The chiseled, green-blue hued mountains of the Pisgah National Forest extend to the right and left, offering particularly beautiful views of their lushly forested, time-weathered peaks. Douglas Falls. Had a great time hiking with my parents. Hike to Craggy Pinnacle for sunrise or sunset. DIFFICULT 6.7 mi. The Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a prime example: it’s a short trail, spanning less than a mile round trip, but the trail’s pinnacle views are simply stunning, offering sweeping summit vistas from a pair of high-elevation overlooks. The trail arcs sharply southbound at .3 mile, passing a small cave under a chiseled, angled rock outcrop. 3. Today we caught the tail end of the show, but it was still good. Plan a day hanging out downtown, then hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail and see a 360 degree mountain view. We hike under arched passage ways leading up to a small clearing. If you want to feel like you are on top of the world take the upper lookout trail until you reach the rock wall with stairs. Next time I’ll more than likely do a sunrise hike up. Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle Hike Beautiful flowers and great views are what this hike are all about. Go early. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. The hike backtracks from the lower overlook, veering right at the trail junction to climb to the summit. Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail offers amazing views, gorgeous wildflowers, and a relaxed hike. Craggy Gardens: Craggy Pinnacle Hike - See 660 traveler reviews, 390 candid photos, and great deals for Asheville, NC, at Tripadvisor. The total hike is only 1.4 miles and offers one of the best views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This trail offers the most exceptional views for the least amount of walking. the third highest mountain in the Great Craggy Mountain sub-range of Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. The Craggy Pinnacle Trail is an easy 1.2-mile hike to one of the best views on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders along a towering ridge crest, offering some pretty exceptional roadside views from this historic and iconic American drive. Family friendly trail. This short hike of 1.4 miles round-trip leads through a beautiful tunnel of trees where you'll climb over rocks and tree roots. In late spring, the Craggies erupt into color when Catawba rhododendron bloom in brilliant pink and purple flowers by the literal millions. Craggy Pinnacle Trail. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Given the Parkway’s lofty elevations, many hikes off the Parkway don’t need to trek far to score some fantastic panoramic views or explore unique, high-elevation forests. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. We didn't want to hike Craggy Gardens if things weren't in bloom. And in any season (when the Blue Ridge Parkway is open), the beautifully gnarled, rugged, high-elevation forest pairs with stunning mountaintop views to make an especially memorable and extremely photo-worthy hike. Then continue to the upper parking lot where you will see the parkway sign "Craggy Dome" the trail head is just on the other side indicated by a sign. LOCATION:on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, NC, PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list, OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 779 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.). The terrain is rocky and rooty, covered in leafy fern, silvery lichen, and soft green moss. Enjoy! As mentioned in other posts it is not assessable during cold weather months unfortunately. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. (Always double check sunrise time also!) If you’re wanting to see a sunset you got a great view, but be prepared to be surrounded by people everywhere! Super easy out and back trail. Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a 1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Barnardsville, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Remove this comment. Most of the rhododendrons have already dropped their leaves so no pretty colors on the trail. The landscape is exceptionally beautiful: twisted rhododendron and hardwoods densely shade a forest filled with lush, green moss and weathered high-elevation plants. We stopped at Craggy Pinnacle to check things out. It wasn't too steep, but it was not flat! The scenery there is something you’d see in a fairy tale movie or a picture-perfect postcard. This two-mile round trip explores the grassy, sun-drenched summit southeast of the pinnacle, climbing through a mossy, gnarled forest to a high-elevation grassland. This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. EASY 1.9 mi. The trail then leans more upward until it reaches a fork to the right where there is a plateau and many scenic overlooks. To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty. Well marked. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, as the Parkway passes through the Craggy Gardens, is the very beautiful and popular Craggy Pinnacle which you can easily reach via a 20 minute hike on a well maintained trail up the side of the peak. Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. At 5,892 feet, it’s a typical high summit in the Great Craggy/Black Mountain range. Great Sunsets. 4. Pass the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at Milepost 364.6. Short and rocky. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. Located 40 minutes northeast of Asheville, this crown jewel of the Great Craggy Mountains features spectacular 360° views from the stone observation deck on its summit. Short, but beautiful hike in Asheville, North Carolina. Please always practice good trail etiquette. Free parking is available at the trailhead at MP 364 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Contact us here, and thanks for helping us keep this site updated! Very busy, lots of wet rocks but easy gradual climb - worth it to see views at the top! Located about 24 miles from Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Gardens stays busy and is a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts … The weather was a bit more extreme at over 5,000ft. The trail can be accessed from Craggy Dome Parking Overlook, and is a must-do for those capable of a short walk. The hike passes a small, moss-covered concrete spring house at .2 mile, continuing the summit-bound climb. I usually spend the day visiting restaurants and breweries around Asheville. Craggy Pinnacle. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! At nearly 5900 feet elevation, the summertime breeze is especially refreshing at this altitude, and often much cooler than nearby Asheville. VISIT OUR SHOP ABOUT US OUR STORY CONTACT US. From the airy heights of this dramatic heath bald you’ll be able to pick out all of the highest ranges in North Carolina … But it’s the big draw for visitors seeking the best vistas Craggy Gardens has to offer, with a path around the summit of the Great Craggy Mountains. This 1.5-mile-long round-trip trail takes you to the top of Craggy Pinnacle, at an elevation of about 5,900 feet. The twisted branches The hike reaches a v-shaped intersection at .35 mile, veering right to explore the lower overlook. Mt. It is amazing to me that rhododendron grow abundantly in the wild. Nice, short trail. Wildflowers stretch high towards the ample sunlight on the open, breezy, view-filled peak. Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop, Mount Mitchell Summit & Balsam Nature Trail, Best fall foliage hikes near Asheville and in the NC mountains, Linville Gorge hiking, camping & adventure guide, Blue Ridge Parkway hikes: our favorite summit views, Roan Mountain & the Roan Highlands on the Appalachian Trail, 2019 Fall color forecast for Asheville, NC, BEST HIKES ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY IN NC, check for trail updates and parkway closures. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. On Saturday, we see an early morning break in the rain clouds and decide to drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway to hike Craggy Pinnacle. :) Other trails, including access to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, offer alternate adventures. The first part of the journey is a gradual climb; then you reach a bend and a nice elevated rock with a view. Beautiful in summer when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom. ), 35.704167, -82.373750 // N35 42.250 W82 22.425. Late November is pretty cold on the mountain and it gets windy at the top. This moderate 20-minute walk begins from the upper level of the Craggy Dome Parking Overlook (just north of the tunnel that is in view from the visitor center). 6. The North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains are covered with them. This short mile-high hike offers huge rewards. This popular trail climbs a short distance from a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook to a high, rocky peak with commanding views of the Craggy Gardens area. Craggy Gardens is located at Milepost 364 and the Craggy Pinnacle Trail is just a short drive up at Milepost 364.4. Cute short hike! The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. Craggy Pinnacle is considered one of the most scenic, short hikes along the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Advertisement. Spring was just really starting on the mountain top. See all photos near Craggy Pinnacle Hike. The Pinnacle Trail tops out just shy of 6,000 feet and provides a panoramic vista with benches and excellent viewing perches. We didn't start our day early enough, so we shared the peak with 15 people. Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a 1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Barnardsville, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Still getting the hang of the GoPro..sorry it's shaky, Enjoy! The fall of course springs with beautiful fall colors, and also blooming Mountain Ash (the red in the photo below). Mitchell: Just 10 miles north of Craggy Gardens is Mt. Amazing views at the top. Hiking Trails (7) 1. Check out more of our favorite. Travel tip: Driving North from Asheville the trip is only 24 miles, but takes closer to 45 minutes due to the slower speed limits on the parkway. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. The Craggy Gardens Pinnacle trail is a great short hike, that really provides some of the most outstanding views in the area and on the Parkway during spring, summer and fall. Road to Craggy is iced over, cannot get to the gardens or the overlook coming from the west. Hike a Trail: In just a 20 minute walk, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from the summit of Craggy Pinnacle. This ecosystem is unique: it’s a rocky, high-elevation, often windy and exposed terrain. We enjoyed the exploration. The hike passes a small, moss-covered concrete spring house at .2 mile, continuing the summit-bound climb. Follow an historic packhorse route used by kauri bushmen in 1920s. A short scenic drive north of Asheville is all it takes for some of the best views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. DIFFICULT 3.3 mi. We think the short, but beautiful hike with an amazing view will be perfect for Owen’s first hike! Can get crowded at the top depending on the time you go. Posted on July 9, 2011 by Inn on Mill Creek. The sign at the beginning states that it is a 20 minute hike out to the shelter and back, which is roughly correct if you hustle, but you'll want to take more time than that and explore all that is to be found in the spectacular environment around you. DIFFICULT 3.5 mi. The forest of rhododendron, beech, buckeye and other hardwood trees twist, gnarl and nob over the rugged terrain. Short hike - but very crowded. Scenic Overlook via Craggy Gardens Trail . Short trail with easy elevation gain to the top. I love to spend my weekends just driving along the parkway and stopping at the overlooks. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! After passing through the Craggy Pinnacle tunnel, turn left into the Craggy Dome parking lot at Milepost 364.6. It's only a 1.4-mile round-trip hike to the top of the 5,892-ft. summit, Craggy Pinnacle. Of all the trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this offers one of the most exceptional views for the least amount of walking. The summit is the perfect place to take in the view or catch a few high-elevation rays before backtracking to the trailhead. at Craggy Gardens. It was also extremely easy to find- from downtown, take the Blue Ridge Parkway 18 miles north. Plan your hike with the Craggy Gardens trails page. Crowded, still easily navigated. One simple and easy, yet beautiful hike, is Craggy Pinnacle located at milepost 364.1 on the Parkway. Summertime brings scores of wildflowers and berry-filled bushes. The exceptional panoramic 360-degree views are hard to beat in … It can be completed as a day or overnight walk. The hike reaches a v-shaped intersection at .35 mile, veering right to explore the lower overlook. Craggy Pinnacle Trail is one of the most beautiful trails to hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway when the Rhododendrons are blooming forming a canopy of magenta and purple color against the greenery and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Short, steep, but not too hard. Craggy Pinnacle Hike, Blue Ridge Parkway. MtnTravelGuide.com Before it gets late, so you can enjoy the views, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway located right outside the city. Lots of people, worth the view! Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a beautiful hiking trail in Asheville, North Carolina. Plan the hike on a nice sunny day. http://www.mtntravelguide.com, Bring hiking shoes or sneakers, a camera, and a bottle of water. Hike to Craggy Pinnacle near Black Mountain. 5. Rocky and a little muddy so be sure to wear good shoes. A few of the off shoot trail are so narrow it is hard to pass or let people by. I always type the address in GPS (Craggy Pinnacle Hike) to make sure how much time I need for the drive. (Before you go, check for trail updates and parkway closures on the official Blue Ridge Parkway website. Departing the summit, the hike retraces its steps to the trailhead, dropping elevation through the twisted, gnarly, rocky forest. The trail arcs sharply southbound at .3 mile, passing a small cave under a chiseled, angled rock outcrop. The views were breath taking at several points before arriving at the top of the pinnacle. Craggy Pinnacle Hike. Craggy Gardens Trail is a 1.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Barnardsville, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. And sunsets from the summit are simply spectacular. More near Craggy Pinnacle Hike. Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? Blooming rhododendrons put on a fantastic display along this trail in late June. Craggy Pinnacle is a commanding peak along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trover. A walled, terraced overlook offers stunning 360-degree views. The road to Craggy via Blue Ridge Parkway is closed just past the Tanbark Ridge Overlook. Wildflowers, blackberries, and blueberries cover the Pinnacle’s sun-drenched peak in summer months. I plan to get to the parking lot about 45 minutes before sunrise. Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Take a lunch and eat at the Craggy Gardens picnic area to make a day out of it! The hike was super easy and only 1.2 miles round trip with no chance of getting lost along the trail. Along the parkway we stop at Tanbark Ridge Overlook before continuing to head north. By Trail Contributor: Zach Robbins Craggy Pinnacle is considered one of the most scenic, short hikes along the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Craggy Pinnacle is a peak inside of Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway: Craggy Gardens to Mount Pisgah, Mountains to Sea Trail: Bearpen Gap to Ox Creek, Glassmine Falls Lookout from Walter Knob Overlook via Mountain to Sea Trail, Elk Pen to Laurel Gap to Lower Staire Loop, Glassmine Falls Overlook to Bullhead Mountain, Bullhead Mountain From Graybeard Mountain Overlook. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With spectacular views shade a forest filled with lush, green moss and weathered plants... Wanting to see a 360 degree mountain view recent trail updates or storm damage hiking route. Under arched passage ways leading up to spectacular views, -82.373750 // N35 42.250 22.425! 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