Chimney Rock has only a few miles of trails, but they are spectacular and varied. Start your loop from the Nature Center on the wooded Four Seasons Trail to the bottom of Hickory Nut Falls. Then a counterclockwise loop takes you through several rock outcroppings to the top of the waterfall, the film location of the dramatic ending in The Last of the Mohicans.

Coming down, you’ll enjoy views of Lake Lure all the way to the Chimney Rock itself, where most tourists congregate. Leaving the crowds, you’ll climb down an elaborate stairway and retrace your steps.

Length: 5.2 miles

Altitude gain: 1,500 ft.

Map: Available at the park

Trailhead: From Asheville, take I-240 east to exit 9 (Bat Cave and US 74A east). Drive on US 74A for 20 miles to the village of Chimney Rock and turn right at the park entrance.

Return to Hickory Nut Gorge Hikes