Chimney Rock Park, North Carolina

Our cabins are just 1.5 miles from Chimney Rock Park, with the "best of the North Carolina mountains in one place." For the last 100 years, tourists have journeyed to see this 500-million-year-old towering monolith, and the park's "one-stop shopping" for what the mountains are loved for: dramatic scenery, exhilarating hiking trails, rare plants, native wildlife, and one of North Carolina's highest waterfalls (featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans). To reach the top of Chimney Rock, you drive up a three mile road to a parking area. From there, you can walk through a 198-foot tunnel to an elevator that takes you to the top (up 26 stories in 30 seconds). After a brief introduction by the guide on the elevator, you enter the Sky Lounge gift shop and snack bar. Walk outside to find a relatively short flight of stairs to the top of the Chimney. On a clear day, enjoy 75-mile views overlooking Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. For some of the best variety in North Carolina hiking, try one of the five main trails. Instead of taking the elevator up or down to the Chimney, you can hike via a maze of fun trails and stairways. Here are three great hikes-from easy and to a bit strenuous. Hickory Nut Falls Trail: This "easy" trail is a wide, gently rolling path to the bottom of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. The 1.5- mile roundtrip trail is mostly wooded with just a few moderate uphill sections. The Outcroppings: Instead of taking the elevator up or down, follow this network of stairs and boardwalks for rock exploring and interesting scenery. Duck through the Subway and cross the bridge from Pulpit Rock to the Rock Pile. Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop: Plenty of "gorge"ous scenery is packed into this trail, a 1.5-mile loop with breathtaking views of the gorge and the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls, one of North Carolina's tallest waterfall. Ride the elevator or hike to the top of the Chimney. At the staircase leading up to the Chimney, find the beginning of the Skyline Trail. After climbing quite a few stairs, the trail levels out as you walk along the cliff with dramatic views. See the Devil's Head and pause at Exclamation Point. Cross the top of the waterfall and return via the lower Cliff Trail. Walk along a natural ledge on sheer cliffs, stop at Inspiration Point for the best view of Hickory Nut Falls, get refreshed at Nature's Showerbath, and squeeze through Wildcat Trap. As you return to the Chimney area, follow signs for the Needle's Eye to climb down the twisting 185 stairs through a narrow passage way within a vertical joint in the rock. Stop by the Moonshiner's Cave, and take a short stroll to the parking lot. The village of Chimney Rock, located at the base of the park, has a variety of cute shops and local restaurants. The primary gift shop in the Park are the Sky Lounge and Cliff Dwellers Gifts, Chimney Rock Park operates the Old Rock Cafe at the Park entrance. You can get a picnic (Hiker's Lunch) at the Sky Lounge or the Old Rock Cafe, and picnic along a trail.   The Park is open seven days a week, closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Ticket Plaza is open 8:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. (closing at 4:30 P.M. November through March). The Park remains open 1 1/2 hours after the Ticket Plaza closes. TIPS FOR VISITING CHIMNEY ROCK PARK 1. Take your time. Plan to spend at least a half day. 2. Wear very comfortable walking shoes. 3. Arrive early (9 a.m.) to beat the crowds on weekends and holidays. Saturdays during the summer are the busiest days. 4. Study the map given to you with your ticket. You will miss much if you just go to the top of the Chimney and depart. Stop by the Cliff Dwellers Gifts, find the Moonshiner's Cave, or take the Outcroppings Trail to the parking lot instead of riding the elevator again. 5. Hit the trails! Discover North Carolina mountain hiking trails for all fitness levels. Remember to carry water with you. 6. Bring a picnic or stop by the Sky Lounge snack bar at the top for a hiker's lunch with sandwich, chips, and drink. 7. There are a number of romantic spots along the trails, including the Opera Box near the Chimney. 8. Pets are welcome in the Park but must be kept on leash at all times. Due to state health laws, pets are not allowed in the elevator or the Sky Lounge. 9. Restrooms (works of art!) are located in the Sky Lounge, in the Meadows near the ticket center, and the parking lot at the base of the Chimney. There are no restrooms along the hiking trails. For more information go to the Chimney Rock Park Web site.