Ad Courtney's Drop In Kids Care
Courtney's Drop In Kids Care 5.0 Chapel Hill, NC (919) 381-4330
Instant Drop-In Care (Ages 0–12) | Mention RaleighParent.com to Save 15% off with transportation!
Unlock 15% OFF
Chimney Rock State Park

⭐ Discover featured places ⭐

    Courtney's Drop In Kids Care

    Courtney's Drop In Kids Care

    6118 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
    Courtney’s Drop In Kids Care provides flexible, reliable childcare for children from infancy through age 12. Families can use convenient hourly care, date night childcare, infant care, and after-school programs without memberships, enrollment fees, or advance reservations. Highlights: Flexible drop-in childcare — no appointments or reservations required Care available for infants through 12 years old Hourly care for errands, appointments, or personal time Date night childcare with extended evening hours After-school care with flexible drop-off options and transportation available Family-owned and operated with a focus on safe, positive, and engaging play No membership fees or enrollment fees RaleighParent.com Special Offer (New Customers Only): Mention RaleighParent.com when you visit and receive 15% off your first month of After-School with Transportation New customers can also receive 10% off any package purchase (one-time offer) when they mention they found us through RaleighParent.com
    ⭐️ 4.5 • 355.2 mi
    Cottontails Preschool

    Cottontails Preschool

    4020 Mitchell Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
    Cottontails Preschool in Raleigh provides a nurturing early learning environment for infants through preschoolers, helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and independence. Through a state-approved curriculum, bilingual language exposure, multicultural experiences, and hands-on outdoor play, Cottontails supports each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Highlights: Early learning programs for infants through preschoolers State-approved curriculum focused on whole-child development Bilingual language learning and multicultural experiences Nature-based playground for outdoor exploration and creativity Diverse and inclusive learning environment Multicultural food program introducing children to different cultures 24/7 security camera monitoring for added peace of mind A welcoming preschool community where children can explore, learn, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
    ⭐️ 4.6 • 373.2 mi

Never miss an Event or Deal!

Get weekly events and deals: Top 10 events, best 5 deals, and 1 hidden gem spotlight. Join 20,000 local parents.

✓ Free ✓ 1 email per week ✓ Unsubscribe anytime

Chimney Rock State Park

4.8
• 9006 reviews
Location
431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720 (315.1 mi)
About

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a premier outdoor destination in western North Carolina, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Asheville. The park's centerpiece is the iconic 315-foot granite monolith known as Chimney Rock, which offers visitors panoramic 75-mile views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Accessible via a 26-story elevator or the Outcroppings Trail featuring over 500 steps, the summit provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

In addition to the Chimney Rock itself, the park boasts a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, including paths leading to the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The park's diverse ecosystems support over 90 rare plant species and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.

What We Offer

Category

✓ Nature Adventures
✓ Day & Weekend Trips
REVIEWS
Mohit Gupta
Jun 13, 2025

This state park is great! We visited early on a Thursday morning and enjoyed a peaceful atmosphere with no crowds. The elevator provides easy access to the top for those with mobility issues, and the views are stunning. We hiked the Hickory Nut Trail to the beautiful waterfall, but be prepared for a rugged trail with elevation changes – sturdy shoes and water are a must. The park offers amenities like gift shops, restrooms, and refreshments, including a cafe and ice cream. While the entry fee is a bit steep, the scenic views and well-maintained trails make it worth the visit. The elevator is a convenient option, but if you're able, the stairs offer a great workout!

EL
May 11, 2025

It is really sad and sorry, that Great Chimney Rock closed by mother nature. My Facebook memories popped up for the Chimney Rock visit a year ago.
(Photos from a year ago, May 2024)
We were very lucky and blessed that we visited legendary Chimney Rock last year.
Praying for Chimney Rock.
Hopefully, some day, we can revisit again.

Peggy Royer-Parisi
Aug 20, 2024

Very well maintained state park. Very clean. All the staff we encountered we very friendly and helpful. We arrived early on a Monday morning and there were no crowds. We utilized the elevator and then climbed the 44 steps to the top. Someone who cannot climb steps can still enjoy the view upon departing the elevator. Lovely gift shop and refreshments are available for purchase. We hiked the Hickory Nut Trail to Hickory Nut Falls. The trail is rough in some spots and you need to continuously watch your step. Strongly recommend sturdy shoes and bringing water. The trail increases in elevation. There are places to stop and rest along the way. The hike back to the beginning of the trail is mostly downhill. Great place to enjoy nature. Gorgeous views!

Vinay Reddy Kalluri
Jul 30, 2024

Had a fantastic time at Chimney Rock State Park with friends! Initially, we were a bit confused about car parking, but once we went inside the gate and followed the instructions, getting the ticket was straightforward. The park offers both an elevator and steps to reach the top, where you can enjoy breathtaking sceneries. There are also other trails leading to different spots, and we enjoyed all of them. It’s perfect for a full day visit. Visiting during the monsoon season can provide even more stunning views. Highly recommended!

Lane Hall
Apr 2, 2024

This was a beautiful place with easy to follow directions and maps. Workers were all very friendly and knowledgeable. There are AMAZING views, and the gifts shops and cafe is great. There is elevator access to those who may struggle with stairs. A lot of railings to make the walks feel safe. The waterfall was very pretty and easy to get to. Seems to be a good place for families as well, I don’t have kids myself but heard of a lot of activities and programs for smaller ones. I would definitely recommend.

A Halloween Mail Adventure for Triangle Families
Sponsored

A Halloween Mail Adventure for Triangle Families

A screen-free Halloween activity that helps kids ages 5-10 create and send meaningful mail.

Get the Halloween Postcard Kit •Hand-picked by Raleigh Parent editors