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This is the book I am using these days.
Sunday, June 7, 2015Sunset at Craggy Gardens    
Craggy Pinnacle Hike to the summit of Craggy Gardens
Click here for my other posts about Craggy Gardens
Monday, September 16, 2013Craggy Gardens
This afternoon I joined some Asheville hikers on two Craggy Gardens trails. In total, we hiked just under three miles. The goal was to reach the Craggy Gardens Visitor center in time for the 7:34 PM sunset. We did just that, but the sunset was not really visible. I guess it was too cloudy.
“There is no such sense of solitude as that which we experience upon the silent and vast elevations of great mountains. Lifted high above the level of human sounds and habitations, among the wild expanses and colossal features of Nature, we are thrilled in our loneliness with a strange fear and elation – an ascent above the reach of life's expectations or companionship, and the tremblings of a wild and undefined misgivings.” ― Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, The Haunted Baronet And Others: Ghost Stories 1861-70 Tuesday, July 15, 2014Craggy Gardens, On The Fly
If there's a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook that meets these standards - very close to the city, stunning views, easy-to-moderate trails, accessible to any age group - it's Craggy Gardens. And it's one of those go-to places that you can easily pencil in "on the fly." And if you are showing off Asheville and the mountains to an out-of-town relative, there's almost no better place to take them. I did just that yesterday evening. I took my cousin Amy to Craggy Gardens, and she was impressed. It had that effect on me too, again, and I have been up there numerous times.
        
AND BACK IN THE DAY
Tuesday, July 27, 2021SuggestionsSometimes people will contact me and ask for hiking tips. So many options, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Here's some info I gave to somebody who was coming for a weekend and hoping to do one outdoor activity. 1. Craggy Gardens: Craggy Pinnacle Trail, 1.5 miles roundtrip, popular with tourists and novice hikers, great payoff, especially at sunset. About 45 min to drive there (on Parkway), plenty of overlooks to stop at en route, count on this being a 3 hour activity from time you leave hotel to back in shower. This is the easiest and quickest of all your options. Guaranteed success. 2. Max Patch Mtn, 1 h 20 min drive there, small roadside waterfall on drive up, the hike is moderate (2 mile loop), not very steep, on grassy bald at top you will have 360 degree views of blue ridge mountains and smoky mtn national park, amazing for photos, one of the best hikes in area (to me, the best), 4 hour day. If you only did this one, you will be very happy. 3. Another idea would be to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway north, all the way to Mt. Mitchell, stopping simply at overlooks along the way. No hiking necessary, but great views and photo possibilities. The Craggy gardens overlook is on this route. You could do the craggy pinnacle short hike, if you desire, then, at Mt Mitchell, walk the ramp to the viewing platform. 2 birds, one stone. On your return, take the interstate to save time. 4 hour day, start to finish. With craggy hike, 5 hours. You could opt for the same experience driving south - again, starting in Asheville on the parkway. I would make Graveyard Fields the final stop, then return. On the way, you will see Mt Pisgah and the Pisgah inn (great for lunch, beer or just a restroom break). 4-5 hour day, easily 6. The plus side: options that could amaze, including waterfalls. The downside: with traffic and options, will expend a lot of energy. More tips: (a) have a cooler with drinks and snacks you grab before leaving town. Whole Foods, Harris Teeter (b) best to have walking shoes, not sandals and certainly no heels (c) if you are going big, I would get it done before Saturday and Sunday, when crowds pour in. Friday might be ideal. (d) have phones charged for bear sightings Reach out if you have any questions. Oh, another quick tip: At Looking Glass Rock overlook, you will see a sign for Skinny Dip Falls. Appears to be an easy hike, but, trust me, it's not. Lots of hazards. The graveyard fields waterfall is lovely, but even there, be cautious. Monday, November 9, 2015Craggy Gardens OverlookSunday, April 3, 2022Sunday Bloody Sunday  For the ice, we used Meyer Lemon and Lemon cubes. My neighbor and I went out for a spin. After driving Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, we took the Parkway up to Craggy Gardens.  Craggy Pinnacle      Back in town .jpg) .jpg) .jpg) .jpg)  .jpg) .jpg) .jpg) Whit's Custard photos from a visit to Whit's on 11/1/22     Saturday, October 18, 2014Big Butt Trail
This Blue Ridge Parkway hike is around 8 miles roundtrip and has over 2000 feet in elevation gain. It's a must-do Fall hike. The most spectacular views are from Little Butt Mountain, where you have unobstructed views of Mt. Mitchell and miles and miles of the Black Mountain range. After watching my video and perusing the photos (most by Mark Schmidt), click here to learn more about Big Butt Trail.
 
  
     
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