Why You Should Visit Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Not far from Ashville North Carolina tucked deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains you will find a hidden secret that is waiting for you to come and explore the many wonders inside. Chimney Rock Park is truly one of America’s great beauties and while many have seen her sights in the move Last Of The Mohicans few know that the scenes are filmed in a National park that is open to the public.
If you are planning a trip to Chimney Rock Park, plan to spend a couple of days if at all possible as the journey up and all around the mountain can be a bit tiring for anyone who is not a regular climber.
Before arriving at the park do make a point to stop there in the town of Chimney Rock and mingle with both locals and tourists. The town has all the charm of a small southern town and the hospitality of all southern homes. Each person is a welcomed and long awaited guest and of course your host will do all they can to make you feel welcome.
If you are looking for the finest in pastries and sweet breakfast treats Apple Annie’s can be found on Chimney Rock Road just a few feet away from the park entrance. They also offer a tasty lunch menu along with a staff that makes you feel like a long lost friend.
Once you have nourshied yourself and are ready to head for the mountain be prepared for sights that you have only seen in movies.
If you don’t like to wait in lines or fight the crowds get there early. Arriving around 9 or 10 AM is generally good for those who like to get where they are going quickly. Arrive after 11 AM on a weekend or during one of their many public events and be prepared to find yourself in a line up for several miles.
Early or late, it is truly worth the $14.00 ticket per adult or $6.00 per child ticket between the ages of 6 and 15. As you drive through the park you can see various points of the mountain along with the beautiful foliage. Along the paths you can find everything from wild flowers to peach trees.
One of the favored attractions is the top of the chimney. There are a few routes to get to the chimney but most seem to prefer the elevator. You will make your way through a cave to get to the elevator that will in a matter of about 30 seconds take you to an elevation of 2,280 feet into the gift shop of the park. While you may be tempted to stop and shop you must restrain yourself and immediately go outside to witness the natural gift that is awaiting you just outside the doors. You will want to wait to get your souveniors until you are done climbing as it will take a great deal of energy and several hours to see all you wish to see. Don’t load yourself down with anything but a bottle of water and be assured you will want that water.
As you step out on the wooden deck of the Skylounge Café you will see why you waited in lines and made your way through a cave that likely had a few bats hanging on the rock walls. As you look out over the deck you will see green for as far as the eye can possibly see. Imagine an Ansel Adams photograph except instead of shades of gray the breath taking scenes are in vibrant color. You can see trees, streams, mountains, sky and just simply beauty.
If you make your way to the Chimney and stand next to the American flag it is almost impossible to not want to burst out with a chorus of America The Beautiful as you look across nearly 75 miles of visibility, weather permitting of course. No matter what direction you look in you will simply see the vast magesty of these mountains and the world around it. There is not dirt, trash or smog, just clean air, green trees and blue waters.  In that moment and space, America is beautiful.
The exploration of this area may be exhausting but it is worth any wait you must endure, the tired legs and the very sound night’s sleep you will have after.
It is not advisable to take wheelchairs, strollers or children who don’t have the ability to walk on their own as the walk can be long and strenuous and a great deal is done on an incline and often on wooden steps from one attraction to another. To find out if handicapped accommodations are available contact Chimney Rock Park at 828-625-9611 or toll-free 800-277-9611 or via their website http://www.chimneyrockpark.com
Don’t let the physical aspect keep you from visiting this bit of America that will touch and inspire you forever. It is truly worth every sore muscle the next day. The memories will last for many years to come, the muscles will feel better in a couple of days.

View from the Chimney. The day is a bit cloudy so visibility is not as great as usual.

Credit: Trudy Marshall-Bowler

Copyright: Trudy Marshall-Bowler