Things To Do Near Silver City Campground
Explore Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and the Hickory Nut Gorge
Silver City Campground sits in one of the most beautiful outdoor areas in North Carolina — the Hickory Nut Gorge, home to waterfalls, mountain hikes, scenic lakes, and small-town charm. Whether you're here for adventure or relaxation, there’s plenty to explore within minutes of camp.
View of Chimney Rock state park and Lake Lure in the distance.
Chimney Rock State Park
One of the most iconic natural landmarks in North Carolina, Chimney Rock State Park offers incredible views of Lake Lure and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Highlights
Climb the 315-foot Chimney for panoramic views
Hike to Hickory Nut Falls (featured in The Last of the Mohicans just like Silver City Campground!)
Explore the Skyline Trail for even higher views
Enjoy wildlife viewing and nature trails
📍 5 minutes from Silver City Campground
Enjoy Lake Lure by boat or from the beach. One of the most scenic lakes in the country.
Lake Lure
Lake Lure is a beautiful mountain lake known for boating, swimming, and lakeside dining.
Things to do
Rent a pontoon boat or kayak
Swim at Lake Lure Beach
Take a guided lake boat tour
Visit lakeside restaurants and shops
📍 8 minutes from camp
Hiking in the HIckory Nut Gorge brings amazing views like this from Grey Rock.
Hiking in Hickory Nut Gorge
The Hickory Nut Gorge offers some of the best hiking in Western North Carolina.
Popular trails nearby
Hickory Nut Falls Trail – easy scenic waterfall hike
Exclamation Point Trail – incredible gorge views
Buffalo Creek Park – great for mountain biking
Rumblin Bald Trails – hiking and climbing
📍 10 minutes away
Multiple easily accessible water falls for everyone in the family like Hickory Nut Falls (the waterfall you can see from Silver City Campground!)
Waterfalls Near Chimney Rock
Western North Carolina is famous for its waterfalls, and several spectacular ones are just a short drive away.
Waterfalls to visit
Hickory Nut Falls – 404-foot waterfall
Catawba Falls – beautiful multi-tier waterfall hike
Little Bearwallow Falls – short scenic walk
Shopping and eating in Chimney Rock Village is always fun!
Chimney Rock Village
Just below the park entrance, Chimney Rock Village is full of small shops, restaurants, and riverside spots to explore.
Favorites
Riverwalk along the Rocky Broad River
Local craft shops and galleries
Ice cream and mountain cafés
Casual dining with gorge views
📍 3 minutes from camp
A gorgeous drive, especially in the fall season!
Scenic Drives & Blue Ridge Views
The surrounding mountains offer spectacular scenic drives.
Great routes
Blue Ridge Parkway
Highway 64 through Hickory Nut Gorge
Bearwallow Mountain Road
Perfect for sunrise, sunset, and photography.