Right now
Right now as of Nov 4, 2026
- Permit Ticket required ($17 adults, $8 ages 5 to 15).
Status note (Nov 4, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell: on Nov 4, 2026 the NC Parks Chimney Rock page listed hiking trails as "Partially Open. Weed Patch Mountain Trail, Tunnel Trail, and Riverwalk Trail are closed." Hickory Nut Falls Trail was not on that list. The operator says the park is open daily. What the status labels mean
Hickory Nut Falls is a 404-foot waterfall in Chimney Rock State Park, which NC Parks places 25 miles southeast of Asheville. NC Parks lists the Hickory Nut Falls Trail as 0.7 mile one way and moderate. The trail is inside the Chimney Rock attraction, which charges admission: $17 per adult for a 1-day ticket, as listed on Nov 7, 2026. The attraction reopened on June 27, 2025, after Hurricane Helene.
About Hickory Nut Falls
Hickory Nut Falls drops 404 feet down the side of Hickory Nut Gorge. NC Parks and the attraction's operator both give that height. The operator calls it one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
The falls are in Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County, run by the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. The fee attraction around the Chimney is operated by Chimney Rock Management, LLC. NC Parks says that company sets the prices, hours and season schedule.
GNIS lists the falls as Hickorynut Falls, and Wikipedia gives that as another name. The operator says the falls were featured in the film "The Last of the Mohicans."
Hurricane Helene and the 2025 reopening
The attraction closed after Hurricane Helene and reopened on Friday, June 27, 2025, nine months after closing, per the operator. It says the worst damage was the washout of the park bridge.
Small landslides also blocked the park road, the operator says. Railings, retaining walls and trees were damaged, and the elevator flooded. Its June 2025 release said guests would enter over a temporary bridge in Chimney Rock Village. The operator's FAQ says the elevator is running again.
Not every trail in the park is open. On Nov 4, 2026, NC Parks listed the Weed Patch Mountain, Tunnel and Riverwalk trails as closed. Hickory Nut Falls Trail was not on that list. NC Parks also said Eagle Rock Access remains closed until further notice.
Getting there and parking
Hickory Nut Falls is inside the Chimney Rock attraction, so you enter at the Ticket Plaza and drive up the park road. The operator's tickets page says US 64 from Hendersonville and NC 9 from Lake Lure are both open.
The operator gives a temporary address of 174 Chimney Rock Park Rd., Chimney Rock, NC 28720 (GPS 35.432163, -82.249549). NC Parks still lists 743 Chimney Rock Park Road for the Chimney Rock Access and Park Office. For driving directions, use the operator's GPS point.
Parking and the trailhead
NC Parks puts the trailhead near the top of the park road. You can park in the upper lot and walk carefully back down the road. You can also take the set of stairs next to the restrooms in the upper parking area.
When the lot is full, the operator's FAQ says you can park in the Meadows, and a park associate will take you to the top. The operator lists no separate parking fee. It gives the top parking lot's elevation as 1,965 feet.
Other North Carolina falls
High Shoals Falls in South Mountains State Park is another tall state park falls, but its trail is closed after Helene. Looking Glass Falls near Brevard and Catawba Falls near Old Fort have their own pages with current status.
Map and nearby falls
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Hickory Nut Falls Trail
NC Parks lists the Hickory Nut Falls Trail as 0.7 mile one way, moderate, hiking only and not accessible. The operator calls it a 1.4-mile round trip, out and back. It says the average hiker takes 45 minutes to an hour.
The trail leads to the base of the falls and hugs the side of Hickory Nut Gorge, NC Parks says. The surface is natural ground and gravel. The operator says there are picnic tables and benches along the trail.
The operator calls the trail gently rolling, with several moderate uphill sections and some rocky ground. There is a small set of stairs at the base of the falls. The operator does not suggest strollers or wheelchairs.
Neither NC Parks nor the operator publishes an elevation gain for the trail.
Skyline Trail or Hickory Nut Falls Trail?
Pick the right trail if you want to see the falls. The operator says the Hickory Nut Falls Trail is the one for seeing and photographing the whole waterfall. The Skyline Trail leads to the headwaters at the top and gives no view of the falls.
Accessibility
The operator says the Chimney and the trails are not wheelchair accessible, though it offers a loaner wheelchair. The elevator is running, per the operator's FAQ, but NC Parks says pets are not allowed in it.
When to visit
From November 1 to December 31, the operator opens the gate for entry from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The park closes at 6 p.m.
From March 8 to October 31, the gate is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the park closes at 7 p.m. The operator's trail page says the Hickory Nut Falls Trail closes one hour before the park.
Holidays
Holiday hours differ by source. NC Parks says Chimney Rock access is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The operator lists Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Christmas Day closed. Check with the park before a holiday visit.
Crowds, ice and flow
Reservations are recommended on busy weekends and holidays, the operator says. Its list includes weekends in October through early November. Reservations use 1-hour arrival windows.
The operator says that after a cold snap, the falls can freeze from top to bottom. It may close the park for the day if it is very icy or there is a flood warning. We found no official statement on the best month for flow.
Prices and hours change by season. NC Parks says those changes usually happen in the first week of January, March and November, so check the operator's site before you go.
| Height | 404 ftNote: per NC Parks and the Chimney Rock operator |
|---|---|
| Trail | Hickory Nut Falls Trail: 0.7 mi one way, moderate, natural surface and gravel (NC Parks); the operator calls it 1.4 mi round trip, 45 minutes to an hour |
| Difficulty | Moderate (NC Parks): gently rolling with several moderate uphill sections, some rocky ground and a small set of stairs at the base (operator) |
| Entry fee | Admission to the Chimney Rock attraction: a 1-day ticket is $17 per adult and $8 per youth (ages 5 to 15). Children 4 and under are free (operator, as listed on Nov 7, 2026). Chimney Rock Management, LLC sets the prices, which change seasonally. |
| Permit / reservation | No permit; an admission ticket to the Chimney Rock attraction is required, and reservations are recommended on busy days |
| Parking | Upper lot; overflow in the Meadows |
| Hours / season | November 1 to December 31: gate open for entry 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., park closes at 6 p.m., open daily. The trail closes one hour before the park (operator) |
| Dogs | Allowed on park trails on an attended leash no longer than 6 ft; not inside buildings or in the elevator (NC Parks) |
| Swimming | NC state parks allow swimming only in designated areas, and NC Parks lists none at Chimney Rock |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No: NC Parks lists the trail as not accessible. The operator lends a wheelchair but says the Chimney and the trails are not wheelchair accessible |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | Restrooms in the upper parking area, next to the stairs toward the trailhead (NC Parks) |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; the operator says the falls can freeze top to bottom after a cold snap |
| Crowds | Busy on weekends and holidays: the operator recommends reservations then, including weekends in October through early November |
| Managed by | NC Division of Parks and Recreation (Chimney Rock State Park); the Chimney Rock attraction is operated by Chimney Rock Management, LLC |
Safety and swimming
NC Parks' waterfall rules apply here. Never climb on or around waterfalls, because rocks are more slippery than they look. Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools, and never play in the stream above a waterfall.
Do not try to take photos or selfies at the top of a waterfall, NC Parks says. That matters here, because the Skyline Trail reaches the headwaters at the top of Hickory Nut Falls.
NC state parks allow swimming only in designated areas, and NC Parks lists none at Chimney Rock. Drones are prohibited without a special permit, per the operator and NC Parks rules.
Rock climbing is allowed only with a guide or a permit, and NC Parks says "There are no camping facilities at Chimney Rock." Dogs must stay on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet.
The operator may close the park for the day in very icy weather or during a flood warning. See our waterfall safety guide for more on slick rock near falls.
Conditions change: confirm with the official source before you go.
Where to stay near Hickory Nut Falls
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Photos
Hickory Nut Falls FAQ
How tall is Hickory Nut Falls?
404 feet, according to both NC Parks and the Chimney Rock operator. The operator calls it one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
How long is the hike to Hickory Nut Falls?
0.7 mile one way, per NC Parks, or 1.4 miles round trip, out and back, per the operator. NC Parks rates it moderate. The operator says most hikers take 45 minutes to an hour.
How much does it cost to see Hickory Nut Falls?
You need a ticket to the Chimney Rock attraction. As listed on Nov 7, 2026, a 1-day ticket is $17 per adult and $8 for ages 5 to 15, and children 4 and under are free. Chimney Rock Management, LLC sets the prices, which change seasonally.
Do you need a reservation for Chimney Rock?
Not always. The operator recommends reservations for busy weekends and holidays, including weekends in October through early November. Reservations use 1-hour arrival windows, and Annual Passholders can enter anytime.
Is Hickory Nut Falls open after Hurricane Helene?
Yes, as far as we can tell. The attraction reopened on June 27, 2025, and the operator says it is open daily. On Nov 4, 2026, NC Parks listed only the Weed Patch Mountain, Tunnel and Riverwalk trails as closed.
Are dogs allowed on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail?
Yes. NC Parks says pets are permitted on park trails on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not allowed inside buildings or in the elevator.
Can you swim at Hickory Nut Falls?
No. NC state parks allow swimming only in designated areas, and NC Parks lists none at Chimney Rock. NC Parks also says never to climb on waterfalls or dive into plunge pools.
Was Hickory Nut Falls in The Last of the Mohicans?
Yes. The Chimney Rock operator says the falls were featured in the film "The Last of the Mohicans."
Nearby waterfalls
Catawba Falls12 mi straight-lineOpen205FT
Triple Falls & High Falls26 mi straight-linePartly open125FT
Crabtree Falls27 mi straight-lineClosed60FT
Looking Glass Falls30 mi straight-lineOpen60FT
Moore Cove Falls30 mi straight-lineOpen50FT
Sliding Rock31 mi straight-lineOpen60FT
High Shoals Falls37 mi straight-lineClosed80FT
Linville Falls40 mi straight-linePartly open150FT
Whitewater Falls51 mi straight-lineOpen411FT
Soco Falls51 mi straight-lineOpen120FT
Elk River Falls55 mi straight-lineOpen65FT
Mingo Falls58 mi straight-lineOpen120FT
All waterfalls in North Carolina
City guides: Waterfalls near Asheville, NC · Waterfalls near Brevard, NC · Waterfalls near Charlotte, NC
Sources
- NC Parks: Chimney Rock State Park (trails, pets, fees, safety; read Nov 4, 2026)
- Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: Hickory Nut Falls Trail (read Nov 4, 2026)
- Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: Info and tickets (read Nov 7, 2026)
- Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park: hours, FAQ and June 10, 2025 reopening release (read Nov 4, 2026)
- NC Parks: Park safety and respect, waterfall safety (read Nov 4, 2026)
- NC Parks: Park rules (swimming, drones; read Nov 4, 2026)
- USGS GNIS: Hickorynut Falls (coordinates; read Nov 4, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Hickory Nut Falls (read Nov 4, 2026)
Last verified Nov 4, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with NC Division of Parks and Recreation (Chimney Rock State Park); the Chimney Rock attraction is operated by Chimney Rock Management, LLC before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.