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Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls Trail

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls Trail

Moderate

3.3

(4)

hikers

Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls Trail

Q: How long does it take to hike the Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls Trail?

The entire route, which combines both the Four Seasons Trail and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, is approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) long. Hikers typically complete it in about 3 hours and 48 minutes, depending on pace and stops.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this hike?

This route offers a varied experience. The Four Seasons Trail is considered moderate to strenuous, with a climb of nearly 400 feet over 0.6 miles. In contrast, the Hickory Nut Falls Trail is generally easy to moderate, making it suitable for families and beginners, with a mostly gentle incline.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail . It's always a good idea to check current park regulations for the Four Seasons Trail as well, but generally, Chimney Rock State Park is pet-friendly.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The Four Seasons Trail lives up to its name, offering beauty year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer provides a lush green canopy, autumn boasts vibrant fall foliage, and winter offers long-range views. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is also enjoyable in all seasons, with the added spectacle of massive ice formations near the falls after significant cold snaps in winter.

Q: Are there any entrance fees or permits required for Chimney Rock State Park?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Chimney Rock State Park, which includes access to the trails like the Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls. You do not need a separate permit for hiking once inside the park. It's advisable to check the official Chimney Rock State Park website for current admission rates and operating hours before your visit.

Q: Where can I park and access the trailhead?

Parking is available within Chimney Rock State Park. The trailheads for both the Four Seasons Trail and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail are accessible from within the park. Follow signs once inside for specific parking areas and trail access points.

Q: What can I expect to see along the route?

You'll encounter diverse scenery, from towering deciduous forests with house-sized boulders on the Four Seasons Trail to the majestic 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls . Other highlights include Chimney Rock Summit , Exclamation Point , and an Upper View of Hickory Nut Falls . The base of the falls also hosts a unique ecosystem with rare plants and amphibians.

Q: Is the trail family-friendly?

The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is particularly suitable for families and beginners due to its easy to moderate terrain and well-maintained path. While the Four Seasons Trail is more strenuous, many families enjoy sections of the park. Picnic tables and resting areas are available along the falls trail.

Q: What kind of terrain will I encounter?

The Four Seasons Trail features a narrow but well-defined path through a deciduous forest, with interesting rock formations and cliffs. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is mostly shaded with a gentle incline, but does include some rocky areas and a small set of stairs near the base of the falls.

Q: Does this route intersect with other trails?

Yes, this route incorporates significant portions of the Four Seasons Trail and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail . It also passes through sections of the Skyline Trail, Great Woodlands Adventure Trail, Exclamation Point Trail, and Outcroppings Trail, offering opportunities to explore more of Chimney Rock State Park.

03:48

9.05km

590m

Hiking

Embark on the Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls Trail for a dynamic hiking experience that combines a challenging ascent with the reward of a towering waterfall. This moderate 5.6-mile (9.0 km) route, featuring 1928 feet (588 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes. You'll traverse the steep, stair-laden Four Seasons Trail, winding through a rich deciduous forest, before transitioning to the gentler Hickory Nut Falls Trail that leads directly to the impressive 404-foot waterfall.

To hike this trail, you'll need a ticket for Chimney Rock State Park, where the route is located. Parking is available within the park. Consider visiting in spring for vibrant wildflowers or in autumn to witness the spectacular fall foliage, though the winter months offer unique long-range views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Always check park conditions before you go.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems and impressive rock formations within the Hickory Nut Gorge. The base of Hickory Nut Falls supports rare plants and amphibians, adding to the natural wonder. The waterfall itself gained fame from its appearance in the film "The Last of the Mohicans," making it a notable landmark in the region.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Chimney Rock State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

63 m

Four Seasons Trail

Highlight • Trail

There are multiple trails traveling to multiple viewing areas and overlooks from this trailhead. There is good signage at the start of the trail with a map explaining how to get to each of the observation areas.

Tip by

1.53 km

Chimney Rock Summit

Highlight • Summit

Chimney Rock is located in the state park of the same name in North Carolina, near the area around the beautiful Lake Lure. The actual 96-meter-high rock can be easily climbed via several flights of stairs. In true American style, there is even an elevator, and the summit plateau is of course well-decorated and offers a fantastic view of the Broad River valley.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.81 km

Exclamation Point – Chimney Rock State Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great for a perfect photo not only on the top of the rock but also along the park.

Tip by

3.69 km

Upper View of Hickory Nut Falls

Highlight • Viewpoint

This spot provides breathtaking views of the Upper part of Hickory Nut Falls, a 404-foot waterfall renowned as one of the tallest in the eastern United States. From here, you can admire the impressive cascade against the backdrop of lush green forestry, making it a must-see on the hike.

Tip by

7.04 km

At the base of Hickory Nut Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

The base of the waterfall can be reached via a 1.4 mile (2.25 kilometer) long circular hiking trail. From an observation platform you have a beautiful view of the water cascading down more than 100 meters. This also offers a popular photo opportunity.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9.05 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.77 km

4.04 km

199 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.95 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Monday 13 July

23°C

18°C

98 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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Comments

February 17, 2024,Chimney Rock

The weather looks really good in the pictures. It was 5 degrees but an extremely icy wind. But as we walked it got warm enough. Have a nice weekend

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May 3, 2022,Chimney Rock Tour

Great hiking area in the national park, the lower path to the waterfalls offers a better view of them, the upper one has a better view of the distance and the surrounding mountains. Great views of the valley and lake from Chimney Rock. In total we spent a good 4.5 hours in the park.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike the Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls Trail?

The entire route, which combines both the Four Seasons Trail and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, is approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) long. Hikers typically complete it in about 3 hours and 48 minutes, depending on pace and stops.

What is the difficulty level of this hike?

This route offers a varied experience. The Four Seasons Trail is considered moderate to strenuous, with a climb of nearly 400 feet over 0.6 miles. In contrast, the Hickory Nut Falls Trail is generally easy to moderate, making it suitable for families and beginners, with a mostly gentle incline.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. It's always a good idea to check current park regulations for the Four Seasons Trail as well, but generally, Chimney Rock State Park is pet-friendly.

What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The Four Seasons Trail lives up to its name, offering beauty year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer provides a lush green canopy, autumn boasts vibrant fall foliage, and winter offers long-range views. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is also enjoyable in all seasons, with the added spectacle of massive ice formations near the falls after significant cold snaps in winter.

Are there any entrance fees or permits required for Chimney Rock State Park?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Chimney Rock State Park, which includes access to the trails like the Four Seasons and Hickory Nut Falls. You do not need a separate permit for hiking once inside the park. It's advisable to check the official Chimney Rock State Park website for current admission rates and operating hours before your visit.

Where can I park and access the trailhead?

Parking is available within Chimney Rock State Park. The trailheads for both the Four Seasons Trail and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail are accessible from within the park. Follow signs once inside for specific parking areas and trail access points.

What can I expect to see along the route?

You'll encounter diverse scenery, from towering deciduous forests with house-sized boulders on the Four Seasons Trail to the majestic 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Other highlights include Chimney Rock Summit, Exclamation Point, and an Upper View of Hickory Nut Falls. The base of the falls also hosts a unique ecosystem with rare plants and amphibians.

Is the trail family-friendly?

The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is particularly suitable for families and beginners due to its easy to moderate terrain and well-maintained path. While the Four Seasons Trail is more strenuous, many families enjoy sections of the park. Picnic tables and resting areas are available along the falls trail.

What kind of terrain will I encounter?

The Four Seasons Trail features a narrow but well-defined path through a deciduous forest, with interesting rock formations and cliffs. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail is mostly shaded with a gentle incline, but does include some rocky areas and a small set of stairs near the base of the falls.

Does this route intersect with other trails?

Yes, this route incorporates significant portions of the Four Seasons Trail and the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. It also passes through sections of the Skyline Trail, Great Woodlands Adventure Trail, Exclamation Point Trail, and Outcroppings Trail, offering opportunities to explore more of Chimney Rock State Park.

What wildlife and plants might I spot?

The trails are rich in biodiversity. Depending on the season, you might see wildflowers like trilliums and bloodroots, blossoming Carolina Rhododendrons, Eastern Redbuds, and Common Silverbells. The forests are home to giant oaks, hickories, maples, magnolias, and poplars. Birdwatchers can spot warblers, vireos, and tanagers during migration. The cool, damp rock face at the base of Hickory Nut Falls supports a unique ecosystem for rare plants and amphibians.