Looking Glass Trail

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.

Big Creek Trail (Great Smoky Mtn Natl Pk)

Big Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

How long to get there from West Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Big Creek
Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles to bridge; 5 miles to Walnut Bottoms

More photos: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AcOWzNk2Ztnog

Description:
This is one of my favorite trails. The trail is wide, relatively smooth, and has a gentle incline the entire way. It is also a frequently used horse trail, so expect to see riders along the way. Yet, despite that, the trail is in very good condition for hikers.
As the trail begins, the creek is far downhill to the left, yet fear not - soon enough the creek will be right beside the trail. It remains so the entire length of the trail all the way to Walnut Bottoms.
Big Creek is a good-sized creek with every section offering beautiful views of water pouring over the mossy rocks. In fact, it’s sizeable enough that in springtime’s high water, I have watched kayaks enjoy running a section. Currently, however, we're in a historic drought, so it's not so dramatic.
Feel free to stop only 1.5 miles in at Midnight Pool. This little beach offers a cool, deep pool which is perfect for relaxing, lunch, swimming or whatever. This small waterfall and pool are beautiful and a great destination in themselves, or only a pit stop along the way.
Two miles in is Mouse Creek Falls. This lovely waterfall originates on the opposite side as it falls into the main creek. Again, this can be a turnaround spot, lunch spot, or only a photo op. There is a hitching post here for horses.
At 2.5 miles, there is a very sturdy bridge across Big Creek. Yet another opportunity to turn around, have lunch, play in the pool, take photos, or take a nap by the lullaby of the creek.
The next 2.5 miles continue alongside the creek still offering beautiful photos of mossy rocks and small, but wide, cascades. In springtime, this area is alive with wildflowers.
Walnut Bottoms is a campsite reached across another sturdy bridge which crosses Big Creek. This is often my turnaround point, and I thoroughly love having lunch on the beach here. If I come at the right weekend in spring, the campsite area is blanketed with wildflowers making it stunningly beautiful.

Directions: From North Carolina take I-40 West across the Tennessee State Line. Take the first exit, Waterville exit. At the stop sign, go left to the bottom of the hill. Then turn left across the bridge and continue following the main road alongside the creek past the power plant and the small community until the road reaches a stop sign. Go straight at the 4-way intersection and enter the Great Smoky National Park. Follow the gravel road to its terminus (about 2 miles in) at a picnic area. Park and walk slightly back up the road to the signed trailhead on the left.

Hemphill Bald via Cataloochee Divide

Directions:
Take I-40 to Exit 20 (Maggie Valley). Almost immediately upon exiting, take a right hand turn onto Cove Creek Road. Follow this winding, curvy road to the very top at Cove Creek Gap. Near the top, the road becomes very narrow and gravel and remains so across the Gap down into Cataloochee Valley. If possible, please take a car rather than a truck, van or SUV as passing on this section can be scary in the limited space. A passenger car will have no trouble on the gravel road. At the top is a sign indicting entrance to Great Smoky Mountain Park. Parking is very limited here. The trailhead is signed and begins on the west side of the road.

How long to get there from Asheville: 45 mins
Trailhead at Cove Creek Gap
Distance: 6.4 miles to Double Gap
Elevation beginning: Approximately 4100'
Elevation at Double Gap: Approximately 5100'

Description:
This trail is a lovely bounce along the ridge dividing Cataloochee Valley from Maggie Valley and Jonathan’s Creek. It follows the southeastern boundary of the park, which means most of the trail is accompanied by a split-rail wooden fence. Opposite this fence is all private land. Fortunately for the hiker, when the balds come along, so far the private owners of those areas allow the park hikers to enjoy the views on their side of the fence. Please treat their generosity with respect so this privilege can remain.
As the trail follows the ridge line, there is still some up and down as it bounces over the mountain tops, but nothing excessive. In fact, the total elevation gain between the trailhead and Double Gap at the beginning of the Hemphill Bald trail is right at 1,000 ft, but it’s taken 6.4 miles to get there.
Approximately 2.5 miles in is Taylor’s Turnaround, also affectionately known as "the bus stop." There’s a small shelter here resembling a bus stop and wonderful views of the beautiful valley below known as Jonathan’s Creek. Better hurry, though. A developer is trying to buy this land intending to build an obnoxious resort.
Going another 2.5 miles brings one to The Swag, a mountain vacation lodge. http://www.theswag.com/ Prior to actually reaching the lodge, The Swag owns a wonderful bald called Gooseberry Knob or Roger’s Hideaway. This large grassy area complete with picnic tables and lounge chairs can be a destination in itself. It’s certainly a wonderful spot for lunch. The Swag has made this bald a very comfortable location.
Half a mile beyond the lodge is the Double Gap trail intersection, or 6.4 miles from the trailhead at Cove Creek Gap. Hemphill Bald itself is another half mile further (along Hemphill Bald Trail) with a 400 ft climb. But once reached, lunch can be enjoyed at a large stone table under a lone shade tree as provided by the owners of this property. The views are incredible to the south, east and west, and a map located on the stone table will help identify the peaks observed. The Cataloochee Ski area is right in front, and on a clear day, Mt. Mitchell to the east and Pisgah Mountain to the south can be seen, among many others.
Horses also use this trail and a couple of sections can get muddy. However, wooden planks have been provided for hikers making even muddy spots on this trail a pleasant obstacle.