Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock. . St. Louis physician Lucius B. Morse discovered the rugged beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge on his first visit in 1900. Intrigued by the towering Chimney Rock, he envisioned making this area accessible to the world while preserving its natural beauty. In 1902, with brothers Hiram and Asahel, he purchased a 64-acre tract that included Chimney Rock and the surrounding cliffs for $5,000. , Over four generations, Dr. Morse and his family built bridges spanning the Rocky Broad River, paved a three-mile road into the park and created a network of stairs to many unique vantage points, including the top of the chimney. , Improvements to the primitive trails provided easier access to the top of the mountain and Hickory Nut Falls. They added restaurants, lodging, educational facilities and programming and a 26-story elevator making the mountain accessible to all. , The family's commitment to the dream of protecting and sharing this ecological wonder led them to sell the park to the State of North Carolina on May 21, 2007, ensuring that the Morse family legacy of stewardship would forever be continued. Their beloved Chimney Rock is now the focal point of the greater Chimney Rock State Park. , The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers. , More information online at: www.blueridgeheritage.com , Photo captions: (Left): Breathtaking view of Lake Lure from atop Chimney Rock. , (Center, left): Ladies enjoying the view from the Opera Box with no rails or stairs. , (Center, right): The Hickory Not Falls Trail leads to beautiful 404-foot-high Hickory Nut Falls.