The Chimneys - Hiking area in Morganton - , USA

My wife and I hiked the chimneys in the biggening of November, it wasn't too busy and it was still green enough. Breath taking views from every point of view, we keep taking photos every minute. You can really appreciate and see the beauty of The Linville Gorge from this hike. We also saw an eagle on our way back so we felt really lucky when that happed. But hikers, BE AWERE You are laterally walking on top of the mount and around the edges, so I would recommend keeping eye on your kids and use proper gear. If you are scared of heights, you might want to skip on this one, or go as far as you can and come back. Rock climbing is also an activity that can be done in here (if you are into that sort of things) but that's definitely something I wouldn't do.

A nice hike from the parking lot South will lead you right to the Chimneys. Beautiful views, great rock structures to climb around in and on, and during the summer months - a lot of young people rock climbing! I would consider the hike to be easy as the trail is well established and nothing too serious of a climb.

Absolutely gorgeous view on the top of the rock climbing section (off to the left of the rock face to get up top, be careful with the edge). Definitely worth stopping to look at here or any of the lookouts further down the trail. I hiked from here to the next mountain and had a blast! Be warned, the hike up Chimney Gap is no joke!

Great, easy hike for all experience levels. I took my entire family here for a short, 1/2 mile hike. View is fantastic with very little effort required. Additionally, there are several great top-rope climbing spots with i-hook anchors already installed. These climbs are easily accessible, offer great views, and are relatively easy for beginner climbers. Lastly, there are shoot-off trails going from the main hike. I would not recommend these shoot-offs unless you are an experienced hiker/climber. These shoot-offs tend to take you near an edge or cliff and climb walls up to 10 feet tall. However, they offer some great viewpoints. All in all, the Chimneys offer something for everyone, from climbers to hikers of all experience levels. Just be prepared for a long drive through a twisty-turny gravel road.

Some of the best views of the Linville Gorge I have seen. Also some there are several good places between Table Rock and then Chimneys for rock climbing. Excellent backcountry camping if you are adventurous or there is a nice little camping area also close to the picnic area and restroom.

I was totally surprised by how much I loved this hike. First though let's talk about the road. The road was probably the hardest part! Rough with lots of rocks so it took us probably 30 minutes to go 5 miles until you get to the last 2 which is paved. The parking is large with also the Table Rock trailhead leading from there. The trail starts with a picnic then camping area and then the beauty begins! It seems like every stop is ripe for incredible pictures. Most of the trail is easy with a few boulder scrambles. The are more camping sites along the MST. You can hear the waterfalls in the canyon as you're hiking in certain sections. The Chimneys are breathtaking and there are several places that you can climb to the tops of the rocks to get even better views and have lunch. We got rain at the end of the hike or we would have also done Table Rock.

Great place for some day hiking and camping by permit. The drive on the gravel forest road can be tough for lower clearance cars. The views are incredible and be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection since you are generally in the open.

Breathtaking! Hiking through the chimneys to table rock is filled with spectacular views. Every direction you turn is something new and impressive to look at. Get out and take in these views for yourself!