The best walks and hikes around Edneyville

The Exclamation Point Trail in Chimney Rock State Park offers a unique journey through a cliff-side habitat, featuring a combination of stairs and switchbacks. As you climb, you'll pass the Opera Box, which provides views of Lake Lure, and the distinctive Devil's Head rock formation. The trail culminates at Exclamation Point, where you're rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the entire Hickory Nut Gorge, including the iconic Chimney with the American Flag.

This moderate 0.7-mile (1.1 km) hike involves 315 feet (96 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 37 minutes. Since it's located within Chimney Rock State Park, an entrance fee is required, and parking is available at the park's main lot. Dogs are permitted on the trail, provided they are kept on a leash.

Exclamation Point is aptly named for its breathtaking vistas, which were even featured in the film "The Last of the Mohicans." The unique high-altitude environment supports bonsai-like trees clinging to stone and offers opportunities to see lizards and birds soaring at eye level. For those wanting to extend their adventure, the Skyline Trail begins here.

The Bearwallow Mountain Trail offers a delightful journey through shaded woodlands before opening up to a vast, grassy summit. You'll navigate well-built rock steps and switchbacks on your way up, with the option to descend via a gravel service road for a slightly different experience. The real magic happens at the top, where nearly 360-degree views stretch across the Hickory Nut Gorge, revealing distant peaks like Mount Mitchell and Mount Pisgah, often shared with grazing cattle.

This easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike involves a steady 573 feet (175 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 39 minutes to reach the top. It's a popular choice for families and dog owners, though dogs must be leashed due to the free-roaming cows. The trail is located about 19 miles from Asheville, making it a convenient and rewarding outing for a quick dose of mountain air and stunning scenery.

Bearwallow Mountain is part of a working farm, giving it a unique character with its friendly, free-range cows. The mountain is also protected by Conserving Carolina, ensuring its natural beauty and public access for years to come. It connects to the larger Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail System, including trails like the Trombatore Trail, offering options for longer hiking adventures if you're looking to explore further.

The Hickory Nut Falls Trail offers a delightful journey through a mature deciduous forest, leading to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. As you hike, you'll pass through lush greenery, spotting wildflowers and rhododendrons, especially in spring and summer. The path is mostly shaded, with a gentle incline that becomes a bit rockier and steeper near the end, culminating in the dramatic 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. This easy 0.9-mile (1.4 km) hike, with 407 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 29 minutes, making it an ideal family-friendly outing.

Located within Chimney Rock State Park, there's typically an entrance fee to access the trail. While the path is well-maintained, good hiking shoes are advisable for the rocky sections and stairs near the falls; strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you. Consider visiting in the fall for stunning foliage or even in winter to witness the rare sight of the falls frozen solid. Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons.

Beyond its natural beauty, Hickory Nut Falls gained fame as a filming location for "The Last of the Mohicans." The unique, cool, and damp environment at the base of the falls supports a rare ecosystem, home to various plants and amphibians. For those seeking more adventure, the trail conveniently connects to other routes within Chimney Rock State Park, offering options for longer hikes and panoramic views.