Looking Glass Rock

Hiking Looking Glass Rock

Intro Dare we say that Looking Glass Rock suffers from Half Dome syndrome? It's prominent presence can be seen from virtually all viewpoints within the Pisgah National Forest. The granite walls of this 600’ Rock Pluton beckon adventurers…
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Hiking John Rock Loop

Intro The 5-mile John Rock Loop is a hike that, on a clear day, affords some of the most stunning views of Pisgah's wilderness and mountains. The hike takes you to the top of John Rock, which is a large open face that you stare at as you climb.After…
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Hiking Shining Rock

Intro In the heart of the Shining Rock Wilderness, high atop the Great Balsam Mountains, stands a peak of other-worldly beauty. Locals consider Shining Rock to be the “crown jewel” of the Appalachians. An elaborate network of Quartzite…
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Hiking Art Loeb Trail

Intro Art Loeb was a man who “deeply loved these mountains.” If you travel to the highest point on the trail bearing his namesake you will see a weathered plaque commemorating these words. On a clear day, from this high point, you will…
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Hiking Black Balsam Knob

Intro Bald is beautiful. Especially when referring to the grassy bald known as Black Balsam. A short ramble through a fragrant forest of Balsam Fir trees leads you to panoramic views atop the Great Balsam Mountains on this high country adventure.…
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Hiking to the Top of Looking Glass Rock

Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock is an iconic natural presence that beckons climbers and hikers from all over. For trail runners and hikers, it's one of the top 10 hikes around the city of Asheville (which is saying…
DuPont State Forest

Hiking DuPont Forest

Intro DuPont State Recreational Forest is a beautiful 10,000-acre outdoor playground in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With roughly 80 miles of multi-use trails meandering through dense forests, alongside mountain lakes, and next to cascading waterfalls,…
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5 Most Photogenic Landscapes Near Asheville

What are the Blue Ridge Mountains besides an immense exhibition of natural beauty: wide-open vistas overlooking an ocean of rolling mountain peaks, rivers of whitewater and clear pools with wildflowers clustered at the banks, sunlight catching…
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A Quick and Dirty Guide to the Best Hiking in Asheville

A voluminous network of trails spiderweb the mountains that surround Asheville. Soaring ridge lines, breathtaking views, and an epic array of terrain have long established this city as one of the hiking epicenters of the country.The tireless…
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4 Epic All-Day Hikes Near Asheville

Despite your alarm going off before it's even light out, despite the relentless climbs and knee-shaking descents that seem to go on forever, you know it's worth it. That moment when the sheltering forest gives way to soaring summit views is…