Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is located nearby Asheville. The park features a 315-foot granite spire that rises to more than 2,280 feet. You don't have to worry about the exhaustion and strain of climbing the mountain because there is a 26-story lift built inside the mountain.

The Hickory Nut Falls Trail, located within the park, is a moderate, mostly level trail leading to the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls base. This magnificent waterfall cascades down a sheer red-rock face and disappears into the trees below.

To get to the top of the Chimney, visitors can either take the 26-story elevator or walk 500 steps, about 31 flights of stairs. The North Carolina General Assembly approved this park in 2005, making it a relatively recent addition to its parks system.