Name: Chimney Rock Trail
Rating: 4.5

“A newly created trail in Staunton State Park that accesses Elk Falls Trail, but is worth running in and of itself.”

— Chris Fa

GPX File

Features Fall Colors · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Park is open every day, and hours vary by season. $7 entry fee for day use.

Description

From Twin Elk Lake continue up Lion's Back Trail (which is really a fire road). A hundred yards above the lake, turn left onto a small, easy to miss Chimney Rock Trail. The first hundred yards is a moderately steep uphill, but the trail quickly flattens out until the intersection with the Elk Falls Trail. It is well-built, smooth, and includes a small section of large stepping stones through a scree field. After the intersection, the trail climbs for the next mile until it terminates into the Lion's Back Trail.

New trails are being put in and existing ones are being changed at a rapid rate and are sometimes not reflected in the park maps. For up to date trail directions and information about new construction ask the park rangers, they are extraordinarily friendly and willing to help (seriously the most friendly park staff I've ever met by far).

Trailhead parking is abundant on weekdays, but will fill up before 9 am on summer weekends.