Craggy Pinnacle Trail

Seeking postcard-perfect views of mountain peaks? This close-to-Asheville hike offers a sampler of mountain scenery with long-range views, twisted laurel, and dramatic rock formations.

What to Expect

If you’re short on time but still want to see dramatic views, Craggy Pinnacle makes for an ideal hike, with its close proximity to Asheville. To get to the Pinnacle trail, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north and pass the Visitor Center and proceed to the Craggy Dome parking lot at Milepost 364.1.

Find the entrance to the trail on the left side of the parking lot. Your journey begins with a thicket of rhododendrons so heavy that at times it looks like a tunnel, which also makes the trail cool, even in the summer. Stone steps cut into the trail to ease the grade, but be aware that while short, this climb is relatively steep. Toward the top, emerge from the thicket onto a windswept, grassy hill. At the top, celebrate at the viewing area surrounded by a low stone wall.

Looking south, you’ll see the Parkway below you; to the west, rows of mountains that reach all the way to Tennessee. Popular times for the trail include during sunset, the month of June when the rhododendron bloom (truly a sight to see) and in the fall. Keep in mind that the temperature can be as many as 20 degrees cooler here than in Asheville, so dress in layers.

Access the Craggy Gardens Trail from the south end of the Visitor Center or north end of the Picnic Area. From the Visitor Center, climb a gentle .3 miles to a shelter, then an additional .5 miles to the Picnic Area, partially through a forest. The 1.4 miles of trail takes about 20-25 minutes out and back.

Find access to the Douglas Falls Trail (sometimes called the Carter Creek Trail) and part of North Carolina’s Mountains to Sea Trail from the north end of the Picnic Area or by going 1 mile north of the Visitor Center to Graybeard Overlook. This strenuous 8-mile round trip hike leads you to the 70-foot Douglas Creek Falls. The hike takes about 5.5 hours and includes a 1,350-foot elevation change.

Directions

From downtown, take the Blue Ridge Parkway 18 miles north. Pass the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at Milepost 364.6. After passing through the Craggy Pinnacle tunnel, turn left into the Craggy Dome parking lot at Milepost 364.6

GPS Coordinates

N35° 42.010', W82° 22.779'