Hickory Nut Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hickory Nut Falls |
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| Location | Chimney Rock Park, Blue Ridge Mountains, Rutherford County, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°25′59″N 82°15′34″W / 35.433083°N 82.259444°W |
| Type | Horsetail, Cascade |
| Total height | 404 ft (123 m) |
| Longest drop | 351 ft (107 m) |
Hickory Nut Falls, also known as Hickorynut Falls, is a stunning waterfall. You can find it in Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County, North Carolina. It's one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Imagine water falling from a height of 404 feet (about 123 meters)!
The Story of Hickory Nut Falls
Hickory Nut Falls is part of Chimney Rock State Park. This park was once owned by a private family. In May 2007, the State of North Carolina bought the park. Now, it is being developed into a larger state park for everyone to enjoy.
For over 100 years, the Morse family owned the park and the falls. Many people from the southern United States knew about this beautiful spot. The falls became famous across the country in 1992. This was when it was featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans. The movie's exciting final fight scene was even filmed right at the top of the falls!
Planning Your Visit to the Falls
You can see Hickory Nut Falls for free from U.S. Highway 64. If you want to get closer, you need to pay an admission fee at the park gate. In 2019, it cost $17 for adults and $8 for children.
Once inside, you can hike the Hickory Nut Falls Trail. This trail is about 1.5 miles long (round-trip) and leads to the bottom of the falls. It's a moderate hike, meaning it's not too hard. In 2017, a new trail called the Skyline trail opened. This trail takes you to the very top of the falls.
Other Waterfalls Nearby
There are several other waterfalls located near Hickory Nut Falls. Some of these are above the main drop of Hickory Nut Falls. Here are a few others you might find in the area:
- Rainbow Falls (Rutherford County)
- Camp Minnehaha Falls is a waterfall on Grassy Creek. You can see it from the road in winter. To find it, go 0.8 miles north from the intersection of US 74A and NC 9. Park in the pullout on your left, just before the guardrail.
- The Cascades is another waterfall on Grassy Creek. It is upstream from Camp Minnehaha Falls. This waterfall is on private property.
- Pool Creek Falls is a slide waterfall. Currently, you cannot visit this area. However, it will be part of the new State Park in the future.
- Wolf Creek Falls is another waterfall in the same area that is currently restricted.
