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Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is a 1,000 acre scenic attraction located in the Hickory Nut Gorge of Chimney Rock, NC. The park features dog-friendly hiking trails and amazing 75-mile views. Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a beautiful hike to take with your leashed dog at any time of year. The 1.4 mile round trip leads visitors to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Magnificent views await those who take this gently rolling trail with gradual, moderate uphill sections, rocky terrain, and a small staircase at the base of the falls. The hike should take 45 minutes to an hour. Picnic tables, benches, and resting areas are located at several points along the trail. Visit Website

Or call +1 8286259611 or email visit@chimneyrockpark.com for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

Chimney Rock State Park has received a rating of 5.0 out of 5 bones by 13 canine critics on BringFido and 3.5 out of 5 by 1,626 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Cori
    Feb 4, 2024
    Great views!

    We went up to the exclamation point and stopped at every view point along the way. Everyone else was very friendly around my pup and he had a blast climbing all the stairs and poking around!

  • Kirby
    Feb 1, 2024
    Neat place

    We live nearby and enjoy the walk with our dog and the awesome views

  • Lil' Bit
    Oct 6, 2023
    Must see for Dog Owners

    Staff was so friendly for me and my dog. I would totally make this a must see for anyone with fur babies.

  • Shannon
    Jul 15, 2023
    Great Experience

    We were able to take our pup to the top of Chimney Rock. We used out doggy backpack while up there to make it easier for him. They we walked the 1.4 mile Hickory Nut Trail to the waterfall. Our pup did great and enjoyed smelling all the new smells. The weather was beautiful, and it made for an awesome day. All the staff we encountered were super friendly.

  • Brandon
    May 9, 2023
    Exhausting but rewarding.

    Me and my 11yo Beagle mix Cody did the Hickory Nut Falls trail and then up to Chimney Rock and the Opera Box. The trail to the bottom of the falls is a lot easier than the others we did as those were mostly uphill and up flights of stairs, but when you get to Chimney Rock, you really feel like you accomplished something. The dog handled the hike better than I did but we both had an absolute blast. They even gave him a couple treats when we drove in at the ticket gate! Very picturesque, if you’re looking for some great views and want to tire your pup out, this is the place!

  • Laurie
    Aug 18, 2022
    Great adventure for my pup!

    Frankie, my 2 year old Maltipoo, loved the hike up chimney rock as well as the hike to hickory nut falls. met lots of other dogs along the way. take plenty of water for your pooch.

  • Brooke
    Aug 10, 2022
    Dogs loved it

    we hiked all the way to Exclamation Point and the waterfall with our dogs. The people there were so nice and courteous if we needed to get by or take a quick break. it’s a great workout for energetic pups. My dog seemed to be having a great time navigating the steps.

  • Melissa
    Aug 2, 2022
    Awesome workout!

    Beautiful views and terrific trails with a lot of stairs to tire the pup out!

  • Justine
    May 16, 2021
    Great place to visit!

    Lilly (our energized beagle) really loved visiting here! They were all very welcoming to dogs. Lots of steps — which made for a tired dog for the rest of the day... which is what we wanted! 😅 Dogs can go everywhere but elevator and store up top. Highly recommend!

  • Cassandra
    Dec 7, 2019
    Beautiful Views!

    My dogs had a great time, all of their trails dog friendly! I recommend getting there early to avoid crowds. It’s $17 to get in but worth it. Dogs are not allowed in the elevator but you can take the stairs (about 800 steps) to get from “four seasons trail” all the way to the skyline trails.

  • Kimberly
    Mar 31, 2019
    Great dog hike

    My dogs were welcomed into the park with a treat at the entrance. Dogs are permitted everywhere except the elevator and restaurant. The hike to the top was difficult for me but my dogs had no trouble 😂. Great views and cardio. It was a little expensive $17 to enter but well worth it

  • Tilly
    More than a year ago
    Great Workout and super dogfriendly

    Nov 20 2017 is when I visited. Because the top parking lot where you access the chimney Rock is closed due to landslide, entrance fee to the park was reduced to $6. I had to park in the first parking lot where the restrooms are. The Great Woodlands trail, Four Seasons Trail and Hickory Nut Falls Trail to the falls we're open along with everything located in the parking area. The woodlands trail, 0.4 miles, is great for kids, and the hike is easy. The four seasons trail, 1.4 miles round trip, is uphill climb... Strenuous!! I didn't know what to expect, because I was going to hike to the fall from the 2nd parking lot to the hickory nut falls. The four seasons trail has A LOT of steps and all uphill. The trail is also rocky. Allow plenty of time for breaks. The trail connects to the hickory nut falls trail with a 60+ step wooden staircase. From there, the hike to the falls is about 0.6 miles. Because it is November, the falls was pretty but there wasn't a lot of water. I assume it would be more grand during rainy seasons. The trip back to the car was much easier for me, because be careful because going down the steps can be hard on the knees and ankles, and the trail can be slippery. Overall, I can't believe I made it, and my little two 13-lb terrier mix hiked it without any problems. I had to tell them to wait for me!! 😂 I would definitely do it again.

    About 5 years ago, I climbed the Outcroppings which is the 500+ step staircase to the Chimney Rock. It was challenging but also a great workout. There is a trail from the Chimney Rock to the top of the waterfalls. I didn't hike that trail than because it was narrow and I didn't want my little dog to slip and fall off.

  • Tyler
    More than a year ago
    Great place to hike with dogs!

    Great place to hike with dogs! Chimney Rock State Park was very dog friendly, I'm glad we came. Well behaved leashed dogs are allowed everywhere in the park except the elevator and inside buildings where food is served (state health regulations). Most of the park has reopened after the wildfires in 2016. You can walk the trail to the top but they also have other trails in the park. The view was amazing. They had a water station set up about halfway up the trail to the chimney top to make sure dogs have water on the hike. Park admission is free on your birthday (with valid photo ID), otherwise it was $15 when we went.

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Chimney Rock State Park