“Enjoy Relaxing Hikes in the Asheville Area”
The Mountains are calling! Our annual pilgrimage to the Western North Carolina Mountains is consistently therapeutic. Here a variety of hiking trails awaken us to nature. Whether a strenuous climb or a gentle trail a hike soothes the mind and have us more attentive to our surroundings. On a hike, we are intrigued by unique trees, admire the brilliant deep blue skies, enchanted with panoramic vistas, listen to the sounds of a babbling brook, and thrill in the beauty of a cascading waterfall. A hike is rejuvenating as it offers a peaceful escape.
Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, our mountain respite was cancelled. Facing high Florida temperatures and with the lifting of some of the CoVid19 restrictions, we succumb to the “call of the mountains.” We’re ready for fresh mountain air and enjoying the beauty of nature. With masks, hand sanitizers, handy wipes, and updates on the corona virus restrictions of states, we head to the North Carolina Mountains for respite and rejuvenation. A few of our diverse and intriguing hikes are a reminder that the beauty is the journey.
Hike to a Mountain Top: The Craggy Garden Pinnacle Trail
The Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail boasts “exposed rock surfaces and high peaks with breathtaking views of distant Appalachian ridges.” With an elevation of 5,942 feet the Trail features a high-elevation forest and stunning mountaintop vistas. This 1.4 mile roundtrip trail is a most memorable and extremely photo-worthy hike. Only 18 miles east of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Craggy Mountains has the Craggy Garden Pinnacle Trail, as well as, a Visitor Center, a Picnic Area, and other hiking trails.
Starting on the Craggy Pinnacle Trail it gently climbs through a tunnel of twisted Catawba rhododendrons, gnarled birch trees, wildflowers, green moss and weathered high-elevation plants. A striking trail that is one of the most stunning, surreal forest trails in North Carolina. The dense forest creates a canopy with a scenic path of rocks and roots as it twists, turns, and ascends 252ft. elevation to the top. Along the path are stopping points of the moss-covered concrete spring house and a small cave under a chiseled, angled rock outcrop.
A few years ago, we spotted a tree by the path that has a mystical “fairytale look.” Snapping photos, other hikers slow their pace to view this enchanting tree. Continuing on the trail we admire the beauty of the canopied path, the unique trees and foliage, as other hikers scurry to the top. We prefer a “pace not a race.” Taking time to delight in the many special and hidden sights along this picturesque trail, we feel that the “beauty is in the journey.”
For the past 6 years, we take an annual photo at a tree on the trail. This has been in spring, summer, and fall. It’s fun to see both the change in the foliage by season and us over the years. Whenever friends join us on the Craggy Garden Pinnacle Trail, we always stop to take photos of them at our favorite tree.
For a few years we hike the trail and miss a unique setting where a huge tree has actually fallen and its mass of tangled roots are exposed. From afar it looks like one is caught in the arms of a huge octopus. Similar to Ursula, the Sea Witch, in the Little Mermaid. Now it is another favorite annual photo stop.
As the trail twists up the mountain past rock outcroppings to climb and paths meandering off the main trail. Here the green-blue hued mountains of the Pisgah National Forest extend right and left offering beautiful views of the lushly forested and time-weathered peaks. Getting to the top, we climb the stone steps to a walled terrace overlook. Awe! A breathtaking scene of 360-degree views with miles and miles of mountains. Magnificent views abound of these amazing majestic mountains – time to relax and appreciate the serenity and beauty. Then we hike to the Lower Pinnacle finding more vistas of a mountainous landscape. It’s a leisurely return hike as we take time to admire the stunning sights along the trail.
Follow a Babbling Brook: Hike the Gate Trail in Montreat
At the end of Highway 9, outside Black Mountain, North Carolina is a secluded village in a mountain cove, Montreat. The village is known for Montreat College, Montreat Conference Center, a downhome July 4th Parade, and 30 miles of hiking trails. Montreat’s 20 maintained hiking trails cater to all levels of ability from the strenuous Lookout Trail that peaks at the top of Greybeard Mountain with views of the village below to the more relaxing Gate Trail that follows the valley of Flat Creek.
Today’s leisurely hike is the Gate Trail just 2-miles roundtrip. Parking by the Montreat gate, we begin a relaxing stroll and enjoy the babbling sounds of Flat Creek. There are informative signs along the trail and rustic benches to rest while appreciating nature and soothing sounds of the creek. Beginning gently along the bank of Flat Creek the trail meanders through the creek valley. We follow the Blue Diamond signs for Gate Trail as it periodically crosses Flat Creek and roads. Hearing a rush of water ahead, we find huge boulders creating a small waterfall that has carved out a deep swimming hole. From here the path winds up a steep hill and then descends to a gentle valley trail.
Thanks to volunteers the Trail is well maintained. There are rustic bridges in this streamside forest for crossing small creeks flowing into Flat Creek. These rustic bridges create a unique setting along this tree shaded path making picturesque stops. On this leisurely hike, it is quiet and we pass few people enjoying a morning stroll on Gate Trail.
The babbling of the creek is soothing as we continue the hike towards Montreat. Following the Blue Diamond signs the trail goes behind a baseball field and alongside tennis courts as it enters the Robert Lake Park. Our grandkids “love” Robert Lake Park as wading in Flat Creek is a favorite activity. Currently the playground equipment is off limits due to CoVid. Hurrah! Kids can still thrill at wading in the creek.
Continuing past the Playground is a small complex with a General Store and shops. Atop the steps of the complex is Montreat’s serene Lake Susan. Here we see the huge stone Montreat Conference Center and Montreat College. Originally Montreat was owned by the Mountain Retreat Association (MRA). Then in 1907 the MRA passed it to the Presbyterian Church in the U.S. Since then Montreat hosts religious conferences. Thus houses were built in Montreat as summer retreats for church groups, families, and visitors. Our return walk is along the winding sidewalk admiring these old houses built around the 1920’s.
Delight in an Enchanting Cascading Waterfall: Catawba Falls
Initially a “Hidden Gem” Catawba Falls is a 100 ft. tall cascading waterfall consisting of the Lower and Upper Falls. The Upper Falls are not visible from the bottom and are currently closed due hazardous conditions. Our first visit to Catawba Falls was several years ago when it was known mainly to the locals. Then to get to Catawba Falls, we walked across rock paths in the river and followed a narrow path to the Lower Falls. Truly a “Hidden Gem!” Then we were the only ones at the Falls. Today, Catawba Falls is a popular three mile round trip hike for both locals and visitors to the Asheville area.
On this hike we are with family and our grandchildren ages 8 yrs. old and 10 yrs. old always love the fun of hiking at Catawba Falls. Going on a Labor Day weekend even with CoVid19, the parking lot is basically full when we arrive mid-morning. Thankfully the wide path, the 1.5 miles to the Lower Falls, and the many side trails prevent a crowded trail. The majority of the Catawba Falls hike is a steady uphill path with an elevation increase of 465 feet from beginning to end. It is a nice easy climb for most active people. At the beginning of the trail by the bridge are the remains of an old hydro plant. After the bridge the trail widens as it follows the Catawba River winding through a shady, moss-covered forest.
Taking our time on the hike we delight in taking short excursions on side trails to smaller cascades and listen to the sounds of rushing water. Toward the middle of the trail are the remnants of an old dam, where the water rushes quickly past these old structures. There are a couple of areas that still require rock hopping as the side creeks cross the trail. As the path winds closer to the Lower Falls, it gets very rocky requiring sure footing and going single file.
Unbelievable! The lower Falls are jammed! Every rock at the base of the lower Catawba Falls has someone sitting on it. People are jockeying for position to get a photos. Thankfully above them the scenic and mesmerizing lower Catawba Falls is visible. Made up of dozens of small cascades, the falls are still beautiful. With so many people, it’s a quick stop at lower Falls, then we take a relaxing return walk.
With the grandkids and parents walking ahead, we enjoy a few stops on the way down. “Mimi & Papa come look!” An unofficial ranger is explaining that it is Copperhead season. He points out Copperheads hidden behind rocks along the trail. Sure enough alongside the trail is a large rock where we can see part of the body of a Copperhead. A reminder to stay on the trail. As we return to the parking lot more and more people are hiking the trail. The parking lot is full and cars are parked in any place a vehicle can squeeze in and on roadside. Our new rule is avoid weekends or go early or late to avoid these crowds.
The Benefits of Hiking:
- Hiking is a way for nature to give us some much needed therapy and is usually affordable. All these hikes were free.
- Hiking is like a cocktail it soothes and clears the mind. A natural remedy for helping one unclogging the mind of unnecessary clutter. Whether going on a short easy hike or a more strenuous longer hike, we end up mentally better with a sense of accomplishment and clear minded.
- Hiking has us more aware – awakening our senses to Nature. We are more alert to notice the vibrancy of trees, flowers, and blue skies.
- Hiking is rejuvenating. The Physical activity of a hike energizes our spirit, making us feel happy.
- Hiking provides us with a peaceful escape,
If you go:
Craggy Gardens:
The Craggy Visitor Center has staff on duty who can provide guidance and assistance on hiking trails and special places along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are also restrooms at the Visitors Center. We always stop before going on the Pinnacle Trail hike. The Craggy Picnic area is close, so it is a great stop for a picnic lunch before or after a hike. Many visitors take the longer hike from the Craggy Picnic area to the Craggy Summit. On the return along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a must see is the Folk Art Center, a fascinating shop and museum featuring Appalachian arts and crafts.
Montreat Trails:
Offering 20 well maintained trails, Montreat is great for hikes of all levels. Be sure to check out the various hikes on the attached link to decide what fits for you. Favorites of ours for a “Strenuous hike” is the Lookout to the top of the mountain requiring going across rock outcroppings at the tops. The Sanctuary Trail which joins the Julia Woodward Trail and returns Harry Bryan Trail is a easy to moderate trail.
Catawba Falls:
On this visited we were disappointed to see the crowds. A good reminder to go early or late or avoid weekends when possible. Despite being during the Pandemic, this was the busiest we have ever seen Catawba Falls. The crowds took away the enjoyment of a quieter more peaceful hike to enjoy nature.