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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 from all around to come and cling to its’ cliffs. The outdoor paparazzi perpetually take aim at Looking Glass Rock from a variety of vantage points throughout the National Forest. Fair weather adventurers flock to the summit on pretty days by way of the Looking Glass Trail. Yet, once on the summit visitors find an ironic twist of fate, similar to the one found atop Half Dome, comes to fruition. Once you’re on top you lose sight of what everyone has come to see, Looking Glass Rock itself! The tradeoff, for losing sight of The Rock,is paid off in panoramic views and the ability to, one day, stand at those overlooks with an inner smile and acknowledgment that “I’ve been up there.”

What Makes It Great

Not all who venture into the Pisgah are willing to look The Rockin the face and get a close up view of its’ world renowned “eyebrows.” If clinging to cams and clipping to bolts isn’t your cup of tea – yet you still desire to summit Looking Glass – venture to the top on the 3.2 mile Looking Glass Rock Trail. This well maintained, and well-trodden path begins just outside of Brevard, NC on Forest Service road 475. The trail gains a total of 1,700 vertical feet on its way to the 4,000’ summit of Looking Glass. Lucky for your legs, a seemingly endless swath of switchbacks aid in your elevation gain on this trail.

Roughly two miles into the trail hikers will pass a relatively flat rock clearing with a large, painted “H.” From the air this “H” signals a landing pad for helicopter crews who come to rescue injured climbers. From the ground let this “H” stand as your reminder to watch your step during the rest of your journey! A spur trail leads from the back of the helicopter landing zone to the Lower Looking Glass Cliffs. Taking this short spur allows views of the main cliff face and a chance at solidarity from the crowds.

Continuing on the main trail, from the helipad, a steep pull will bring you to the summit where there are prime campsites but no view. Passing the summit, a short descent, will bring you to the precipice of Upper Looking glass Cliffs! The rounded face allows for an amicably flat sitting area on top with panoramic views. Once on top, lesser travelled “man-ways” can lead to more secluded vantage points. Exercise extreme caution in these areas especially during wet conditions!

Who is Going to Love It

The panoramic views will help any hiker quickly forget about the burning quads from the hike to the summit. Trust us, if you can make it up there, it will be worth it!

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The parking area can be found off of Forest Service Road 475 in the Pisgah National Forest. A 45 minute drive from Asheville will lead you to the trailhead which is on the right, .4 miles up Forest Service Road 475.

Access to the Looking Glass Rock Trail is free to the public.

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Featured image provided by Osajus

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 a brief start on Forest Service Road 475, the trail links up with the Cat Gap Loop Trail. It immediately travels up through a mixed forest of hardwoods and lush rhododendron. There are a few stream crossings (some with a footbridge, some with some fairly easy rock-hopping), and just before an intersection with the Butter Gap Trail, you’ll see (and hear) the Cedar Rock Falls.

The trail continues to climb steadily and surely, and eventually, it will come to a four-way intersection just south of John Rock. From here, take the John Rock Trail to continue to the top. It will be a fairly steep and substantial climb without switchbacks.

The trail will eventually pop out onto John Rock itself. Soak up the incredible view for as long as you’d like and then it’s time to head back down and complete the loop.

What Makes It Great

Once you get the top of John Rock, you’ll be given views of the outstretching valley below, the Pisgah Ridge, and across to Looking Glass Rock. The hike will also take you past a nice waterfall and, during spring, there are beautiful wildflower meadows in the Picklesimer Fields.

Who is Going to Love It

This is a fairly difficult hike, as the climbing is pretty steep (about 1,000 feet of elevation gain), so experienced hikers will enjoy this hike more than first-timers will. You’ll want to hike counter clockwise so you’re going up the really steep part, so the walk down is more gradual. It’s tough to hurt yourself on steep uphill, but steep downhill is a different story.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The trailhead is located at the Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery, just off of Forest Service Road 475. It will be a left off of this road, and then just over a bridge about a mile and a half in, there will be a parking lot.

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Featured image provided by Jake Wheeler

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 Rock formations adorn the summit and dazzle the eyes of the beholder. These “crystalline cliffs” peak through the canopy of a rich coniferous forest creating view-points of heavenly proportions.  Several iconic trails, from varying trailheads, can provide access to this wonderland. If you desire an eye pleasing adventure, embark on a vigorous day hike, or plan an overnighter, to come enjoy the splendors of Shining Rock.

What Makes It Great

The most picturesque route to Shining Rock involves a section of the Art Loeb Trail which traverses a string of mountain top “grassy balds.” The start of this adventure begins from the Black Balsam Knob trailhead on road 816 off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heading north and following the white blaze of The Art Loeb Trail hikers will enjoy a five mile ridgeline hike with long range views and fascinating flora. The first section of trail summits both Black Balsam and Tennent Mountain before dropping into Ivestor Gap. A traverse around Grassy Cove Top leads to Flower Gap, a strikingly beautiful campsite, and then on towards Shining Rock Gap. A consistent water source gurgles from the mountain just before reaching Shining Rock Gap. The water runs clear and cold but filtration is still suggested. A variety of quality campsites for tents and hammocks are dispersed under the rhododendron canopy at Shining Rock Gap.

Just north of Shining Rock Gap lies a network of unmarked trails that lead to the actual summit of Shining Rock. Exploring several of these trails is a worthwhile endeavor as each leads to its own wonderful scramble and viewpoint atop the quartzite formations. A sunny day atop these shining rocks is an experience everyone should have in their life. Reflections of light and picturesque views amongst the canopy of a fragrant evergreen forest make this mountain top experience feel heavenly.

Another popular route to Shining Rock begins at the Big East Fork Trailhead and uses the Shining Creek Trail to gain the ridgeline at Shining Rock Gap. This route follows a pristine wilderness creek and climbs 3,000’ vertical to reach Shining Rock Gap.

If you are looking for a full day, leg burner, of a hike; access Shining Rock from the northern terminus of the Art Loeb Trail at Camp Daniel Boone. On this rigorous section of trail, hikers will climb up to deep gap, below Cold Mountain, then traverse “The Narrows” section of The Art Loeb Trail on their way to Shining Rock.

Who is Going to Love It

View seekers are in for a treat on this ridgeline hike. Nearly every step of the trail has access to long range views. Flowering plants on the grassy balds make late spring and early summer a beautiful time to visit for nature lovers. Fall colors and ripe blueberries highlight early autumn atop the Great Balsam Mountains. Star gazers will love visiting Shining Rock for an up close view of astrological events. The remote location, lack of ambient light and high altitude at Shining Rock make this place a great venue for seeing the shows of the universe. The Quartz rocks on the summit create some dazzling light shows ideal for photographs. Plan your visit to coincide with a full moon and watch shining rock glimmer in the glow of the moon.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Getting to the Black Balsam trailhead from Asheville involves a picturesque drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The area is very dog friendly and no fees or permits are required to hike or camp at Shining Rock.

The Shining Rock Wilderness is subject to some special regulations given its Wilderness designation, make sure to follow the special guidelines to ensure a wilderness opportunity for future visitors.

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Featured image provided by Steven Reinhold

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 also see picturesque, long-range Appalachian views in all directions. The 30.1 mile trail takes you through the wonders of the Pisgah National Forest before traversing the iconic crest of the Great Balsam Mountains to the crown jewel of the Shining Rock Wilderness. Easy access to both end points, multiple campsites, two shelters, plentiful water and epic views make the Art Loeb a must do on the life list of all Appalachian hikers.

What Makes It Great

This acclaimed trail connects the Davidson River Campground in Brevard to Camp Daniel Boone in Haywood County, NC. The Pisgah National Forest divides the Art Loeb Trail into four sections. The trail’s southern terminus can be found off of highway 276 on the Davidson River Campground Access Road. The first section of trail begins here and takes you to Gloucester Gap. Highlights along this section of trail include an up close view of Cedar Rock and a shelter at Butter Gap.

From Gloucester Gap hikers begin their climb upwards towards the crest of the Pisgah Ledge. If you are a glutton for punishment you will enjoy every steep step up Pilot Mountain. Eventually you will reach the top and a grand reward, paid with awe-inspiring views, lies on the narrow summit ridge of Pilot Mountain. After you descend the backside of Pilot rest your weary legs and quench your thirst at the Deep Gap shelter. The trail continues upwards, crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, and ascends a series of steep switchbacks to finally gain the ridge line, and briefly merge with the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Once atop the ridge line, a traverse along a pathway cut through a coniferous forest, which lines the airy edge of the Pisgah Ledge, leads hikers to Black Balsam Knob.

Section 3, the reward for your massive uphill climb, starts here. A majestic chain of Appalachian Balds reveals itself atop the summit of Black Balsam. Your next 5 miles of trail will take you up and over a string of lush peaks with panoramic views in every direction. If you goal is a through hike we recommend a campsite within this section of trail. Chances are you will be rewarded with a heavenly sunrise or sunset, and a close up view of starry skies. Shining Rock stands tall and shimmering at the end of the this string of Balds. Quartzite cliffs on Shining Rock’s summit allow some incredibly fun scrambles onto exposed sections with long range views. Shining Rock gap has access to water and rhododendron-canopied camp sites perfect for tents and hammocks.  From Shining Rock the trail crosses a section known as “The Narrows” on its way to Deep Gap, another aptly named, Deep Gap in the ridge line. At Deep Gap a spur trail on your right leads to the summit of Cold Mountain, made famous by a book of the same name.

The fourth section of trail (3.8 miles) descends steadily along the flanks of Cold Mountain towards the Camp Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp and the northern terminus of The Art Loeb trail. Trailhead information and parking for a shuttle vehicle are available here as well as a lovely creek to cool off in after a completed thru hike.

Who is Going to Love It

Whether you are practicing for a longer trail or rekindling your love for backpacking The Art Loeb Trail is the perfect choice for a 3-4 day trip. Both trailheads are easily accessible and the Blue Ridge Parkway bisects the trail making for easy shuttle and resupply opportunities.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From the trail website: “Starting at the Davidson River near the Davidson River Campground, near Brevard, NC, Section 1 of the trail climbs Shut-In Ridge and travels generally west-southwest.”

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Featured image provided by Steven Reinhold

It’s no secret that the mountains of Western North Carolina have a wide array of wonderful places to live and play. With vibrant mountain towns like Boone, Brevard, and Asheville, as well as well-preserved national forests and serpentine scenic highways, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit this area. If you’re going on vacation this holiday season, make sure the Pisgah is on the top of your list. And while you’re there, use this weekend guide for a night of camping and a day of hiking and trail running.

Friday Night (4:30pm – 7:00am): Davidson Campground

Car camping at Davidson Campground
Car camping at Davidson Campground.
Jake Wheeler

Open year-around with over 160 campsites for tents and cars, the Davidson River Campground is a great place to make a home base for your weekend in the Pisgah. Nestled just inside the Pisgah National Forest, and only three miles from Brevard, the campground is at the foot of the Art Loeb Trail and just minutes from other well-known destinations like John Rock and Looking Glass Rock.

And with Brevard being so nearby, you have the ability to grab any last minute supplies you may need before entering the park for the weekend. Even better, the Pisgah Ranger Station is conveniently located across the street to help with any last minute adventure questions before you start your day. We suggest finding a campsite that sits along the Davidson River, offering you quick access to a trail that runs along the river—great for a moonlight hike.

Saturday Morning Hike (7:30am – 11:30am): John Rock Loop

John Rock Loop
John Rock Loop
Jake Wheeler

Only a few miles from the Davidson Campground, start your day off by experiencing the stunning views of Pisgah’s gorgeous wilderness and mountains. Primitive tent camping is allowed here as well, so if you want to set up camp at the foot of John Rock, you may.

With over 1,000-feet of elevation gain, this 5.5 mile hike will get your blood pumping and your heart thumping. You will find yourself quickly shedding layers, as you walk through tunnels of rhododendron forests with the rising sun guiding you playfully along the trail. Once you get the top of John Rock, you are greeted with a huge rock slab that offers breathtaking views of the outstretching valley below, the Pisgah Ridge, and across the way to Looking Glass Rock.

Enjoy a light snack at the top, a quick drink of water, and prepare for a brisk walk down to the trailhead for your next stop…lunch!

Lunch (12:00pm – 1:00pm): Looking Glass Falls

Only a short three minute drive from the John Rock Loop Trailhead, enjoy a mountain meal with the accompanying sounds of the roaring 60-foot Looking Glass Falls. Pack your picnic basket and head just a few hundred yards from the parking lot and witness one of North Carolina’s most pristine and powerful waterfalls. Steps lead down to the base of the falls, making it easy to carry any lunchtime supplies and offering you a perspective that will truly humble you. Scramble around the rocks, watch out for ice in the winter seasons, and find a scenic spot to fuel up for your next adventure: Looking Glass Rock!

Saturday Afternoon Hike (1:30pm – 4:30pm): Looking Glass Rock

Looking Glass Rock
Looking Glass Rock
Jake Wheeler

Fill up your hydration pack and throw some nutrition in your pocket—you’ll need it. The trail to Looking Glass Rock is steep—climbing 1,700-feet in just over three miles and taking hikers and runners along a cascading mountain stream and through granite rock outcroppings and root gardens, which only add to the challenge. But after you weave through these hairpin switchback turns, and along trails coated with blankets of fall leaves, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most majestic views on the East Coast. The views are simply stunning! Definitely worth the physical expenditure.

The Pisgah National Forest offers great outdoor recreation possibilities for all ages and abilities. This is a great weekend trip for anyone looking to escape to the mountains. We recommend grabbing all your food needs in the town of Brevard before you escape. Whether it is your first time pitching a tent, or you’re a seasoned trail running vet, the Pisgah is a true slice of weekend adventure heaven.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Jake Wheeler

Intro

Rumbling Bald, about 25 miles from downtown Asheville, is really the must see climbing area of western North Carolina. It’s one of the biggest and best bouldering destinations in the southeast, if not the country, offering literally hundreds of documented bouldering problems and plenty more unofficial routes just begging for first ascents. Rumbling Bald is suitable for all ability levels with a huge variety of difficulty. You could spend days and days here. There’s also a great deal of route climbing–mostly traditional on the cliff above the bouldering line. There used to be access issues, but it was bought by the Carolina Climbers Coalition, so now parking and access for climbers is guaranteed.

What Makes It Great

Boasting at least 882 documented boulder lines, you are sure to run out of chalk and skin before running out of problems at the Rumbling Bald. The boulder field is divided into the West Side, Central, and East Side.  The approach to the first area from the lot is about 10 minutes. The West Side is a great warm up as well as project area with a wide range of grades and height variety. Plenty of V0’s and V1’s are available for the beginner as well, mostly described as “Unknown” in the guide book due to being un-named problems in the Obscure and Trailside areas within the Westside area. The Trailside area also offers great three-star problems like the classic arête, Moby Dick (V4) and the crimpy Rotator Cuff sds. (V6) that can also be climbed as a V5 stand start. Moving on to the Cluster boulders, The French Maid (V7) is a must-do for the experienced climber and should not go untried.  Though there’s much more to be climbed on the West Side, you must move on to the Central boulder field for the best V2 at the Rumbling Bald. The Brevard Fault (V2) and other classics like Bruce’s Problem (V5) and Slash and Burn (V8) are high star problems here (amongst many more) located on a mere 8 boulders and generally less crowded Central area.  If the West Side and Central was not enough of a challenge for you, the East Side certainly will be. Although you may want to save it for another day when your arms are less pumped out. The reason being that the east boulder field is spread out in steep terrain with big elevation changes and can be difficult to navigate. However, the climbing is still excellent here and there are many projects and untouched boulders looking for a first ascent for those who feel so inclined.  We can’t reiterate enough how much bouldering can be had at Rumbling Bald. You really just have to check it out yourself. We recommend purchasing the Rumbling Bald Bouldering Guidebook, written by Chris Dorrity. You can find it in any outdoor retailer, and it’s really worth a look.

Who is Going to Love It

Cyclists…. Just kidding. Climbers, obviously. Of all ability levels — beginners, intermediates, and experts alike.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

Rumbling Bald is located above the town of Bat Cave/Chimney Rock. From Bat Cave, follow the signs for Chimney Rock Park and pass the park entrance as you go through the town of Chimney Rock. Not quite a half mile past the park, turn left on Boys Camp Road (SR 1305). Follow this for about a mile and a half to a dirt access road on the left; take the dirt road to one of two parking areas for Rumbling Bald.Plan on a 9 or 10am arrival, as the parking lot at the Bald fills up fast with both hikers and climbers, and you may even have to wait for a spot if you get there too late. The parking is also locked at dusk so make sure you leave in time or the Ranger will be waiting.Unfortunately, there is no camping allowed at Rumbling Bald, so be sure to make a plan for lodging. Located just a few miles from the boulders, in Lake Lure, is the Hitching Post Campground. They offer tent and RV camping as well as bunk houses and apartments. The camping is open year round, but you’ll only need it for three seasons because summer here is downright miserable, with overgrown vegetation and hot temperatures. Rumbling Bald is best in the fall, winter and spring, with winter being the prime season.

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Featured image provided by bobistraveling

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. A picturesque drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway climbs from the fertile French Broad River Valley up into the highlands of the Pisgah National Forest for stunning 360 degree views. Ease of access, endless views and a short summit hike of less than a mile make this a mountain worth visiting.

What Makes It Great

Heading north along the Art Loeb,the trail meanders through a short stretch of evergreen forest before a dramatic panoramic vista and view of the summit suddenly appears. The beauty of the area and the high mountain experience will drench your senses from here on, as every step offers uninterrupted Appalachian views.

Follow the well-defined trail the rest of the way to the summit. Drink in the views and take your time on top; make sure to never rush a summit experience!

A camera is a must have for this hike! Black Balsam rises high above its surroundings and offers clear lines of sight for spectacular sunrise and sunset views. Consistent morning fog in the river valleys below creates the feeling of being on an island in the sky and blankets the foreground for spectacular photo-ops in the mornings.

The National Forest service requests visitors follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile ecosystem atop Black Balsam. A wide variety of established campsites lie on the slopes and summit plateau of Black Balsam. Bring plenty of water since none will be available on the top and leave the place cleaner than it was when you arrived!

Recommendations

  1. Show up early, stay late and head out on a weekday to beat the crowds which can grow quite large on weekends.
  2. The Alpine summit of Black Balsam is one of the premier areas in the southeast for a moonlight ramble. Gather your headlamps, a group of friends and a light up Frisbee for some real fun in the dark.
  3. Early fall is peak season for wild blueberries atop the Great Balsams. You won’t find any on the summit itself but venture out to nearby areas where you can pick handfuls in stride.
  4. Get there early and pick a campsite sheltered from the wind; face your vestibule eastward and enjoy a gloriously warm sunrise and warm beverage from your sleeping bag.

Who is Going to Love It

Bring the family and friends along for this adventure. This trail is suitable for all ages and ability levels, and the bonds we make on a mountain live with us forever so bring your crew to share the experience.

Make your day even more memorable by bringing some quality food along to enjoy a scenic picnic on the summit. Don’t skimp on your menu items for this picnic; with the proximity of the trailhead, it’s easy to carry all the goods to the top.

Expect temperatures to be 10-15 degrees cooler than in Asheville. Weather conditions can change rapidly on top of a mountain; come prepared for cooler temperatures and varying weather conditions.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From Asheville, catch the Blue Ridge Parkway near the North Carolina Arboretum and head south for 25 miles.

The drive will wind up a beautiful mountain grade until the Parkway begins to parallel a towering ridgeline with expansive views of the Pisgah National Forest below. Just after mile marker 420 there will be a sign on your right for the Black Balsam area. Take a right on this road (816) and follow it upwards for nearly 1 mile until the road levels out amongst a stately grove of Evergreens. Park your vehicle here and look for the white blaze of the Art Loeb Trail (right hand side of road).Spring, summer, and fall are all wonderful times to visit the Great Balsams. Spring and summer provide the opportunity to see the blooms of native wildflowers and Mountain Laurel. Fall brings wild blueberries and even wilder color schemes to the surrounding landscape. Black Balsam is also beautiful in the winter but access can be difficult with the Blue Ridge Parkway closing frequently for snow and ice. Access in winter is possible via the Flat Laurel Creek trail off of road 215. Check road conditions on the parkway before you go.

Featured image provided by Abby Crahan

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 a lot considering the peaks and forests of Western Carolina are brimming with such a dazzling array of hiking adventures).

And for many, just photographing or driving past this prominent feature and witnessing it from other vantage points in the national forest area is satisfying and inspiring enough.

Everyday there are those who feel the call to summit and stand on the rounded granite face of Looking Glass Rock. And for those who do, they’re rewarded with a fantastic, flat sitting picnic area and the company of commanding panoramas.

Beginning the hike to the summit of Looking Glass Rock.
Beginning the hike to the summit of Looking Glass Rock.
Jake Wheeler

Getting to the trailhead is pretty simple. Located only 5.5 miles outside of Brevard, NC on Forest Service Road 475, it’s hard to miss the well-maintained and well-trodden path, not to mention the big, brown park sign showing you the way.

Not for those who are out of shape, this trail gains a total of 1,700 vertical feet in just over three miles on its way to the 4,000’ summit of Looking Glass. And a good thing to note when heading there is that this is one of the most popular hikes in Western North Carolina, so you’ll want to arrive early because the parking lot can quickly fill up.

Following the yellow blazes, and getting lost in the lushness of the trail.
Following the yellow blazes, and getting lost in the lushness of the trail.
Jake Wheeler

The trail to the top is a singletrack path etched into the mountainside that switchbacks its way up the mountain for for an out-and-back journey totaling 6.4 miles.

You’ll start with a comfortable stroll through thick virgin hardwoods and verdant fern gullies, following a creek up through a hollow, until the trail begins to start switching back and forth, winding its way up the backside of the mountain towards the granite dome summit. At times, this hike can be a little challenging, but the closer you get to the top, the less steep it becomes. And trust me, the views are worth the effort and energy.

Winding up one of the many switchbacks along this hike.
Winding up one of the many switchbacks along this hike.
Jake Wheeler
Towards the top, the hike begins to get a little rocky, foreshadowing the rock face summit to come.
Towards the top, the hike begins to get a little rocky, foreshadowing the rock face summit to come.
Jake Wheeler

Roughly two miles into the trail hikers will pass a relatively flat rock clearing with a large, painted “H.” From aerial heights, this “H” signals a landing pad for helicopter crews who come to rescue injured climbers. From the ground let this “H” stand as your reminder to watch your step during the rest of your journey! A spur trail leads from the back of the helicopter landing zone to the Lower Looking Glass Cliffs. Taking this short spur allows views of the main cliff face and a chance at solidarity from the crowds.

Otherwise, continue through a few open balds and scattered granite rock gardens that foreshadow the future sights ahead. You’ll pass through wooded areas that have a few scattered campsites amongst them, and then you’ll pass through a canopy of trees that create a rather welcoming tunnel for you to walk through as you make your way to the top of Looking Glass Rock.

The summit of Looking Glass is jaw-dropping. Just make sure you don't make it cell phone, lunch, or hiker friend dropping. Be careful.
The summit of Looking Glass is jaw-dropping. Just make sure you don’t make it cell phone, lunch, or hiker friend dropping. Be careful.
Jake Wheeler
Enjoying the views from Looking Glass Rock.
Enjoying the views from Looking Glass Rock.
Jake Wheeler

The summit of Looking Glass is a somewhat of an anomaly in the Blue Ridge: it’s flat-topped, thickly forested, and not particularly tall. In fact, you’ll be gazing up at the mountains that engulf you, not down upon them. If you continue past the actual summit, that’s where you’ll reach the good stuff: the views from Upper Looking Glass Cliffs are simply good for the soul.

We recommended packing a small daypack with water, some granola bars, a camera, lunch for the summit, and a light pullover if it’s windy on top. If you’re thinking about hiking to the top of Looking Glass Rock, share your adventures with us by tagging #RootsRated. And remember to always Leave No Trace.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Jake Wheeler

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, DuPont is a hiker’s paradise.

What Makes It Great

Options are something you’ll have plenty of in DuPont. The 4.5-mile trail to Cedar Rock is a wonderfully scenic route with excellent views and not too much strenuous elevation gain. Both the short and long routes to the summit of Stone Mountain- the tallest point in DuPont- are grueling hikes with steep grades, yet amazing views. And hiking alongside one of the five lakes within DuPont is always a pleasant experience, most notably the 99-acre Julia Lake. But perhaps what DuPont State Forest is most known for is its waterfall hiking. The Little River flows through the park and creates four waterfalls on its way. Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are all worth seeing, and you can actually reach three of these in one fell swoop on an easy 3-mile route. By parking at the Hooker Falls lot, you can reach the 12-foot cascade of Hooker in a matter of minutes, followed by a 1/2 miles jaunt upstream to the impressive 120-foot cascade of Triple Falls, and finally another 1/2 walk to the grand finale of 150-foot High Falls. After you’ve had your fill, simply turn around and return from where you came.

Who is Going to Love It

No matter what adventure you choose to have in the DuPont State Forest, it’s sure to be quite memorable for any nature lover. Oh, and movie lovers, a few scenes from “The Hunger Games”were filmed here, so that’s just the cherry on top.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

From the DuPont State Forest website: “Take I-26 east toward the Asheville Airport. Exit at the Airport (exit 40) and head south on NC-280 for about 16 miles. Turn left onto US -64 (heading east) for about 4 miles. In Penrose, turn right onto Crab Creek Road for about 4 miles to DuPont Road. Turn right on DuPont Road and continue for 3.1 miles.”

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Featured image provided by Osajus

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 rainbows on the curtain of  a waterfall. You could wander this wilderness for season after season, camera at the ready, and never get a disappointing shot. But if you’re looking to stand amidst the most dramatic and picturesque landscapes that Western North Carolina has to offer, here are our top five—the best of the best, the cream that rises to the top—a photographer’s paradise.

1. Hawksbill Mountain

The views from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain are as stunning as anything you will find this side of the Mississippi.
The views from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain are as stunning as anything you will find this side of the Mississippi.
James Lautzenheiser

At an elevation just above 4,000 feet, the panoramic views from the summit of Hawksbill Mountain are as stunning as anything you will find this side of the Mississippi. A steep and strenuous 1.5-mile hike through the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area culminates in a tremendous reward: a jutting outcrop of rock where you can perch and shoot photos of the granite-rippled summits of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Shortoff Peak, and beyond them a rolling mountainscape so far reaching that, on certain clear evenings, the glittering lights of Charlotte are visible. Peer below into the canyon of the gorge and you will see the powerful Linville river cutting through the valley floor some 2,000 feet below you.

2. Crabtree Falls

The beautiful Crabtree Falls.
The beautiful Crabtree Falls.
Forest Wander

Forty-five miles north of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls is a study in contrast: a gauzy white veil of water spilling over 70 feet of black rock, nestled inside an emerald forest. Photographing water is an art form in and of itself, and this unique aquatic feature, which some say resembles a massive, dark beehive, is an impressive subject. From the bridge that spans the creek directly in front of the falls, you can shoot the spectacle in any number of ways, from a close-up snap of water droplets, sharp and suspended, to a wide angle, slow shutter-speed capture of swirls and soft curtains.

You can access the base by a 3 mile out-and-back trail, or climb to the ridge just above the falls via a slightly more strenuous 3.5-mile loop.

3. Roan Mountain

A rhododendron garden atop Roan Mountain.
A rhododendron garden atop Roan Mountain.
discutant

In the summertime, Roan Mountain becomes so spectacular with blooming Catawba Rhododendrons that an annual festival is held on its grassy summit each June, celebrating the rare beauty of these natural gardens. Bright fuchsia and deep purple blossoms set against a background of dark green spruce-fir forest and an entire spectrum of blue rolling off into the distance creates a pallet so rich and resplendent it would be impossible to take a mediocre photo.

The ridge line that compiles Roan Mountain—the longest continuous stretch of grassy balds in the Appalachians—remains one of the South’s most picturesque landscapes in every season. Flame azalea light up the mountains in spring, in autumn the forests are ablaze with wildfire foliage, and in winter the pristine balds sparkle under smooth blankets of heavy snow. The best day hiking begins at Carver’s gap and traverses five miles over Round Bald, Jane Knob and Grassy Ridge. The Appalachian trail runs through these mountains, offering a wealth of options for overnight backpacking. Whether you’re out for the day or out for a week, in the heat of summer or the tangy cool of autumn, just remember to pack your camera.

4. Max Patch

Jason A G

With all the hype surrounding Max Patch, you may be tempted to believe that this pastoral Appalachian destination is overrated. That notion, however, will vanish the moment you arrive, and realize that it would be impossible to oversell the sheer beauty and scale of the place. Located on the western fringe of the Appalachians, the meadow remains one of the most photographed and iconic landscapes in the Southeast and beyond, and holds the title as the prettiest spot on the Appalachian Trail.

“The Patch” itself is lovely and vast, acres of rolling green hills dotted with wildflowers that spread out in all directions, creating a bucolic setting for hikers, picnickers, kite-fliers, star-gazers and, of course, photographers. However it’s the views—soaring, panoramic, and seemingly endless—that award this field its fame. The Great Smoky Mountains and the formidable Black Mountain range dominate much of the skyline, but the lush Tennessee flatlands to the west allows for a brilliant and unparalleled sunset view. A tripod will help you to capture all the delicate and elusive layers of color from the sun’s last rays.

5. Black Balsam Knob

At the fire pit on the summit of Black Balsam Knob.
At the fire pit on the summit of Black Balsam Knob.
Melina Coogan

Never have you seen colors so bright and saturated as you will on the alpine summit of Black Balsam Knob. The weather changes fast up there during the summer months, with frequent thunderstorms sweeping in, dark clouds gathering and then dissipating just as quickly, unveiling cobalt blue skies. Sitting on a rocky outcrop on the Art Loeb Trail and watching clouds of mist swirl up the mountainside, temporarily obscuring the view of the Blue Ridge, the highlands of the Pisgah National Forest, and the fertile French broad valley down below, enveloping you in a cooling mist, is one of the more memorable experiences you will have in this wilderness.

Black Balsam Knob features spectacular sunsets.
Black Balsam Knob features spectacular sunsets.
Mary Anne Baker

The ribbon of trail winding over the ridge that connects Black Balsam and Sam’s Knob endows the enormous, dramatic mountain-scape with a sense of depth and scale, as well as a leading line that will add story and purpose to your photos. Easily accessible via a half-mile hike on the Art Loeb Spur trail, Black Balsam Knob may be the most popular spot for shooting sunsets in the entire region.

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Originally written by RootsRated.

Featured image provided by Kenny Lex

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