This loop takes you to both of the Park's main landmarks - the Chimney itself and Hickory Nut Falls, the second-highest falls east of the Mississippi River. The loop can be hiked in either direction; here it is described in a clockwise direction, starting at the Chimney. From the main parking area, you can access the beginning of the loop two ways: take the elevator to the Sky Lounge and cross a bridge to the Chimney, or follow one of three paths through the Outcroppings up to the Chimney. Be sure to bring a printed trail pamphlet which details significant ecological and geological features along the trail, available in a box near the Restrooms.
The Chimney, the Park's main attraction and the start for this hike, was formed by complicated geologic processes including differential erosion, as is explained by the interpretive boards located near this feature. There are boards and signs like this all along the trail which helps you understand and appreciate the experience of hiking here. The view from the Chimney is excellent. It is accessed by a set of steps bridging the gap between the mountain and to top of the rock. Don't worry - more traditional hiking is located further along the trail, and the views, if anything, only get better!
From the top of the Chimney, descend the stairs and ascend the set opposite them, starting up the climb. As a benefit of your entrance fees, each intersection in the Park is well signed and some have a detailed map, so carrying one is not necessary. Shortly, a side path leads to the Opera Box and a great view. You'll be in a slot between the cliff below and the one above. Returning from that landmark, you will climb straight up the cliff on a tall, steel and wood staircase structure which has some unique views. There's nothing else like this when hiking in WNC! After reaching the top of the stairs, head right for a view of the Devil's Head. This interesting rock formation is perched on a ledge high above the valley, and again the view is great. From here, your climb is not over. The trail continues steeply uphill and climbs on wooden sets of stairs. The forest here is relatively dry. You'll find lots of chestnut oaks along this hike which are tolerant of the conditions. Look also for cucumbertree and other mixed hardwoods as well on this section.
The trail switches back for the final time about 200' above the staircase and begins traversing the mountainside above the cliffs. In some places, there are interesting structures which carry you over the ground and hug the mountainside. This helps protect the sensitive plant community that grows here. In other places, you will be walking an actual dirt trail, and the surface is generally moderately rocky and rooty with some asphalt sections. The next view you will reach is called Exclamation Point, and you may exclaim something when you see the incredible view. This is a big, open rock face and there are interesting potholes carved into the solid stone. You can also see the fragile plant communities that have taken hold in the depressions on the bare rock. Stay on solid rock to minimize your impact to the environment here, and stay on the trail and behind all fences. They are there for your protection. You're nearing the top here, which is actually a little bit further down the trail. At 2480', this is the highest point you will reach in the park, which is a very modest altitude. Keep in mind that this is just slightly higher than the city of Asheville. This way you can envision how far above the Flatlands this city really is, and you can see how far the Broad River has cut into the Blue Ridge!
During wet weather, the trail may be wet in spots past here and small trickles will be coming down the frequent rock faces to your left. You'll reach another view point - Peregrine's Rest - which offers up your first view of Hickory Nut Falls. The trail is descending here, on more rock steps, wooden structures, and occasional dirt stretches. In the area around Peregrine's Rest, you'll start to notice some conifers mixing in with the hardwoods. Most of these are Carolina Hemlocks, a spectacular native alpine tree that grows here and in the nearby surrounding mountains - and nowhere else in the world! These majestic trees are threatened by an exotic pest - the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. As you can see, they are well adapted to their high, windy environment and their loss would be a tragedy. Click here to find out more about this threat, and what you can do to help stop it.
You'll pass by a large, rare, healthy grove of Carolina Hemlocks on the left and then the trail will enter a rhododendron tunnel. At this point you know you are nearing the stream above Hickory Nut Falls. At the stream, a strange pointed bridge crosses to the other side just below a small cascade and nice wading pool. You may wade safely here, as there are signs and barricades keeping you away from the top of the falls. Continue on the trail and you'll pass a nice cascade on your right, which you can get to the base of safely. Just don't go downstream from here! The trail crosses on another bridge between this small cascade and Hickory Nut Falls, with a view over the brink to the town below and the side of the gorge on the other side. Right after crossing this bridge, you'll go through a gate and you'll now be on the Cliff Trail.
The Cliff Trail follows a natural ledge which starts here at the top of the falls and heads over toward Inspiration Point. Then, it angles down toward the base of the Chimney (how convenient!). The first significant landmark you will encounter is Nature's Showerbath, a large drip (or even a small falls during very wet weather). The water falls right onto the trail and you will likely get a few drips down your collar. On a hot day, this will feel very nice. Another way to cool of on a hot day awaits just down the trail. An enormous crack in the cliff face will likely be pouring out cold, damp air like a trailside air conditioner! This was the case last time I hiked here - and did it ever feel nice! So I stayed here a while. I'm sure passers-by were wondering what I was looking at in that crack!
A chain-link fence is erected along this trail - and it is there for your safety. Do not try to cross it - the views are just as good from the trail. And the view you get is spectacular - with the sheer cliff stretching above you into the sky and the panoramic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge below. You will start to get sporadic views back towards Hickory Nut Falls, and your next named landmark is Inspiration Point. Here you have two options. Take the steps to the left to reach the viewing area. Or take the walk to the right - a tight squeeze between a large boulder and the main cliff - to avoid the extra steps. But, the steps are worth the view, and an inspiring view it is! From here you can see the entirety of Hickory Nut Falls to your left and Lake Lure to your right. Both options join back together after just a few feet, and begin descending, again following along this natural ledge.The trail is descending lower along the cliff face by now, and your next named landmark is Wild Cat Trap. It is again a very tight squeeze here! The trail will begin going back into the forest at times as you near the base of the cliffs. You'll pass over Groundhog Slide, where the cliff below you is not quite as sheer. I wonder where that name came from. Can you imagine seeing a groundhog sliding down this incline? I have to admit I did when I saw the name on the sign, and - call me cruel, but it really made me laugh to think about it! The clever naming of the natural features is one of the things I really like about this park.
Toward the end of the loop the trail descends more steeply, and at one point a large boardwalk traverses a sheer, smooth rock face which cascades into the forest floor below. This is an impressive structure and you have to appreciate how much had work went into constructing and maintaining this trail so that you can enjoy the incredible landscape you've just traveled through. A normal trail without these structures just wouldn't do the trick in this three dimensional world!
The trail ends about halfway up the Outcroppings trail. Turning right will take you back to the Chimney. Take any one of the trails to the left to descend through the Outcroppings to the main parking area.
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