World's Edge

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Chimney Rock State Park - World's Edge

World's Edge...the name itself is enough to intrigue someone to visit.  It certainly did me.  The place it aptly named, to be sure.  Marking a point along the southern Blue Ridge where the mountains suddenly and dramatically give way to the plains of the Piedmont, the cliffs of World's Edge certainly give one the impression that you are standing on the edge of the world.  Located just east of Hendersonville, the World's Edge cliffs have only recently been protected.  Privately owned until around 2006, the area was in danger of being sold off to real estate developers before the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy stepped in and raised the $16.1 million to acquire it.   A few years later the CMLC then transferred the property to the state to be included in the newly formed Chimney Rock State Park.  

I had been aware of World's Edge for quite some time but was unsure of access issues until recently.  Once I discovered that trespassing or a bushwhack wouldn't be involved in a visit I quickly decided I'd have to stop by for a look.  Accessed from the end of World's Edge Road to the east of Edneyville the cliffs can be reached by a short, relatively flat, hike.  An old dirt road leads most of the way out to the cliffs while faint side paths lead out to and along the cliffs themselves.  It is a spectacular place which will, no doubt, become increasingly popular if the State Park ever gets around to improving access and trails.  So...come on along with me on a quick visit to an amazing spot along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.  A place that proves once again that the finest views in the mountains don't always involve crazy strenuous hikes.  Let's see what I found...


Trailhead GPS Coordinates:  35.392437, -82.261446


Route Type:  Out-and-back                   Difficulty:  MODERATE  (Petzoldt Rating:  2.60 )

Hike Length:  2.0 miles                         Hike Duration:  1:15

Trailhead Temp:  55'F

Min. Elevation:  ~2,700'                        Max. Elevation:  3,000'

Total Vertical Gain:  300'                      Avg. Elevation Gain / Mile:  150'


1-14-2016

  • Dan Weemhoff (dwhike)

    on November 19, 2016

    Thank you Tim! I'm glad you've found my page helpful. I take a comparison to the Meanderthals as high praise!

  • Tim Truemper

    on November 18, 2016

    Recent visitor to your sight and find it so informative for more remote areas to check out. Right up there with the Meanderthals web page.

  • Dave Kathy Weemhoff

    on January 30, 2016

    Quite the amazing place! So glad developers did not get it :)