Chimney Rock



The lady at the ticket window said that the rate to get into Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina would be discounted to $12 today because the elevator to the top wasn't working. "Well", I asked "how difficult is the climb?" She responded with "Oh, not bad. It's 491 steps on a staircase." And she showed us a picture. We took a few seconds to respond with, Ok, Let's Do This!

My friend Susan had willingly agreed to a trip to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock in North Carolina. I hadn't been in a long time and decided that spring would be the perfect time to go. We were at Chimney Rock in the morning so the heat wouldn't be bad. Why not climb to the top? And so we did.











Chimney Rock only recently became a state park - in 2007. Before that it was privately owned by the Morse family for 100 years. Dr. Morse came to the area after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. He bought the Chimney and surrounding area in 1902 and started a dirt road up the property to the cliffs in 1916. He even built his family home on that dirt road.




Dr. Morse was a very smart man,  as it is one of the most beautiful views around. That's the view of Lake Lure from the top of Chimney Rock.



It's not only known for it's great views, it's also famous for being the filming spot for the 1992 movie "The Last of the Mohicans" starring Daniel Day-Lewis. You can hike many more trails besides the hike to the top and see some of the spots from the movie.




We made it the 491 steps to the top of the Chimney. I'll admit I was winded and my legs felt like jelly. But I didn't have as much problem as I thought I would. I'd even do it again!

Chimney Rock State Park is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina in the village of Chimney Rock. Normal admission to the state park is $15. But it will be discounted for awhile as it appears that the elevator is closed indefinitely. There is a gift shop, restrooms and a snack bar (with a wicked view) at the top.





I'm linking up for Weekend Travel Inspiration at Reflections Enroute, Weekend Wanderlust at A Brit and A Southerner,  Friday Postcards at Walking On Travels and Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Traveler's Sandbox  so go check them out!


Comments

  1. I would climb the stairs too (even though I am scared of heights). The views are worth the effort. Very interesting story behind th epark.

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    1. I am scared of heights too Ruth - but there was only one point that bothered me - the final short staircase at the very top. Thanks for visiting!

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  2. Only $3.00 discount for walking up the stairs?! Doesn't sound like such a great deal, but then again, the views are gorgeous! I'd probably choose to do it as well, if I were you. Thanks for sharing all those gorgeous landscapes!

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    1. I know, right? But I guess they gotta make money! Thanks for visiting1

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  3. The beautiful views would have been worth the jelly legs. It's nice that Chimney Rock has become a state park.

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    1. I agree - the view was worth the jelly legs. And I'm happy it's a state park now - it looks like they've made some improvements and put some money back into the park. A really fun visit.

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  4. I am sure you appreciated the view all the more for having got there the hard way. Sometimes I think things get a bit spoiled by being made too easy. Congratulations on having made it.

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    1. Thanks! And yep, I think I did appreciate the view more. Well worth the climb.

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  5. I do not like heights at all so am pleased that you did it for us

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    1. Ha Ha me either really but the only bad part for me was the short set of stairs at the tippy top where you could see all the way down. As long as I didn't get too close to the edge at the top, I was ok.

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  6. Hiking up all of those steps is definitely worth it for that view! Thanks so much for sharing and thank you for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust this week :)

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  7. Looks like quite the climb...but the views! Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!

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  8. What an outstanding view. Thanks for linking up. #TPThursday

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