Hickory Nut Falls

Rutherford County, North Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Rutherford County, North Carolina
Access status: State park trail with admission fee; official trail description
The walk: About 1.4 miles return
Ground & access: Natural surface and gravel with a gentle grade. Rocks near the falls are very slippery. Hiking only; pets on a leash of 6 feet or less.

NC State Parks: Trails at Chimney Rock State Park

Hickory Nut Falls, NC
Photo credit
Photo: 5minutes, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Drive the park road to the upper parking area. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail starts at the last sharp switchback just below the lot; walk carefully back down the road, or take the stairs beside the upper restrooms down to the trail. The trail follows the side of the gorge to an observation platform at the base of the falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Hickory Nut Falls Trail from the upper parking area at Chimney Rock State Park

NC State Parks lists the Hickory Nut Falls Trail as 0.7 mile one way. Waterfall Hero also gives 1.4 miles for the whole walk.

Natural surface and gravel with a gentle grade. Rocks near the falls are very slippery. Hiking only; pets on a leash of 6 feet or less.

Where to start

Chimney Rock access, 743 Chimney Rock Park Road, Chimney Rock. Park in the upper parking area near the end of the park road. The park asks visitors to park only in designated areas.

Timing & water

Open year round except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Gate hours change by season; check current hours before going. Weed Patch Mountain, Tunnel and Riverwalk trails are closed; the Hickory Nut Falls Trail is not on the closed list.

Before you go

Admission is charged per person at the Chimney Rock attraction; Chimney Rock Management sets prices and hours. Tickets can be bought in advance.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore North Carolina

Waterfall location

Rutherford County, North Carolina.

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