Chimney Rock selected best NC state park, according to survey

Chimney Rock State Park was selected as the best state park in North Carolina by Travel + Leisure.

In a list detailing the best state park in each of the 50 states, the magazine noted that Chimney Rock -- “a 315-foot monolith of granite” -- is attractive to visitors due to its waterfall and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The park, about an hour and 45 minutes away from uptown Charlotte, is also knows for its annual Christmas tradition. For 23 years, a person dressed as Santa has repelled down the mountain.

The list also lists Jones Gap State Park as the winner of South Carolina’s best state park. The park is full of waterfalls and it also known for the wide array of wildflowers.

Jones Gap is about a two-hour drive from uptown Charlotte.

Chimney Rock has a $17 admission fee for adults and Jones Gap has a $6 admission.

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