Hickory Nut Falls Trail now open at Chimney Rock State Park

Here’s the press release from Chimney Rock State Park:

CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (April 30, 2014)— After almost a year and a half closure due to a massive rock slide, the Hickory Nut Falls trail at Chimney Rock State Park has reopened, just in time for guests to enjoy the springtime beauty of one of the most popular attractions of the Park. State contractors and NC State Parks with the support of  Chimney Rock Management, LLC cleared 300 metric tons of rock and other materials that crashed down the side of the mountain, demolishing a wooden walking bridge and covering part of the trail. Although the observation area at the base of the falls remains closed for repairs, guests are still able to hike to the end of the trail to view the 404-foot falls.

“We’re incredibly proud of our trails and maintenance teams for working so hard alongside State Parks to clear the Hickory Nut Falls Trail,” says Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager of Chimney Rock Management, LLC. “The Falls trail is an iconic part of Chimney Rock State Park and is a main attraction for our guests. It was important to us that we reopen it as soon as possible while ensuring the utmost safety of our visitors.”

Massive Rockslide Caused Extensive Damage On the evening of November 12, 2012, residents in the Chimney Rock area reported hearing a loud, rumbling sound from the mountain. The next morning, State Parks and Chimney Rock Management employees discovered that heavy rains had dislodged giant boulders, including a 2,000-ton rock slab that had fallen 340 feet from an overhanging ledge above the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, which shattered before continuing down the cliff face. The impact of the rock ruptured the ground’s surface on another ledge, causing the ground to slide, splintering trees and dislodging more boulders, some of which went airborne and sheared 10-inch diameter trees. Boulders as large as 10 tons continued to roll, bounce and fly down the slope toward the trail. Some boulders came to rest as far as 200 feet below the trail. Within the path of destruction was the trail’s 230-foot bridge. Three thousand cubic yards of loose, unstable deposits of rocks, boulders, soil, broken trees and stumps littered the area.

Repair work intensive After assessing the damage, special contractors began work above the slide area to ensure the safety of workers on the trail below. Other contractors began removing the damaged bridge, which had to be done piece by piece. Due to the width of the trail, only small pieces of equipment, such as a track hoe and a small skid steer, could be used to remove debris. Each of the bridge’s three 80-foot beams were removed in 40-foot sections, and many small rocks and other debris were removed by hand.

Long-time popular attraction The Hickory Nut Falls Trail began as a Jeep trail, installed in 1963 to access the 404-foot waterfall at its end. Today, the ¾-mile trail boasts hardwood forests of oak, hickory, maple, beech, poplar, locust and basswood that harbor abundant plant life, which includes rare and endangered wildflowers as well as old favorites like Jack-in-the-pulpit and Solomon’s-seal. The 404-foot waterfall feeds from Fall Creek, which winds through the Hickory Nut Gorge. The trail and its falls were prominently featured in the 1992 blockbuster hit, The Last of the Mohicans, starring Daniel Day Lewis and Madeline Stowe, and have long been a favorite visiting spot for Park guests.

About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international outdoor attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It has been recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock offers guests 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The Park features one of the highest waterfalls of its kind east of the Mississippi River, Hickory Nut Falls, at 404 feet. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com. More information on current Capital Improvement projects at chimneyrockpark.com/progress or by calling 800-277-9611.