Updated July 2026
Hickory Nut Falls
A 404-foot waterfall on Fall Creek in Chimney Rock State Park, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail climbs gently to the base over rocky terrain and a short set of stairs.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Chimney Rock State Park for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hickory Nut Falls drops about 404 feet. That makes it the 27th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 96% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Hickory Nut Falls Trail reaches it about 1.4 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Chimney Rock. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Chimney Rock State Park for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More North Carolina waterfalls
- Bridal Veil Falls · 120 ft
- Catawba Falls · 100 ft
- Courthouse Falls · 45 ft
- Crabtree Falls · 70 ft
- Cullasaja Falls · 200 ft
- Daniel Ridge Falls · 150 ft
- Dill Falls · 50 ft
- Douglas Falls · 60 ft
Sources
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