Day Trip From Asheville to Chimney Rock

August 24, 2022

Looking for a fun day trip from Asheville? Chimney Rock is one of our favorite spots and it is only about a thirty minute drive from our inn.

Chimney Rock State Park

This beautiful State Park offers dramatic mountain scenery with the signature 315-foot spire overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. There are six hiking trails, most considered to be a moderate hike. We recommend the Hickory Nut Falls trail. This 404-foot waterfall was made famous in the movie, “The Last of the Mohicans”. The trail itself is a moderate, 1.4 mile out-and-back and takes you through mature forest with diverse flora and fauna. Upon reaching the base of the falls, you will find a unique ecosystem with many rare plants and animals. If you are lucky, you will spot one of the water snake species that call this area home.

Hickory Nut Falls
Hickory Nut Falls

Make sure to stop by the Animal Discovery Den to view the park’s animal ambassadors and plan to see the interactive Animal Encounter program where you will get the opportunity to meet some animals. You will learn about their habitats, history and how these animals came to live at the park.

Old Rock Cafe

If you are looking for a lunch or early dinner spot, the Old Rock Cafe offers burgers, grilled sandwiches, salads & soups. A few years ago, Old Rock Cafe made the Zagat’s “Must-Try Burgers across the Country” list. The burgers and sandwiches we have tried have all been great. The location is convenient and right next to the entrance of Chimney Rock State Park. We recommend sitting on the deck next to the creek and listen to the soothing sounds of the water while enjoying your meal.

Lunch at Old Rock Cafe

Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery

Brews with views is the best description of Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery. With four decks that go all the way down to the water’s edge, you can sit along the banks of the Rocky Broad River while watching a blue heron and quenching your thirst with a traditional English ale. The food is British pub fare and is very good especially if you are looking for a larger meal with options besides sandwiches. It’s such a great spot to kick back and unwind after hiking at Chimney Rock Park.

Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery beer with a view
Brew with a view at Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery

Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room

Voted North Carolina’s winery of the year for several years running, wine lovers must plan a stop at Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Bistro. Their patio offers gorgeous views of both Chimney Rock and Hickory Nut Falls. Choose to do a wine tasting or just sip on a glass of one of their award winning wines. There are light bites on the menu and some days there is live music.

Burntshirt Vineyards wine with a view
Wine with Fall color views

Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

If you love flowers (and butterflies when in season), it is worth a few minutes drive down the road to see the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. This historic, three-arch bridge was built in 1925 and was transformed into beautiful gardens in 2013. Volunteers help to maintain and plant these impressive gardens. If you want to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and learn more about the various plants and flowers, there is a phone number you can call to listen to an informative audio tour.

The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

 

Looking for more ideas for your trip to Asheville? Check out our new podcast series, “Adventures in Asheville”, on Big Blend Radio. The first episode will be “ Adventures at Chimney Rock ” but be sure to check out our other adventures the first Tuesday of every month.

Snowman in a hat and scarf stands in front of a snow-covered house with lit windows.

Top 10 Winter Activities in Asheville

By odysys_admin • December 15, 2025
Biltmore Estate There is never a bad time to visit the iconic Biltmore Estate but winter brings a yuletide oasis. Now through January 4, 2026, you can experience the beauty of thousands of lights, over 100 Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and sparkling garland. The winter season of January through March also brings lower prices and less crowds. Explore Beer City USA The local craft brewing scene has exploded and Asheville has been voted Beer City USA four years in a row, Asheville takes extreme pride in being home to over 20 local craft brewers. Whether you take a Brews cruise or a DIY tour on the Asheville Ale Trail, a brewery hopping exploration is the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a cold, winter weekend. Foodie Experiences Find out why Asheville ranks first in the South Atlantic region in the RewardExpert’s Best American Foodie Towns . With hundreds of restaurants and farm fresh eateries, you will not be disappointed by the choices of restaurants. Take a guided eating tour with a professional foodie to sample and taste some of Asheville’s best restaurants. Asheville Restaurant Weeks (January 20-26, 2026 and February 17-23, 2026) Try some new restaurants or revisit favorites. Get the lowest prices of the year, with a prix fix menu at $15-$35/person. With dozens of choices, there’s something for all appetites! Asheville has been touted by many as one of the top ten food and wine destinations in America. Hiking Less crowds means quieter hikes. It is a great time to hit the trails! Discover peace and solitude with expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a cool, clear day. Dupont State Forest offers several hikes from easy to difficult. It is famous for being one of “The Hunger Games” film locations. Chimney Rock offers breathtaking views of the gorge after climbing up the chimney. Pisgah National Forest offers the opportunity of seeing a frozen waterfall at Daniel Ridge Falls. Sharpen your photography skills Choose a half-day or full-day photo tours with our friends, Chris & Bonnie at Asheville Photo Tours. Explore some of the most photogenic but lesser-known locations in the Blue Ridge and Asheville areas. Take an art class Tap into your creative side with some of the talented, local artists. Day and weekend workshops include oil painting, acrylics, watercolor, inks, bookbinding, and pottery. Live music Asheville has been called “One of America’s Greatest Music Cities”. There is a vibrant music scene with live music of all genres from bluegrass to rock. Experience some of the very best in live music and find out why The Orange Peel has been called the country’s premiere Live Music Hall and Concert Venue. The Orange Peel offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment rarely found in a club of its size. Other fun venues include The Grey Eagle and Asheville Music Hall. Pamper yourself There is nothing quite like a luxurious foot soak in a hand-hammered copper bowl. Enjoy a fragrant, rejuvenating, and moisturizing sole to soul experience at Wake Foot Sanctuary. A signature massage can be added on for an extra splurge. Indulge in a romantic getaway Snuggle up with your loved one next to one of our cozy fireplaces with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine at The Lion and the Rose
Road beneath an arched stone bridge covered in vines and surrounded by trees.

Haunted Asheville

By odysys_admin • October 30, 2025
We are lucky to have great friends that grew up in Asheville. They have told us about some interesting local hauntings and strange experiences. With Halloween around the corner, we thought this was the right time to share some of these ghost stories and legends of paranormal activity.
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