Starting at Exclamation Point, this newly re-opened trail travels on a path in the forest on Chimney Rock Mountain above the cliff band that forms Hickory Nut Gorge. While the new trail is situated at a much safer position on the mountain, it foregoes the many views that the old "trail" once provided. Still, it's a nice addition to the trail system in the more developed part of the park.
The trail climbs moderately on a graveled path through a few switchbacks on a slope covered in late summer wildflowers. It heads west, picks up an old road bed at times, and passes by some very large trees. A few trickles of water appear at springs during wet weather. The trail passes a picnic spot at Peregrine’s Point where better views of the gorge and Lake Lure are available. It winds down into the small valley that gives rise to Fall Creek, crosses the creek on stepping stones or a huge fallen log, and then ends on the bank above the upper cascades and a view out across the brink of Hickory Nut Falls, with a view of the gorge walls beyond.
This is an out-and-back only hike, as the trail dead-ends at the top of Hickory Nut Falls.
Perfect introductory hike for families with small children! Woodland creatures take the spotlight at 12 discovery stations along this easy winding trail at the Meadows, giving the little ones motivation to keep going to see what's next. On easy-to-read signs, Grady the Groundhog, the Park’s mascot, illustrates how his forest friends live, including chipmunks, frogs, owls and butterflies, spiders, turtles and birds of prey. Larger-than-life wood and metal sculptures lie along the trail and in the woods, bringing an extra dimension of discovery to the path. The kids will have a blast climbing all over them and spotting them in the woods. There are a few bridges and steps, but most children 3 and up should be able to handle it on their own. Bring your camera on this one.
Winds its way uphill from the upper end of the Meadows area to the Hickory Nut Falls trail. Smaller kids will have trouble on this one, but it does offer one of the longer hikes in the park and - combined with the Hickory Nut Falls trail - a more strenuous out-and-back hike to the falls. Passes by some neat rock formations and under one giant overhang. It gains 400' in elevation along the way. Some sections are steep and in very poor condition (although an update August 2013 by the park says there have been improvements). Other sections are more level and better maintained. There are plenty of bridges and step structures; the last leg is a set of 70 stairs leading straight uphill. It travels through hardwood trees, past thickets of Carolina Rhododendron and mountain laurel, and alongside abundant wildflowers and indigenous plants. Some of these species are not found along the Park's other trails. You may even spot deer and wild turkeys. Wooded; great for birding with a variety of interpretive signs about birds you might find. Shows off changes in plant and animal life throughout seasons.
**Note:** the old all-wood staircases have been removed and replaced with sturdy state-park style steel and wood structures. The Needle's Eye spiral staircase has been removed.
This "trail" provides walking access to the Chimney in lieu of the elevator, and it's a climb of its own right. This is actually a series of impressive structures which take you up through a huge jumble of rock outcroppings and boulders near the base of the Chimney.
The Exclamation Point trail leads from the Chimney to the eponymous point in Chimney Rock Park, a rock outcropping overlooking the Hickory Nut Gorge at 2480 ft. This strenuous trail finds you looking down over Chimney Rock and Lake Lure as you start your ascent of the mountain. The trek courses through dry, rocky woodland on natural cliffs, up stairs and around a few switchbacks to such geologic spectacles as the Devil’s Head (a head-shaped rock); the Opera Box (a remarkable overhang with panoramic vistas); and then on to Exclamation Point.
The overlook looms high over the Gorge and valley floor more than 1,300 feet below. The dramatic beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge with its breathtaking sheer cliffs makes the effort needed to reach Exclamation Point well worthwhile.
**Note:** this trail is the first part of what used to be named the Skyline trail. When the bulk of it was closed for safety reasons, the part remaining open was renamed the Exclamation Point trail. A new [Skyline trail](/trails/chimney-rock-state-park/skyline) leading beyond Exclamation Point to the top of Hickory Nut Falls has been opened as of September 2017!
Following an old jeep road, this trail leads through a mixed hardwood forest to the base of 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Some sections are rocky, but the hills are generally mild and children should be able to reach the falls. This trail was formerly known as the Forest Stroll until the more appropriate, current name was applied.
Getting directly to the top of the Chimney from the main parking area is mostly indoors, and consists of a short walk through a man-made tunnel, a ride up an elevator, a walk through a gift shop, a short walk along this cliff-top path, and then a climb up a set of stairs. It is wheelchair accessible, except for the last little bit up the stairs.
A wide, newly-constructed, well-built trail that loops around on the ridges leading up to the boulder field below the south face of Rumbling Bald Mountain. The trail splits shorty beyond the parking area. Going clockwise: a nice view to the east opens up of Lake Lure and the Piedmont area beyond. Then the trail begins a climb, generally following a low ridge through an open forest that burned in the 2016 Party Rock fire.
The trail reaches a gentle bench area, and a junction with a side path to the West Side boulderfield and the Hanging Chain boulderfield. Though the main trail goes to the right, it's worth the side trip to roam among the huge boulders sitting in the serene forest with the massive face of Rumbling Bald looming above the trees.
The trail then follows the bench southeast through a gully to the Central Boulderfield. (A side path connects back to the West Side Boulderfield from there). Past the Central Boulderfield is the East Side Boulderfield (or the "Breakfast Area", with many boulders carrying breakfast-related names), where the trail turns back downhill, going through a few stair step areas before widening and leveling out again.
The trail passes through a mixed oak hardwood forest along its entire route.
The trail winds downhill through a series of switchbacks, crossing a small stream before reaching the junction to complete the loop. Turn left to return to the trailhead.
