480 ft. This strenuous trail finds you looking down over Chimney Rock and Lake Lure as you start...
  • 0.6mi, Climbs Steeply, Moderately Rough

Four Seasons Trail

Moderate
  • Winds its way uphill from the upper end of the Meadows area to the Hickory Nut Falls trail. Smaller kids will have trouble on this one, but it does offer one of the longer hikes in the park and - combined with the Hickory Nut Falls trail - a more...
  • 0.6mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough

Great Woodland Adventure Trail

Easy
  • Perfect introductory hike for families with small children! Woodland creatures take the spotlight at 12 discovery stations along this easy winding trail at the Meadows, giving the little ones motivation to keep going to see what's next. On...
  • 0.6mi, Few Hills, Few Obstacles

Hickory Nut Falls Trail

Easy
  • 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. This trail was formerly...
  • 0.75mi, Climbs Gently, Some Obstacles

Outcroppings Trail

Moderate
  • **Note:** the old all-wood staircases have been removed and replaced with sturdy state-park style steel and wood structures. The Needle's Eye spiral staircase has been removed. This "trail" provides walking access to the Chimney in lieu of the...
  • 0.25mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Path to Chimney Trail

Easy
  • Getting directly to the top of the Chimney from the main parking area is mostly indoors, and consists of a short walk through a man-made tunnel, a ride up an elevator, a walk through a gift shop, a short walk along this cliff-top path, and then a...
  • 0.1mi, Climbs Gently, Few Obstacles

Rumbling Bald Trail

Moderate
  • A wide, newly-constructed, well-built trail that loops around on the ridges leading up to the boulder field below the south face of Rumbling Bald Mountain. The trail splits shorty beyond the parking area. Going clockwise: a nice view to the east...
  • 1.5mi, Climbs Moderately, Some Obstacles

Skyline Trail

Moderate
  • Starting at Exclamation Point, this newly re-opened trail travels on a path in the forest on Chimney Rock Mountain above the cliff band that forms Hickory Nut Gorge. While the new trail is situated at a much safer position on the mountain, it...
  • 1.1mi, Climbs Moderately, Moderately Rough