Category: State Parks

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Springs State Parks United States

Florida’s Gorgeous De Leon Springs

De Leon Springs
De Leon Springs

De Leon Springs State Park is one of the most stunning natural attractions in the state of Florida.  It’s one of those cool sights that focuses on both nature and history.  It is definitely a must-see if you’re in the area.  It is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando, Daytona, or Jacksonville.

History of De Leon Springs

Long before De Leon Springs was a state park, it was a plantation known as Spring Garden Plantation.  The site was home to the first water-powered sugar mill in Florida.  The mill was built in 1832 and parts of the machinery and brickwork are preserved behind the restaurant (more on this later!).

This area was also home to the Seminole tribe who attacked the plantation in 1835.  During their raid, they destroyed the mill, stole cattle and slaves.  Two years later, General Zachary Taylor and his troops were finally able to drive the Seminoles out.  In 1849, a team of about 100 slaves reconstructed the mill and plantation and harvested cotton and sugar.

The plantation owner began providing supplies to the Confederate Army with supplies.  Upon hearing this, the Union troops destroyed the plantation in what was known as Birney’s Raid.  

When the war ended, Spring Garden became a tourist destination.  Visitors arrived via steamboat and railroad.  To help attract more tourists, the name was changed to Ponce de Leon Springs and locals claimed the springs were the Fountain of Youth.

The Ponce de Leon Springs Hotel and Casino was constructed.  Though it only had 14 rooms, it quickly became a hot spot for wealthy Northern visitors.  By the 1950s the site featured tropical gardens, a jungle cruise, a tram tour, oh yeah… and a water skiing elephant.  

In 1982, the state of Florida took over the attraction and attempted to make it a little less cheesy.  Today, the park system maintains 625 acres surrounding the springs.

What is there to do at De Leon Springs?

The park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.  If you keep your eyes peeled, you may be able to spot a bald eagle!

The parks offers a 50-minute eco/history boat tour on the Spring Garden Run.  Visitors that are on the waiting list for the restaurant can hop on the boat tour without losing their place in line.  A minimum of eight passengers is required for the tour to commence.

The springs are also popular for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming.  There are canoes and kayaks available to rent on the property.

Swimming and snorkeling is permitted in the natural pool area but not in the Spring Run due to boats and alligators.  The water is a constant 72 degrees.

There is a gorgeous half-mile paved hiking trail with interpretive signs not far from the restaurant.  The Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail is a four-mile loop where you might spot deer, turkeys, wild hogs, and the elusive Florida black bear.

Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant

In the early 1900s, a structure was built on top of the foundation of the 1830s mill.  The building was later converted to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant commonly referred to as the Sugar Mill Restaurant.  The restaurant features griddle tables where visitors prepare their own pancakes.  Breakfast and lunch are available.  The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays.  They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Visiting Information

  • The park is open from 8 AM until sunset 365 days a year.

Fees:

  • $6 per vehicle: 2-8 people
  • $4 per vehicle: one person only
  • $4 per motorcycle
  • $2 per person for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

Nearby Springs

Are There Alligators in the Springs?

Something visitors need to understand about Florida is that alligators can be found in any fresh body of water. Our state is home to more than a million alligators that live in lakes, rivers, marshes, canals, springs, and even ponds at places like Disney and golf courses.

There is always the possibility of seeing an alligator in a fresh body of water. In fact, as Floridians we just assume that they are lurking around.

However, alligators don’t tend to like all of the splishing and splashing. Think of them as cranky old people. They’ll try to stay as far away from humans as possible.

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Palatka State Parks United States

Tranquil Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Parks is one of the most beautiful state parks in north Florida.  Thousands of years ago, two natural ravines were carved by a local spring.  The ravines can be up to 120 feet deep and have steep banks covered with local plants.    The stunning park has 60 acres open for exploring.  

When this hidden gem opened on July 4, 1933, it consisted of 270,000 plants in a formal garden and planted along the slopes of ancient ravines.  Today, the park is a combination of formal and natural gardens.  It is one of the nine Florida parks featuring New Deal era structures.  The fieldstone terrace, rock gardens, and entrance are all reflective of construction during this time period.  

At the park’s entrance, there is a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt who spearheaded the New Deal and served as President during the park’s opening.  

Hiking at Ravine Gardens State Park

Ravine Gardens State Park is home to the famous Azalea Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile trail that winds throughout the park’s ravines.  The trail features two suspension bridges and about a gazillion stone steps.  The trail is considered to be strenuous because of its narrow and steep paths, roots, muddy bottoms, and stairs. 

You do not have to complete the entire two-and-a-half-mile trail- there are lots of entry and exit points that take you down to the springs where the trail is easier to navigate and you can sneak back to the parking area.

 

If you’re looking for a less challenging hike, try out the Main Park Drive Loop.  This paved path is 1.8-miles long and follows the rim of the ravine systems.  You’ll still be able to enjoy all of the scenery of the ravines, just from a different point of view.

Visiting the Park with Children

This is a great space to visit with your family.  The park has a playground and several spaces that are perfect for a picnic.  Admittedly, the trails can be a little tough (many hikers that we passed had trekking poles).  However, we also saw a family with 6 kids (all under the age of 12) that handled the trail like pros.  I think it all boils down to experience.

Smiley (7) did great on the trails.  It was an excellent work out for both of us.  At the end she remarked that she “felt the burn” (meaning her muscles were burning from the exercise).  I think the steps would have been hard to navigate for the twins (3).  

If you do plan on visiting with kids, you may want to consider the Main Park Drive Loop.  Probably one of the coolest thing about the park is the suspension bridges.  One of these bridges is easily accessible at the very beginning of the trailhead.  You could easily walk across the suspension bride and then head down the neighboring steps to walk along the creek bed.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

If you’ve ever been to Florida in the summer, you know how miserable our weather can be.  The summer months are hot, humid, and often wet.  The best time to visit Ravine Gardens State Park is during the cooler months.  During the park’s blooming season (January through March), visitors will be surrounded by the park’s signature flower- the azalea.  This is our favorite time to visit.

Visiting Information

Ravine Gardens State Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.The park uses an honor box to collect fees- exact change is required.  

$5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)

$4 single-occupant vehicle

$2 pedestrians and bicylclists

Where is the Ravine Gardens State Park Located?

The park is located in Palatka, Florida.  The park is just over an hour from Jacksonville and 45 minutes from St. Augustine. 

Physical Address:

1600 Twigg Street
Palatka, Florida   32177

What to Bring Along With You

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Palm Coast St. Augustine State Parks United States

Florida’s Stunning Washington Oaks Gardens with Kids

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

We got a little stir crazy last month so we spent a lot of time checking out parks like Castaway Island Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We added a new park to our list when we hit up the gorgeous Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. We’ve learned that parks are a great place where we can get out, stretch our legs, enjoy the sunshine, and still social distance.

What is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park?

Just south historic St. Augustine, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River is a stunning park called Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. The park preserves 425 acres of coastal scenery. Tucked in between the hammocks is an immaculate and extremely impressive 20-acre formal garden.

What are the highlights?

  • 20-acre formal gardens
  • 425 acres of coastal scenery
  • The largest outcroppings of coquina rock on the Atlantic Ocean
  • Fishing from the beach or the seawall along the Mantanzas River
  • Hiking and biking trails

Things to Know…

  • The cost is $5 per vehicle
  • The park is open from 8 AM until sundown
  • A1A passes through the park. The beach is located on one side of A1A and the rest of the park (including the formal gardens) is located on the opposite side.
  • The Coquina Rock formation is the largest on the Atlantic Coast. The formation is located nearly 1/4 a mile north of the parking lot.
A roped of sea turtles nest. DO NOT DISTURB

Where is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park located?

The park is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River in Palm Coast, Florida.

The physical address is: 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd Palm Coast, Florida

Our Experience

We headed south from Jacksonville to Palm Coast early in the morning, not really knowing what to expect of the park. We first headed to the seawall to watch the boats float by on the Matanzas River. The boys are obsessed with boats so they were in heaven watching all of the vessels sail by! There were a ton of fishermen on the seawall, so I assume the fishing must be decent there. There were also a group of people holding up signs asking boaters to slow down due to the presence of manatees in the area.

Next, we took a short hike down one of the trails. There were several markers indicating the various species of plants that lined the trail. It was a great place for the kids to stretch their legs after our car ride!

Afterwards, we checked out the formal gardens. They were absolutely lovely!

Then, we crossed A1A to hit the beach on the Atlantic side of the park. The water was incredibly choppy and wasn’t very safe for our little ones to play in. I also didn’t realize that the coquina formations were nearly 1/4 mile down the beach from the parking lot. We decided that it was too far to walk there and back with the twins so we skipped it.

After leaving the park to find somewhere more clam to swim, we ended up at a little cove known as Helen Mellon Schmidt Park. It was the perfect place for the kids to splash around!

Our Park Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Beach Wagon

What is there to do nearby?

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**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Jacksonville State Parks United States

Blackrock Beach in Jacksonville, Florida with Kids

Blackrock Beach

We’ve been going a little stir crazy this month so we’ve spent a lot of time checking out parks like Castaway Island Preserve, and Fort Clinch State Park, and the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. We added a new park to our list this month when we hit up a stunning and remote beach frequently known as Blackrock Beach. You may sometimes hear it referred to as Boneyard Beach.

What is Blackrock Beach?

Blackrock beach is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets. This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after the rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!

Things to Know…

  • Parking cost is $3 per vehicle.
  • The beach is open from 9 AM until 5 PM.
  • To access the beach, park at the Blackrock Trailhead and walk 1/2 mile through the woods.
  • Pack plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. This is Florida, after all.
  • Make sure you pay attention to the tides, the entire beach can disappear during high tide.

Where is Blackrock Beach Located?

The beach is located off of Heckscher Drive in Big Talbot Island State Park. To access the beach, park in the Blackrock Trail parking lot and walk 1/2 mile down a trail through the woods.

Our Experience

I’ve been visiting Blackrock for years. In fact, I used to come here with my friends when I was in high school. We’d pack a cooler and a small grill and post up for the day. Man, those were the days!

Of course, nearly twenty years later, things are totally different. Experiencing Blackrock with kids is a whole new experience. The 1/2 mile hike from the parking lot to the beach feels a lot longer these days! You’ll definitely want to have bug spray and a beach wagon to tote all of your stuff. The mosquitos and yellow flies in Florida are no joke!

The trail opens up to magnificent views of Blackrock Beach. You instantly feel as if you’ve been transported to another planet. Sun-soaked white-washed trees are scattered all over the beach haphazardly. Just down the beach are the Mars-like black “rocks” that gave the beach its name. This place is out of this world!

Smiley loves being able to climb on the fallen trees and jump in the tidal pools. She has a blast chasing after crabs and frolicking in the water. The trek out to the beach can be difficult for littles, but luckily the twins can hike with the best of them. Our beach wagon works well on trails and on the beach so it would definitely come in handy when hitting the beach.

 

 

Our Blackrock Beach Essentials

Beach Wagon– great for navigating in the sand
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

What is there to do nearby?

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

 

Updated: 7/25/2021

Categories
Disney Florida Jacksonville Monthly Recap Orange City Orlando Palm Coast St. Augustine State Parks United States

A Recap of Our July Adventures

We have had quite an adventurous month! After being quarantined for four months, we became a bit stir crazy and began spending a lot more time checking out our local parks.

We took a few trips to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where we got up close and personal with a ferocious tiger! We spent a lot of time checking out our favorite animals, the bonobos.

This month we also visited the El Faro Memorial where we accidentally acquired a new kitten. We named him Captain Independence in honor of the fallen seamen and the 4th of July (the day we found him).

Our family checked off several local parks with visits to Sheffield Park, Castaway Island Preserve, and Blackrock Beach.

We spent a day exploring Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and Helen Mellon Schmidt Park in St. Augustine, Florida.

We spent a long weekend exploring central Florida with stops in Gamble Rogers State Park, Disney Springs, and Blue Springs State Park. We also visited smaller parks like Gemini Springs.

Smiley and Mama Elle had a “Mommy and Me” day that included a day trip down to St. Augustine. We enjoyed yummy donuts on the walls of Castillo de San Marcos before heading south to Marineland.

Later in the week we visited The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Memorial Park and Riverside park in our hometown of Jacksonville.

We rounded out the month by spending some time at our favorite beach, Huguenot, and testing out our new paddleboard at our favorite lake.

Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Orange City Springs State Parks United States

Stunning Blue Spring State Park With Kids

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park will always hold a special place in our heart because it was the first spring that we visited with the kids.  It is an amazing place to swim, tube, paddle, snorkel, and even manatee watch!

What is Blue Spring State Park?

Blue Spring State Park is located in Central Florida. What was once a hub for steamboats is now a winter refuge for manatees. Temperatures in the spring run remain at 72 degrees, year-round, making it a safe haven for West Indian manatee. In fact, when we visited in January of 2023, there were 625 manatees in the run!! When the weather cools down, manatees congregate in the natural spring where the water temperature is warmer than in the surrounding areas.

What are the highlights?

  • Swimming/tubing in the spring
  • Snorkeling and scuba diving
  • Paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing (available for rent)
  • Hiking or biking the 3.6 miles (one way) Pine Island Trail
  • Guided river boat cruise
  • Camping

Things to Know…

  • Arrive early! The park frequently reaches capacity during the week and weekends during the winter and summer months. (see “Our Experience” for more info).
  • The park is open from 8 AM until sundown.
  • The cost to enter is $5 per vehicle.
  • You can rent inner tubes at the park.
  • If you bring your own inner tube, you can pay between $1 and $3 to have it inflated for you.
  • The water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round
  • There is typically a food truck on-site however, you can also purchase burgers, hotdogs, corndogs, nachos, soft pretzels, etc. at the cafe.

Where is Blue Spring State Park located?

Physical Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

Our Experience

Y’all, Blue Spring State Park is poppin’!  The springs open at 8 AM, 7 days a week. On Saturday morning we woke up and headed to the springs. We arrived just before 8:30 and they were already at capacity. Man, this place fills up quickly!

We returned later that day, at about 4:00 and the park had started to empty out. Since we weren’t going to be there long, we didn’t bother to break out the floats. We grabbed “Smiley’s” boogie board and put floatation vests on all of the kids and made the short trek from the picnic area, down the boardwalk, to the spring. The water felt freezing when we first got in, but our bodies quickly adjusted to the temperatures. It was amusing to watch everyone’s initial reaction to hitting the water. We floated down the spring run to the exit landing, which was just a short distance away.

Our son “82” hated it, at first, most likely because it was the first time he’s ever been in 72 degrees water. “Stinky” quickly adjusted to the water and was fine after the first initial tears. Smiley was in heaven!

Day Two

The next morning, we got to the park at 7:27 which was 33 minutes before the park was scheduled to open. At that point, we were the 72nd car in line (yes, I counted). One of the rangers told me that they were going to cut the line off at 150 cars. Once the park opened, it took us about 30 minutes to reach the ranger station to pay. The admission was $5.

Fortunately, we were able to stake out a picnic table where we could leave our stuff and have breakfast and lunch. We quickly saw that most people made this an all-day event! The park filled up rather quickly, we were fortunate to have been able to claim this spot.

Click here to order this awesome float!

The park has floats that you can rent. We brought our own, however. You can pay between $1 and $3 (depending on the size of the raft) to have your raft inflated. To me, this was well worth saving all of my hot air.

The kids adjusted to the water much more quickly on day two. They loved being able to ride in our float, kick their feet in the cool water, and check out the fish that swam by. We saw several different fish in the spring ranging from gar to tilapia.

After a couple of rides down the spring run, we decided to take a walk. We spotted hundreds of fish and even a decent-sized alligator, not far from where we had been swimming.

St. John’s River Cruise

After lunch, we hopped on a boat and took a one-hour “cruise” on the St. John’s River. It was a little slow-paced for the kid’s taste. The captain was very knowledgeable and stopped several times to point out various birds along the way. We didn’t spot any manatee or alligators on the river.

After our river cruise, we took one last run down the springs and called it a day. I think it’s safe to say that we all had an incredible time. Hitting the springs is the perfect way to beat the Florida heat!

 

Our Winter Experience

As I mentioned above, during the winter months, manatees flock to the spring because the water is warmer there than in the river.  Over the last few years, the number of manatees that migrate to the wildlife refuge have skyrocketed!  On our visit (1/15/23) there were 625 manatees in the run!  When we originally published this post in 2020, it was a big deal to have 300 manatees in the spring.

The park opened at 8 am and when we pulled in at 9:15.  At that time, there was already a long line waiting to get inside the park.  It only took us about 15 minutes to get inside the park.  

We walked out on to the floating dock, along the boardwalk and were able to see hundreds of manatees.  It was pretty cool!  Admittedly, it was harder for the kids to see the manatees because they often just looked like shadows in the water, unless the manatees were surfacing.

While it was cool for them to see, it was definitely more entertaining for adults.

Our Spring Essentials

Floats and Rafts

SportsStuff Noodler 2
River Run Inflatable American Flag 2 Person Tube Float with Cooler
Giant Flamingo Float
Giant Unicorn Float

More Fun Stuff!

Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable Paddleboard (I swear by this one!)
Full-Face Snorkel Mask

Safety

Puddle Jumper Vest
Swim Vest
First Aid Kit

Skin Care & Insect Repellent

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

Towels & Swim Suits

Toddler Striped Hooded Poncho Towels
Women’s Boardshorts
Women’s 50+ SPF Shirt
Girl’s Roxy Rashguard

While You’re in Orlando

 

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

**Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. All opinions are my own. Pinkie swear**

 

Updated:  1/15/2023

Categories
Fernandina Florida Florida State Parks State Parks United States

Historic Fort Clinch State Park with Kids

Fort Clinch

Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day life? Fort Clinch State Park is one of the best State Parks in northeast Florida. When pulling into the driveway, you are instantly transported into the “Real Florida”. This is the perfect place to become one with nature and to take a step back into our state’s rich history.

There is plenty to do at Fort Clinch Park. Not only is the park home to a charming Civil War-era fort, but it is one of the best places in the area to find shark teeth. The park has a handful of excellent hiking/biking trails.

What is the history behind Fort Clinch?

Construction of the first fortifications on this site began in 1736, however, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that the Fort Clinch that we know started to take shape.  They should have put a woman in charge, it would have been built in no time (haha).  After the War of 1812, a series of forts (including Fort Clinch) were built along the eastern coastline of the United States to defend against foreign invaders.

After that, the construction of modern-day Fort Clinch began in 1847. However, when the Civil War started in 1861, the fort was only about two-thirds completed. For example, the cannons had yet to be mounted to the walls. Due to its location, the fort defaulted to Confederate control. Booooo, right?

Soon the Union swept through the area and started to gain control of southern Georgia. As a result, General Robert E. Lee gave the order to evacuate the fort. The Union troops quickly took over the fort and continued to enhance the fortification. When the fort was abandoned in 1869, it was still under construction.

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The kids at Fort Clinch, 2020
The kids at Fort Clinch, 2024

What are the highlights of Fort Clinch State Park?

  • Visiting the fort
  • Shark tooth hunting
  • Shelling
  • Bicycling (there are 3.3 miles of paved road and 6 miles of multi-use trails)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking

Where is the park located?

The physical address is:

2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

Our Thoughts on Fort Clinch State Park

We’ve spent many days wandering around Fort Clinch State Park. It’s a great place to escape the madness of our day-to-day lives. The hiking/biking trails here are fantastic. Our dogs love wandering through the woods and marsh. Be on the lookout for (alli)gators!

Likewise, the fort itself is amazing. The crew that works at the park has done a phenomenal job maintaining the park and helping it come alive. The kids love being able to peer into the windows of the prison, barracks, bakery, storehouses, hospital, kitchens, blacksmith shops, etc. All of the rooms were furnished to help recreate the feeling of living in the fort in 1864.

The kids also like to explore the rampart and gun deck to check out the cannons. This part of the fort offers incredible views of Cumberland Island and Cumberland Sound.

Also, a “soldier” is on duty every day of the year. Be sure to ask them questions and interact with them while you’re there!  

 

Lastly, searching for sharks’ teeth is another one of our favorite things to do at the park. It’s best to hunt for shark teeth during low tide (when there is more beach exposure) or after a storm (when things get washed up onto the beach).

We have visited the park countless times with the kids and they never get bored of it!

Our Park Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

What is there to do nearby?

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Updated: 3/5/2024

Categories
Lake Lure/Chimney Rock North Carolina North Carolina State Parks State Parks United States

Breathtaking Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina

Chimney Rock State Park is one of the most popular parks to visit in North Carolina. Each year more than a quarter of a million visitors come to climb 499 steps (or take the super convenient elevator) to the top of the outcropping for absolutely breathtaking views.  From its top, you’ll discover 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

 

What is Chimney Rock?

The rock is a 35 million-year-old, 315 feet high chunk of granite situated above the summit of the Village of Chimney Rock. It is the highlight of Chimney Rock State Park! Once you’re at the top, you have an amazing vista of Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Mountains that will knock your socks off!

How do I get to the top?

You’ll begin your journey by weaving up the mountain until you reach a parking lot. From there, you’ll be shuttled up to the top of the mountain in a minibus. Once you reach the visitors center you have two options: climb 499 steps up to the lookout or ride the elevator.

The park is pet friendly however, dogs are not permitted to ride the elevator so if you bring your pooch, you’ll have to take the trails.

The Outcroppings Trail is a series of stairs cases that lead to several vantage points. Admittedly, it is A LOT of steps but if you’re young and active, it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a hell of a cardio and leg workout and there are plenty of opportunities to catch your breath.

On our most recent trip, we took the elevator since we had the kiddos. The elevator takes you right through the center of the rock and allows for easy access to the Chimney. If you’re trying to fit other things in your day (Lake Lure, Biltmore Estate, etc.), this is the way to go!

The elevator drops you off at the gift shop/snack bar. A grand American flag signals your arrival to North Carolina’s most iconic rock formation.   You’ll still have to tackle a few stairs to get to the top of the Chimney, but the views from the top (on a clear day) are absolutely worth it! Be sure to take a moment to soak in the view- after all, you worked pretty hard to get there!

Chimney Rock Park Trails

Chimney Rock has six unique hiking trails that meander around the park.  The Four Seasons Trail leads from the first parking lot to the base of Chimney Rock.  The trail is only .7 miles but climbs almost 400 feet through a dense forest.  The trail meets up with the Hickory Nut Falls Trail.

The Outcroppings Trail has nearly 400 steps that lead all the way up to the chimney.  Once you’re at the chimney level, the Exclamation Point Trail winds its way up to Exclamation Point, which has an elevation of 2,480 and absolutely insane views of the gorge.

From Exclamation Point,you’ll find yet another trail.  The Skyline Trail is a little over a mile long, and is atop of the ridge of the chimney.  The trail leads to Peregrine’s Point which is the chimney’s highest accessible viewpoint.  The path is wide but it is uphill and rather strenuous.  If you’re able to make the hike, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the headwaters of Hickory Nut Falls.  Hickory Nut Falls is the tallest waterfall in a North Carolina state park and one of the tallest east of the Mississippi River.  The falls were featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit?

The cost for a single day ticket is $17 per adult and $8 per youth (ages 5-15). Children under 5 are free.

The price includes parking, access to all of the trails and the elevator (when in operation).

The Village of Chimney Rock

In 1902, a physician named Lucius Morse traveled to the area in search of clean, mountain air to help combat his recent tuberculosis diagnosis. He fell in love with the mountains, chimneys, and cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge.  Morse returned home to share his discovery with his older twin brothers.  Together, the three of them purchased the land with the lofty goal of damming the Rocky Broad River and making the area a tourist destination.

Today, their vision is known as the Village of Chimney Rock.  The area of known for its hiking trails, water sports (kayaking, canoeing, water rafting), and its stunning views.

After your hike, be sure to pop into the village located at the entrance of the park. The village is small, with pretty much everything off of the main street. We stayed at a charming Air B&B during our visit. There are a ton of options available in the area! Some places we visited while we were in town include Broad River Coffee (yum!), and Riverwatch Bar & Grill. 

Our Thoughts on Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is an excellent place to visit if you have a couple of extra hours in the area. It’s well worth the trip from Asheville or Hendersonville, especially if you combine it with time at Lake Lure. We’ve visited in the winter, spring, and summer. The warmer months definitely offer views of the surrounding area.

Where is Chimney Rock Located?

Getting there is a breeze. It is located in the adorable, quaint Village of Chimney Rock, which is easily accessible by I-40. The drive from Asheville is roughly 40 minutes. It is located near Lake Lure, one of our favorite places to visit during the summertime.

Dirty Dancing Festival

If you’re looking to have the time of your life (see what I did there?), you should consider visiting Chimney Rock during the month of September.  Chimney Rock is home to the annual Dirty Dancing Festival.  

The two day festival is centered around the movie Dirty Dancing which was filmed on Lake Lure.  The festival features entertainment and activities based on the movie.  Dress up as your favorite character, dust, off your Keds, and break out your best dance moves!

Other North Carolina Scenic Attractions

DuPont State Forest– This will forever be one of my favorite parks.  It offers incredible hiking trails and the park features several iconic waterfalls.

Blue Ridge Parkway-  One of the classic American drives is the Blue Ridge Parkway.  You could easily spend an entire day navigating the switchbacks and stopping at the scenic overlooks.

Grandfather Mountain– Grandfather Mountain is the most popular natural attraction in all of North Carolina.  There are several different hiking trails, but the most popular is MacRae’s Peak.  The challenging trail  a handful of wooden ladders as well as a few rope pulleys to assist in the steep climb. Fun fact:  My family, the MacRae’s, have strong ancestral ties to this mountain. 

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Updated: 11/7/21

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