This 1.5-Mile Trail In North Carolina Leads To An Enormous 400-Foot Waterfall In The Middle Of A State Park
In search of a fun day trip the whole family can enjoy? North Carolina’s state parks dole out a world of recreational fun. So, as long as you’re in the Tar Heel State… seek and ye shall find something exciting to explore in one of our many state parks.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
One of our favorite spots to explore is Chimney Rock and the state park that surrounds the state's most interesting natural attraction.
It's here that you'll find the second tallest waterfall in North Carolina: Hickory Nut Falls. Standing at a majestic 404 feet, it's a waterfall that shouldn't be missed.
Access if found along the 1.5-mile out-and-back trail (.75 miles each way) that scoots through the Hickory Nut Gorge with views of the gorge's towering cliffs along the trail.
The trail here is rated 'easy' by AllTrails.com. As a result, it's often filled with visitors eager to experience the great outdoors and to see the massive waterfall.
If you wish to avoid high-traffic periods during peak season, then plan to arrive to the park super early, or simply avoid weekends altogether, if possible. Otherwise, be prepared to share the trail and possibly even make some new friends.
Hickory Nut Falls has long been noted for it's stature overlooking the Village of Chimney Rock (you can even see the waterfall at a long distance from the highway in the middle of town).
But the waterfall has another claim to fame. In 1992, it rose to world-wide fame when it was featured in the major motion picture, "The Last of the Mohicans."
For those that remember the movie, trekking to the waterfall has a special significance.
The viewing platform places visitors so close you may feel as if you can reach out and touch the water. A word of caution about ignoring the warning signs advising to not venture off the platform: don't. The rocks here are wet — and slippery.
Have you explored this 404-foot waterfall in the middle of Chimney Rock State Park yet? Isn't it about time you did - or even time to go see it again?
A word of note: if you live in North Carolina, then you likely already know many (most) of North Carolina’s State Parks are free admission. This one is different, so come prepared to pay to get in and feel fortunate that there are so many other parks that are completely free. (Our neighboring state to the south charges admission to almost all of its state parks.)
At the time of press, the admission into this park is $8 for ages 5-15, and $17 for ages 16 and over. Speed up your entry process by purchasing tickets in advance at this link on the official website for Chimney Rock State Park. If your plans change, the tickets can be used on any day.
Hickory Nut Fall is North Carolina’s second tallest waterfall. Want to see the tallest? Hike 1.2 miles into the wilderness to view the 411-foot segment of Upper Whitewater Falls.
Address: Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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