city guide

The best waterfalls in Chimney Rock

A hand-picked guide to 1 of the most stunning waterfalls in Chimney Rock. Each entry below has our personal notes, photos, driving directions and the practical detail you need to plan a visit — from parking and hike lengths to swimming rules and the best time of year to go.

#1 · 122 m drop

Hickory Nut Falls

Chimney Rock · North Carolina · United States

Chimney Rock State Park is located in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Covering 32.43 square kilometres, the park is about 40km southeast of Asheville. It is a paradise for nature lovers, with spectacular scenery and peaceful hiking trails.

The park is also home to Hickory Nut Falls, which appeared in the epic movie The Last of the Mohicans.

Standing 123 metres tall, it is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. We hiked a 2.4km return trail to see the waterfall from the viewing area.

Read the full guide to Hickory Nut Falls

Safety first

Stay safe at every waterfall

Wet rocks, hidden currents and fast-changing weather catch out experienced hikers every year. Read our quick safety guide before you head out.

Read safety tips