Craggy Pinnacle: A Relaxing Hike Near Asheville
Asheville is surrounded by incredible hiking trails. There are countless places that you can hike for hours and see some jaw-dropping views.
But let’s be honest, sometimes you just want the most bang for your buck.
Enter: Craggy Pinnacle.
Craggy Pinnacle is an easy hike that (almost) anyone can do. At just .7 miles (1.4 miles out and back) with an easy pace, you don’t even have to break a sweat. This trail can easily be done in less than an hour- even for those taking their time. Despite the lack of distance and difficulty, the trail results in a rock-rimmed plateau with spectacular views.
Seriously- even if you don’t enjoy hiking, you’ll enjoy Craggy Pinnacle.
What to Expect
As you’re hiking the trail, it almost feels like you’re in a separate little world. The Rhododendrons grow tall and wide and almost completely shield the trail in places. Trees have grown around rocks and roots are exposed due to years of erosion. Depending on the time of year you go, different florals may be in season. We were there early July and got to see the pink Mountain Laurel pictured below.
The trail is primarily dirt with a few areas that require stepping up onto low rocks (see the picture on the left below). This trail is not wheelchair accessible.
Craggy Pinnacle offers 360 degree views of the mountains. Here and there you can see the Blue Ridge Parkway winding in and out of the trees. Depending on the weather, it can sometimes feel like you’re in the clouds.
How to Get There
Part of the splendour of going to Craggy Pinnacle is the drive. You take the Blue Ridge Parkway for 24 miles north-east of town. The drive is leisurely, meandering around the mountains. The coves of trees regularly open up to long-range sites of the mountains and mountain passes. As you make your way, there are several lookouts to stop and take in the sites (or settle your stomach if you get motion sickness).
The Craggy Pinnacle trailhead is located at the Craggy Dome parking area. The trail begins to the left of the parking lot.
Like I said, this trail is all the bang for your buck. A nice easy walk with fantastic views at the pinnacle. Add it to your Asheville itinerary! I promise, you won’t regret it.
For more information about the park and the hike, follow this link.
If you’re looking for other things to do in and around Asheville, check out my previous post:
and stay tuned the next few weeks as several more blogs will be posted!
XOXO Kat ♥
