Looking Glass Rock Trail
Pisgah National Forest
How long to get there from West Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Looking Glass Rock Trail
Distance: 3.0 miles, one-way
Description: Being a deep lover of the alpine tundra in the Rockies out West and those wide open spaces, this trail reminds me of such expansive views at the top. This rock can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and that only adds to the "cool" factor in my book.
In my head, I’ve divided this 3 mile, one-way trail into three separate one-mile sections, though I’m not sure each section is one mile. Still, the trail lends itself to three divisions.
The trail climbs from the very beginning, though not seriously so, and doesn’t stop until the very top. The mid-section is the hardest, but those who get past that get to relax out in the open at the top.
The first section is through a wide-open forest. At the very beginning there is a stream, but that doesn’t last long. Be sure to have enough water on this trip for any pets because the trail quickly moves away from that stream and begins its climb. This first section has long switchbacks through expansive cirque areas. In spring, the area awakens with wildflowers and ferns.
Next the switchbacks get closer together and rhododendrons rule the day. This part is probably the steepest. Please do not make (or take) shortcuts. The erosion and damage that causes is obvious along here.
The final section I call the "rock garden" because the trail begins to cross large, flat boulders. In fact, climbers also like this area, and near where they begin their climbs is a helicopter landing site in case of emergencies. Go out and explore that rock. Nothing much there....I just personally find it cool.
There’s one spot a little beyond here where it’s possible to get lost on the way back down. While heading up, just after crossing a large, flat boulder, the trail turns abruptly left. On the right is a pine tree, and a faint trail can be seen going in there. On the way back down it looks more like a trail. Anyone not paying close attention could easily just keep walking straight and go in there; however, if one does go in there, it leads to another large, flat rock, and then pretty much peters out. It’s simple to return to that pine tree and get back on the main trail. The main trail is well loved by many hikers. If the hiker simply remembers that and doesn’t take any trails that are less than obvious, they should do fine.
At the very top of the mountains are blueberry bushes, and a nice campsite. Almost there! Just continue straight through this and begin a short descent. It’s obvious when the trail ends - it’s on a large, open rock-face cliff. Note where you came out from the woods, and then explore the rock - but carefully. It’s not hard to get around, but those afraid of heights might think twice about venturing far. Otherwise, find a comfy spot, get some sun and enjoy! Several times here I’ve observed peregrine falcons flying as they have nests nearby. Also, it’s often windy and cooler here than anywhere else along this trail. That jacket that didn’t seem necessary back at the car could be welcome here.
To get back to the car, simply go down as you came up.
Directions: From Asheville, take I-26 East to the Airport exit, Exit 40. Take the Airport exit to the right (or west), past the Airport, and headed to Brevard. Just shy of Brevard, Highway 276 crosses at a large, stoplighted intersection. There’s a Wal-Mart here and several fast food spots. At this intersection, go to the right on Hwy 276 into Pisgah National Forest. Watch for a turn-off to the left headed to the Fish Hatchery. Take this left turn. If you see Looking Glass Falls (right on Hwy 276), you’ve gone too far. Turn around and take the first right, not far ahead. Follow the Fish Hatchery road only a couple of turns to a parking area on the right. On a busy day, this parking lot will have 2 rows of cars; please park so no one is blocked in.
Pisgah National Forest
How long to get there from West Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Looking Glass Rock Trail
Distance: 3.0 miles, one-way
Description: Being a deep lover of the alpine tundra in the Rockies out West and those wide open spaces, this trail reminds me of such expansive views at the top. This rock can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and that only adds to the "cool" factor in my book.
In my head, I’ve divided this 3 mile, one-way trail into three separate one-mile sections, though I’m not sure each section is one mile. Still, the trail lends itself to three divisions.
The trail climbs from the very beginning, though not seriously so, and doesn’t stop until the very top. The mid-section is the hardest, but those who get past that get to relax out in the open at the top.
The first section is through a wide-open forest. At the very beginning there is a stream, but that doesn’t last long. Be sure to have enough water on this trip for any pets because the trail quickly moves away from that stream and begins its climb. This first section has long switchbacks through expansive cirque areas. In spring, the area awakens with wildflowers and ferns.
Next the switchbacks get closer together and rhododendrons rule the day. This part is probably the steepest. Please do not make (or take) shortcuts. The erosion and damage that causes is obvious along here.
The final section I call the "rock garden" because the trail begins to cross large, flat boulders. In fact, climbers also like this area, and near where they begin their climbs is a helicopter landing site in case of emergencies. Go out and explore that rock. Nothing much there....I just personally find it cool.
There’s one spot a little beyond here where it’s possible to get lost on the way back down. While heading up, just after crossing a large, flat boulder, the trail turns abruptly left. On the right is a pine tree, and a faint trail can be seen going in there. On the way back down it looks more like a trail. Anyone not paying close attention could easily just keep walking straight and go in there; however, if one does go in there, it leads to another large, flat rock, and then pretty much peters out. It’s simple to return to that pine tree and get back on the main trail. The main trail is well loved by many hikers. If the hiker simply remembers that and doesn’t take any trails that are less than obvious, they should do fine.
At the very top of the mountains are blueberry bushes, and a nice campsite. Almost there! Just continue straight through this and begin a short descent. It’s obvious when the trail ends - it’s on a large, open rock-face cliff. Note where you came out from the woods, and then explore the rock - but carefully. It’s not hard to get around, but those afraid of heights might think twice about venturing far. Otherwise, find a comfy spot, get some sun and enjoy! Several times here I’ve observed peregrine falcons flying as they have nests nearby. Also, it’s often windy and cooler here than anywhere else along this trail. That jacket that didn’t seem necessary back at the car could be welcome here.
To get back to the car, simply go down as you came up.
Directions: From Asheville, take I-26 East to the Airport exit, Exit 40. Take the Airport exit to the right (or west), past the Airport, and headed to Brevard. Just shy of Brevard, Highway 276 crosses at a large, stoplighted intersection. There’s a Wal-Mart here and several fast food spots. At this intersection, go to the right on Hwy 276 into Pisgah National Forest. Watch for a turn-off to the left headed to the Fish Hatchery. Take this left turn. If you see Looking Glass Falls (right on Hwy 276), you’ve gone too far. Turn around and take the first right, not far ahead. Follow the Fish Hatchery road only a couple of turns to a parking area on the right. On a busy day, this parking lot will have 2 rows of cars; please park so no one is blocked in.
