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Chimney Rock & Rutherford County Areas

About Chimney Rock & Rutherford County Area

CHIMNEY ROCK IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO VISITATION DUE TO DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE HELENE.  

Rutherford County, located in  the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is home to Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure, Forest City, Spindale and the county seat of Rutherfordton which celebrated its 225th anniversary in 2012.

The Village of Chimney Rock is situated in Hickory Nut Gorge which contains almost three miles of the scenic Rocky Broad River. Chimney Rock Mountain at Chimney Rock State Park offers 75-mile views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Hiking trails leads to Hickory Nut Falls and other scenic rock formations.

Area Visitor Centers

Lodging, Dining, Things to Do

Bear Den Campground Lake

Stories from Chimney Rock & Rutherford County Areas

Joyful children stand at the top of a sledding hill with their sleds.
7 Ways to Enjoy the Parkway’s Wide Open Spaces (Even when the road is closed)
December 31, 2020
Biking, Hiking Trails, Stargazing, Waterfalls, Fishing, Winter Sports, Motorcycle Route
When high elevation nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, sections of the Parkway may be closed due to ice and snow. The roadway is not plowed or salted so closed areas become wonderful winter playgrounds for pedestrians, cyclists, skiers and snowshoers alike.
411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.
Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
September 9, 2020
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
The view from Waterrock Knob reveals nearby evergreens and rows of mountains ridged in shadows in the distance.
Nature & the Outdoors Along the Blue Ridge Parkway Regions in NC & TN
April 17, 2020
Biking, Caves & Caverns, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Nature & Outdoors, Swimming, Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Water Sports, Waterfalls, Family-friendly, Budget-Friendly, Pet-Friendly
Whether you are enjoying the entire Blue Ridge Parkway or just visiting regions in North Carolina or Tennessee, there are many ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors, even in the lodging opportunities available along the route.
Price Lake is located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Where to Beat the Heat & Swim Along the BRP
July 15, 2019
Water Sports, Swimming, Lakeside, Seasonal, Family-friendly
If you're wondering where to go swimming during your Blue Ridge Parkway trip, we've rounded up all the best spots. While there are some beautiful waters located right on the Parkway itself, swimming is not allowed in Parkway waters. But there are no shortage of great swimming holes nearby, as well as guided rafting tours, kayak rentals, tubing, and some beautiful lakeside rentals.