Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Chimney Rock North Carolina and Lake Lure

In the mountains of Western North Carolina is a lake fed by a river that runs thru Hickory Nut Gorge. Standing high above this gorge is a rock formation named Chimney Rock which also gives its name to the town below. Chimney Rock is a North Carolina State Park which features a number of attractions the foremost being stairs and an elevator taking visitors to the top of the rock formation. From that perch you can see for miles down the gorge and across Lake Lure nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also features miles of hiking trails which go to the top of the mountain and over to the top or the bottom of a four hundred foot Hickory Nut Falls.

The area is a popular tourist, weekend and vacation destination and claims a connection to a couple of famous movies. Lake Lure was the setting used in Dirty Dancing and Chimney Rock was the backdrop for The Last of the Mohicans. While the area has all the trappings of a tourist town the trails and views surrounding Chimney Rock are really amazing.

If you love the mountains and like to hike this is worth a two or three day visit. If you are looking for a good B&B you should check out our review of The Broad River Inn located in Chimney Rock.