This is the Most Claustrophobic Hike in North Carolina—Would You Try It?

North Carolina is home to numerous incredible hiking trails, ranging from treks that highlight mountain peaks to seaside pathways with views of lighthouses. And while there are plenty of hikes known for showcasing beautiful views, there are also many that will have you facing your fears. For those who are claustrophobic—or afraid of heights—you may want to avoid the Outcroppings Trail in Chimney Rock State Park.

This claustrophobic hike in North Carolina is short and sweet at just 0.4 miles, but it packs a punch with narrow sections like The Subway, which might have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. It takes an average of 25 minutes to reach the top, but you’ll be huffing and puffing along the way. Over the course of the trek, you’ll climb 494 steps to reach Chimney Rock itself, the namesake of the park. 

Begin your hike at the main Chimney Rock parking lot. You’ll navigate up to the tip top of the 315’ Chimney Rock, resting at 2,280 feet in elevation. For those who are actively trying to test the limits of their claustrophobia, The Subway portion of the trek will be your biggest challenge. Hikers practically have to crawl through this rocky outcropping, tucked at the top of one of many series of staircases. The Grotto, another feature of the trail, might also make you feel a little queasy, as its low-hanging ceiling and tight stone walls press in on you. Gneiss Cave, a narrow fissure cave, is another nook of the trail that might have claustrophobics sweating.

If you can make it past these challenges, you’ll be rewarded with truly stunning views from the top of Chimney Rock, including the nearby Lake Lure, one of the best lakes in North Carolina. This chunk of Henderson Gneiss metamorphic rock is millions of years old and worthy of a few photos itself.

If the thought of crawling through a small cave turns your stomach, or you want to avoid sweating it out on the “Ultimate Stairmaster,” you can also opt to take the elevator, which soars 26 stories before letting visitors off at the start of the Exclamation Point Trail and the tip top of Chimney Rock.

For those who want to keep the adventures going, continue up to the Skyline Trail. One of the longer trails in the park at 2.2 miles in length, this trek begins at Exclamation Point and features other park highlights, including Peregrine Point, Falls Creek, and Hickory Nut Creek, with jaw-dropping views along the way. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover more flora and fauna along this section of the trail, including Carolina Rhododendron.

Adrenaline seekers may also decide to opt for something even more death-defying, like rock climbing. No matter your level of experience, visitors can go rock climbing at Chimney Rock with local guides, getting up close and personal with the park’s unique rock formations.

Whatever trail you choose, you’ll love discovering Chimney Rock State Park’s most spectacular natural wonders. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Chimney Rock State Park using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.