- [Rob] In the world of the 2020s,
it's easy to think that a perspective like this,
is only possible with a device like this.
[drone buzzing]
But the stunning views
at Chimney Rock State Park near Asheville
are readily available the old fashioned way,
by putting one foot in front of the other.
- [Matthew] Chimney Rock State Park
is essentially 7,000 acres.
The main attraction here absolutely is the chimney itself.
The 315-foot spire offers awesome views of Lake Lure,
to the west of us,
and the north of us,
you can see views of the mountains.
And then if you look east and you look south,
it flattens out to the Piedmont.
So on a nice clear day,
you can see up to 75 miles in the distance.
- [Bobby] We were awed.
The scene from up here in Chimney Rock's amazing.
Rock formation is pretty.
- [Rob] Pretty and prehistoric,
and then some.
- [Matthew] This area geologically
is about 500 million years old.
And essentially the rock spire formed by erosion.
So,
wind, water,
ice freezing and thawing
basically chiseled away softer rock,
leaving behind the hard granite that we see today.
- [Rob] While Chimney Rock's surface may be hard,
the trek to the top of it doesn't have to be.
- [Matthew] You can access the spire two different ways,
you can hike up the Outcroppings Trail,
which is 500 steps,
or unique to Chimney Rock,
is actually we have a 26-story elevator.
You can take a 30-second ride to the top,
and that's very unique.
It's literally built into the side of the mountain.
- [Robin] We like to take advantage of that,
but we also like to challenge ourself,
and do some of the hikes.
So, it felt like we got a little bit of both.
It's nice to know we can still,
still do something that's a little bit strenuous.
- [Olivia] Chimney Rock is beautiful.
You can see very high up,
but at the same time,
you know that there's still more height.
- [Matthew] The park has additional trails,
up above Chimney as well.
We have one that leads to a place called the Opera Box,
which is a really cool rock overhang,
that you can have views down on top of the chimney.
- [Matt] I also think that the exclamation point
was very, very nice as well,
if you have the time,
to definitely check that out,
and see the amazing views.
Picturesque, great for posting on social media.
- [Matthew] You're looking at about
five miles worth of trails,
which doesn't sound like much,
however, the elevation gain,
that'll really get your heart racing.
So, it sounds like not a lot of trails,
but very steep elevation trail.
- [Rob] Well, like most trails at Chimney Rock,
the climbing doesn't happen all at once.
There are flat sections,
to give you a chance to catch your breath.
- [Matt] It's nothing too extreme.
I saw a lot of people,
families,
little toddlers,
really all age groups could really do these trails,
and it's a good time.
- [Matthew] Well, if you haven't been to Chimney Rock,
in in a while,
what's new is our our stair system that we have,
if you choose to hike up the stairs,
is a lot wider.
There's also many places to stop and rest.
Other things that are new,
is our Skyline Trail,
that leads out to the top of the waterfall.
- [Rob] Yes, waterfall.
After climbing high,
many Chimney Rock visitors
conclude their trip with a walk back down the mountain,
to a different kind of spectacular scenery.
- [Matt] Going inside the waterfall itself,
actually dipping my feet in the water,
feeling that really nice, cold, fresh air,
it's very, very nice.
- [Matthew] The waterfall that we have,
is called Hickory Nut Gorge Waterfall,
and the waterfall height is about 404 feet.
- [Vijay] I'm been to Chimney Rock,
but I've never been to this waterfall.
But this really beautiful place.
The water really pure and clean.
- [Rob] And rooted in pure nature.
Atop the chimney,
along the trails,
and wading in the water,
is a chance to take a step back,
and reconnect with your surroundings.
- What I hope that people come to the park,
and leave with is just a greater appreciation
of the beauty of nature.
Our hope is that the appreciation
leads into a greater stewardship of the land.
- [Deborah] To plan your visit to Chimney Rock,
go to chimneyrockpark.com.