Exclamation Point

At A Glance

TODO: #32 Boilerplate

Moderate

0.6 mi one-way

Difficulty Rating: 0.6
Steepness: Climbs Steeply
Tread Condition: Moderately Rough

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 leading beyond Exclamation Point to the top of Hickory Nut Falls has been opened as of September 2017!