Hickory Nut Falls Hike
Waterfall · about 404 ft high | North Carolina
1.4 mi round trip
Route line not shown. The 1.4 mi distance for this hike is verified (ncparks.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Hickory Nut Falls
Hickory Nut Falls is a waterfall in North Carolina, about 404 feet high, on land managed by Chimney Rock State Park (NC Division of Parks and Recreation). Its height is from ncparks.gov.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Hickory Nut Falls Trail: 1.4 miles round trip, from Chimney Rock access, Chimney Rock State Park. Distance from ncparks.gov.
Before You Go
- Visitors to the Chimney Rock access must pay a per-person entrance fee. (ncparks.gov)
- Pets must be on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. (ncparks.gov)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Chimney Rock State Park (NC Division of Parks and Recreation) for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Hickory Nut Falls?
The Hickory Nut Falls Trail to Hickory Nut Falls is 1.4 miles round trip.
Where does the Hickory Nut Falls hike start?
It starts from Chimney Rock access, Chimney Rock State Park.
How tall is Hickory Nut Falls?
Hickory Nut Falls is about 404 feet high.
Is there a fee to hike to Hickory Nut Falls?
Visitors to the Chimney Rock access must pay a per-person entrance fee.
Are dogs allowed on the Hickory Nut Falls trail?
Pets must be on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Hickory Nut Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- ncparks.gov
- Distance
- ncparks.gov
- Falls height
- ncparks.gov
- Falls location
- en.wikipedia.org
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Hickory Nut Falls.