Chimney Rock Hike

Chimney Rock Hike is a 3.4-mile out-and-back from Riprap Parking Area to two rocky overlooks above a gorge. It climbs north on the Appalachian Trail, turns onto Riprap Trail, then drops and climbs to Calvary Rocks and the separate Chimney Rock viewpoint. Allow about 2½ hours; it is a moderate walk with about 830 feet of gain. This is a good short mountain outing if you want two distinct stops; the return retraces the same trail, so it is not a loop.

From the mile-90 parking area, follow the Appalachian Trail north for roughly half a mile, then turn left onto Riprap Trail. The trail drops steeply before climbing again. A small talus slope leads to Calvary Rocks, about 1.2 miles from the lot. That is the first viewpoint, not Chimney Rock. Continue a few tenths of a mile to a sharp bend, where Chimney Rock stands by itself across the gorge. Reach it around 1.7 miles out, then turn around and return the way you came.

Calvary Rocks has two small outcrops with limited standing room and a view over the Meadow Run area. Farther along, Chimney Rock is a separate rocky viewpoint across the gorge. For a photo at Calvary Rocks, include one of the ledges in the foreground so the frame shows the rocky overlook as well as the ridges beyond. Take care around the small rock platforms and leave room for other hikers.

Start at Riprap Parking Area on Skyline Drive at milepost 90. The park entrance fee applies; no hike reservation is required, and the route is listed as a year-round option. Dogs are allowed on leash no longer than six feet. The trail has natural, sometimes steep footing and does not meet ADA accessibility guidelines. The short Chimney Rock out-and-back is different from the much longer Riprap circuit, which continues farther through the area to stream stops.