The North Carolina Mountains offer a captivating retreat during the summer, especially our quaint mountain town of Saluda, NC. These majestic mountains are graced with cool, refreshing air, verdant landscapes, and many outdoor activities that appeal to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. There are plenty of reasons to visit our romantic retreat in the North Carolina mountains, but one of our favorite day trips is to nearby Chimney Rock.
There are plenty of things to do in Chimney Rock, NC, with one of the most notable being climbing to the top of Chimney Rock State Park itself. This enchanting village is known for its panoramic views that extend far beyond the horizon. Though the views are great from the top, the village at the base of Chimney Rock State Park is just as enchanting. Of course, Chimney Rock is just one of the mountain towns we hope you visit this summer.
Whether you prefer a leisurely hike through the lush forests or an adrenaline-pumping adventure across the treetops of the North Carolina Mountains, it won’t take long to fall in love with this beautiful, quaint, and welcoming part of the country. Add a few days of blissful respite at one of the most charming mountain getaways near Asheville, and you have the perfect recipe for a fulfilling summer adventure.
The Orchard Inn is the best bed and breakfast near Asheville. Not only do we provide a serene mountain retreat with comfortable guest rooms, but we also offer an upscale, highly rated restaurant, an on-site spa for some pampered indulgence, and exceptional, detail-orientated hospitality that will leave you feeling like you’re a part of our family. We look forward to sharing the best of the North Carolina mountains with you this summer. Book your stay at our top-rated mountain getaway near Asheville today!
The Best Things to Do in Chimney Rock, NC
Chimney Rock, NC, is a small mountain town nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a town best known for Chimney Rock State Park. Chimney Rock is a towering 315-foot granite monolith that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. It’s beautiful during the verdant summer months, but as the mountains get set ablaze with color each fall, the trip up the rock gets even more magnificent.
Visit Chimney Rock State Park
The highlight of any trip to Chimney Rock, NC, is a visit to the park. More specifically, to the top of the park! The challenging hike to the top of Chimney Rock State Park is a must-do for all visitors to this charming mountain town. But, for those who may not be up for the hike, there’s an elevator carved into the mountain, making this gorgeous view accessible to all. That’s not all there is to do there, though. Below, we’ve listed some of the best things to do at Chimney Rock State Park.
- Hike the Outcroppings Trail to the top of Chimney Rock State. It’s the most iconic thing to do in Chimney Rock, NC. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 75-mile breathtaking and panoramic view of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Hike the Hickory Nut Falls Trail to one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, standing at an impressive 404 feet tall.
- For great views of Chimney Rock itself, head to the Exclamation Trail. From an overhang called the Opera Box, you’ll see the iconic rock formation, along with another gorgeous view of the mountains and valleys beyond.
- For the more adventurous, the park offers opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. Climbers can tackle the challenging routes up the park’s rugged cliffs under the guidance of experienced local outfitters who provide equipment and instruction.
Explore the Village
When you’re done exploring Chimney Rock State Park, head down to the village at the base of the rock. Here are more things to do in Chimney Rock, NC:
- One of the best things to do in Chimney Rock, NC, is to stroll down Main Street to discover unique boutiques offering local crafts, souvenirs, and artisanal goods.
- After hiking to the top of the rock, stop in for lunch at one of the village’s cozy cafes or riverside restaurants.
- Enjoy a wine tasting at Burntshirt Vineyards, one of the top-rated things to do in Chimney Rock, NC.
- If you’d rather enjoy a cold pint of beer, head to Chimney Rock Brewing!
Of course, after you’ve taken in the views from beautiful Lake Lure from the top of Chimney Rock, don’t miss your chance to visit these beautiful waters. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Lure, too!
One of the Best Mountain Getaways Near Asheville
With incredible mountain towns like Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and Saluda to discover, you may never want to leave the North Carolina mountains – and we could hardly blame you! If you’re looking to center yourself for a beautiful retreat in the mountains, let it be at The Orchard Inn. We’re rated as one of the best mountain getaways near Asheville. Our accommodations are comfortable, we offer exceptional onsite dining with a menu fit for gourmands, and we offer an unforgettable setting with panoramic views of the North Carolina mountains to come home to at the end of the day.
Our romantic mountain getaway is around 30 minutes outside Asheville, offering guests a nearby but secluded retreat to relax and unwind. Here, guests will enjoy stunning mountain views, fresh, clean air, open porches, and fantastic onsite amenities with a carefully curated guest experience. Our hotel features a range of accommodations, each outfitted with high-quality amenities, including luxurious linens and robes, a fabulous pillow menu for your perfect night of sleep, whirlpool tubs in some guest rooms, complimentary drinks throughout your stay, freshly baked cookies upon arrival, and so much more!
Onsite, you’ll find other amenities to enjoy, like outdoor firepits, a signature spa for relaxing massages, Saturday morning yoga classes, and, of course, our award-winning restaurant. Each morning of your stay, a stay at our mountain getaway comes with a delicious, made-to-order breakfast at Newman’s Restaurant. As you return home from your adventures for the day, we invite you to join us at Newman’s Restaurant once again for a romantic, elevated meal. With regularly rotating menus, you can expect seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and one of the finest dining experiences in the area.
There’s no shortage of fun in the North Carolina Mountains this year. Now’s the perfect time to plan, too. Book your room and see why The Orchard Inn is among the best mountain getaways near Asheville.
