Sometimes 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment