Chimney Rock

North Carolina

All the photos were taken with our new digital camera, a Sony Mavica

This trip was taken January 2, 2000 - The temperature that day was in the 60's . It was an unseasonably warm day, and an unseasonably dry and warm winter.

Chimney Rock State Park sits between Bat Cave, North Carolina and Lake Lure, (known as Biker Haven). It is a wonderful, privately owned scenic park complete with hiking trails, water falls, and of course, the famous Chimney Rock. You enter through a hand carved tunnel to an elevator that lifts you 27 stories to a gift and curio shop at the top of a rock cliff. There is a dining area as well as a spectacular viewing bridge lined with tables and chairs. This is as far as you can go if you are handicapped, but the view is something you will not want to miss out on.

The bridge leads you to stone steps that take you on a short climb to the Chimney Rock overlook that provides a breathtaking view of the valley floor as far as the eye can see. A pine tree, growing from the rocks, teaches the power of determination as it seems to grow out of nothing, there a top the stone column.

For the physically robust, you can take any one of the many stony trails that lead to the upper falls, far above Chimney Rock.

For those who enjoy a more casual hike, there is a 30 minute trail at the far end of the lower parking lot at the entrance to the park. There are a few places along the last half of the trail where you will find going difficult. Natural Stone stairs, in several places, rise and fall in higher than normal tiers, making negotiating the stairs difficult and slow. I had to hold on to nearby trees and bushes to aid my decent. It is quite a work out for people with knee problems. Plan on about 45 minutes for this trail if you stop and take pictures and take in the sites and sounds that abound. We were pleasantly surprised to find one single Rhododendron blossom that had opened in the unusually mild winter weather.

We also spotted numerous oak nuts bursting with life and sending their green tendrils down into the earth to begin a new life. The trail winds easily around at the bottom of Chimney Rock and in the spring and summer an additional trail can take you to the lower falls, only an hour hike from the lower parking lot.

You'll find the restrooms at the lower parking area interesting with their hand painted decor complete with a skunk that greets you at the door.

I believe the rates are now $10.75 for adults unless the trails are closed for the winter. During this time the rates are only $7.00. Children, of course, are less.

While you are visiting Chimney Rock you will want to visit Chimney Rock Village complete with lots of touristy places to shop and eat.

Bat Cave was named for the Bat Cave that used to be open to the public. A couple of years ago a flash flood took out the bridge and the owners have not had the money to repair it, so the Bat Cave is closed.

Lake Lure is a must stop for visitors, especially if you travel on a Harley! You will want to stop by Margaritaville Grill and Cantina in the heart of Lake Lure. You can't miss it. It is the place with all the motorcycles parked out front!

Along the drive you will find all sorts of locals selling all sorts of wonderfully delicious delights. The area is known for its apple crops and cane fields, so you might find apple cider by the jug, and black strap molasses sitting on shelves in small stands along the way. Make sure you try the local condiments that line the shelves like peach and apple salsas.

If you are traveling along I-40, this short side trip is worth the time since it is only about 60 to 90 minutes from downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Look for the signs that say, "Bat Cave" and they will take you to this delightful hill community.

More pictures from our hike at Chimney Rock