30May2008 Chimney Rock NC
Our journey continued on the Blue Ridge Parkway till we branched off to see the famous Chimney Rock at the eponymous village in NC. The huge 315-foot monolith, at the extreme edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, domineered the Hickory Nut Gorge and the surrounding countryside. We got to the top of the Rock by elevator, saving our time for hiking the many trails. From our lofty 2280-foot elevation, one can see forever (actually over 75 miles on a clear day we were told). Ah, so soothing to be able to trace the path of the river, cosseted by lush foliage from such a distance. The views were simply stunning. It was also exhilarating to see the Stars and Stripes fluttering above the Rock. Naturally photo sessions were mandatory to consolidate our bragging rights.
There were trails galore around the mountain. We chose the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop which took us to the top of the Hickory Nut Falls. At the start of the trail, somewhere above the Chimney Rock, a boulder perched precariously on a ledge in the cliff. It looked like a ferocious human head. The 'features' were caused by differential weathering. Geologists surmised that a huge sheet of rock slid down the mountainside and broke into many pieces, one of these - the Devil's Head - came to rest on a ledge. It hopefully will still be there surveying the gorge below with a malevolent stare, when you visit in the not too distant future! There were many other examples of sheets of rock ready to break off along the trail (see photo) - we only pray that no one would be around when that happens. From the top of Hickory Nut Falls, it was thrilling to see the spectacular vertical 404-foot drop, one of the highest east of the Mississippi River. Scenic spots like the aptly named Peregrine's Rest and Inspiration Point made the hike most invigorating.
That night, happy but bone weary, we checked into a BW at Ashville. Can't resist not talking about food for long - the crab legs mammy had at the Cornerstone, recommended by friendly locals, were excellent.
Distance traveled 141.9 miles
The Devil's Head
Breathless
Awe-inspiring monolith. To enhance your enjoyment, please view all photos on a full screen
Sheer cliffs, lazy river
On a clear day, one can see forever, almost!
These cliffs are prone to flake over time; overhead one can see the 'raw' edges left by a section that has fallen off, a repeat of the same process that initiated the forming of the Devil's Head
A view of Chimney Rock on the way down
Erosion is busy at work on the cliffs - many rocky areas are dripping wet year round
The 404ft drop of the Hickory Nut Falls. The volume of water coming down can multiply suddenly when there's a heavy downpour. Rain shelters are dotted along the trails
The more Gravity wants the cliff, the more the flora steadfastly hangs on
Going down - almost there
Stay on the trail behind the fence, lucky it's not raining.
Mountain Laurel naturally, blooms April/May
Nothing like crab legs after a hard day's hike
There were trails galore around the mountain. We chose the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop which took us to the top of the Hickory Nut Falls. At the start of the trail, somewhere above the Chimney Rock, a boulder perched precariously on a ledge in the cliff. It looked like a ferocious human head. The 'features' were caused by differential weathering. Geologists surmised that a huge sheet of rock slid down the mountainside and broke into many pieces, one of these - the Devil's Head - came to rest on a ledge. It hopefully will still be there surveying the gorge below with a malevolent stare, when you visit in the not too distant future! There were many other examples of sheets of rock ready to break off along the trail (see photo) - we only pray that no one would be around when that happens. From the top of Hickory Nut Falls, it was thrilling to see the spectacular vertical 404-foot drop, one of the highest east of the Mississippi River. Scenic spots like the aptly named Peregrine's Rest and Inspiration Point made the hike most invigorating.
That night, happy but bone weary, we checked into a BW at Ashville. Can't resist not talking about food for long - the crab legs mammy had at the Cornerstone, recommended by friendly locals, were excellent.
Distance traveled 141.9 miles
The Devil's Head
Breathless
Awe-inspiring monolith. To enhance your enjoyment, please view all photos on a full screen
Sheer cliffs, lazy river
On a clear day, one can see forever, almost!
These cliffs are prone to flake over time; overhead one can see the 'raw' edges left by a section that has fallen off, a repeat of the same process that initiated the forming of the Devil's Head
A view of Chimney Rock on the way down
Erosion is busy at work on the cliffs - many rocky areas are dripping wet year round
The 404ft drop of the Hickory Nut Falls. The volume of water coming down can multiply suddenly when there's a heavy downpour. Rain shelters are dotted along the trails
The more Gravity wants the cliff, the more the flora steadfastly hangs on
Going down - almost there
Stay on the trail behind the fence, lucky it's not raining.
Mountain Laurel naturally, blooms April/May
Nothing like crab legs after a hard day's hike
posted by Regamy at
5:50 PM
1 Comments:
I love that photo with Amy and the crabs.
By
Unknown, At
September 6, 2008 at 3:36 PM
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