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The Chimneys
4.8 ★★★★★ 88 Google reviews · Running trail in Morganton, North Carolina · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from The Chimneys' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with easy trails to viewpoints, plus climbing spots with varying difficulty levels.
What runners say about The Chimneys
“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).”
“Gorgeous and not crowded.”
“Beautiful, fairly easy hike in The Linville Gorge Wilderness”
The Chimneys Trail via the Mountains-to-Sea Trail offers one of the most dramatic and rewarding hikes in North Carolina’s Linville Gorge area. The route is approximately 1.
The trail begins on the south side of the paved Table Rock parking lot (note: on weekends, be sure to arrive early, as parking is limited). The moderate 1.7-mile out/back trail leads through a camping area before climbing the ridge line. About halfway out, it affords spectacular views of the Linville Gorge.
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!
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.
Trail conditions & character
“5 miles out and back, though it feels like a full adventure thanks to the elevation changes, narrow ridge paths, and rocky outcrops that open to breathtaking views.”
“The trail begins on the south side of the paved Table Rock parking lot (note: on weekends, be sure to arrive early, as parking is limited).”
“5 miles out and back, though it feels like a full adventure thanks to the elevation changes, narrow ridge paths, and rocky outcrops that open to breathtaking views.”
“You'll think that you're going to get lost as you bump down the gravel road on the way there, but all the effort is worth it.”
“Standing on the ridge with my two dogs, watching the sun dip below the horizon, felt like pausing time.”
“5 miles out and back, though it feels like a full adventure thanks to the elevation changes, narrow ridge paths, and rocky outcrops that open to breathtaking views.”
“Excellent backcountry camping if you are adventurous or there is a nice little camping area also close to the picnic area and restroom.”
“The trail begins on the south side of the paved Table Rock parking lot (note: on weekends, be sure to arrive early, as parking is limited).”
Plan your run at The Chimneys
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitehdcarolina.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Morganton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Table Rock Summit Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 261 reviews
Local landmark offering scenic views from its peak at the end of a 2.2-mi. hiking trail.
Spence Ridge Trailhead
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Hiking area with a gorge and a bridge, also featuring opportunities for swimming.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 303 reviews
This scenic gorge in Pisgah National Forest features rock formations, hiking trails & camping areas.
Fonta Flora County Park and Connector Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 320 reviews
Trails lead to views of Lake James and the mountains.
