Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park, about 25 miles east of Asheville, is built around an actual rock chimney — a 535-million-year-old granite monolith that rises from the canyon floor and offers 75-mile views from its summit. For families, it hits a specific sweet spot: it feels genuinely adventurous without requiring serious hiking ability, thanks to an elevator that runs partway up and trails that are challenging but not overwhelming.

The main experience is climbing to the top of Chimney Rock itself. You can take the stairs from the base (fine for fit kids and adults) or the elevator (essential for little legs). From the top, the views over Lake Lure and the surrounding mountains are among the most dramatic in the Southeast. There are railings along the exposed sections but it still feels like real exploration.

The park's second major attraction is Hickory Nut Falls, a 404-foot waterfall accessible via a separate 1.5-mile round-trip trail. At 404 feet, it's one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern US — the scale is impressive even from a distance. Plan time for both the Rock and the falls if you can.

Tickets sell out on busy weekends — book online in advance. The park is closed Wednesday and Thursday year-round. Budget 3-5 hours for a full visit including both Chimney Rock and the falls trail.