Black Mountain and the surrounding area is perfect for setting your inner explorer free and taking in the scenic beauty that is surrounded by mountains and laced with trails for hiking, mountain biking and just getting outside.
Some of our favorite places to visit are:
DuPont State Forest Waterfalls
Enjoy three waterfalls on a three-mile hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest, with Hooker, Triple and High Falls. There are 6 waterfalls and 3 lakes in total. You may see some familiar sites from the Hunger Games movie release in 2012 while you are at Hooker and Triple Falls.
Catawba Falls
Moderate hike along the scenic Catawba River for a 4 mile round trip hike to the beautiful 100ft cascading waterfall! You will see a few historic buildings are scattered along the trail, remnants of the 1920’s hydropower dam that provided power for the town of Old Fort. This hike does require several stream crossings, so come prepared with solid foot gear to prevent from slipping and getting wet!
Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell State Park was the genesis of North Carolina’s state parks system in 1915. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and an observation deck provides breathtaking mountain views on a clear day. Mount Mitchell State Park is home to several trails from easy to strenuous and from .5 mile to over 22 miles (one way).
Most favorited are:
- Mountains-to-Sea State Trail in the Black Mountains 22.9 miles one way
- Black Mountain Crest Trail 11.3 miles one way
- Mount Mitchell Trail 5.6 miles one way
- Old Mitchell Trail 2 miles one way
- Balsam Nature Loop / K.I.P. Track Trail .7-mile loop
- Camp Alice Trail .5-mile one way
Chimney Rock
Located on the edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge, around the monolithic rock formation which gives the area its name. The hike to the top of Chimney Rock is 3.9 miles round trip and provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains. This loop is the most strenuous trail in the park as the trail is steep, narrow it does not accommodate strollers. There are other trails in the park and the 0.6 mi Great Woodland Adventure trail has a natural surface with gentle climbs and is also perfect for kids.
Montreat Trails
Peaceful, serene and much more shaded. The Montreat trails are located on the private property of the Montreat Conference Center. Please follow all safety and conservation rules posted at the Nature Center and at most trailheads. While you are there take a stroll around Lake Susan a prominent contributor to Montreat’s status as a certified wildlife habitat of the National Wildlife Federation.
Pisgah National Forest
Think mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States.
All Trails has a list of 54 trails that ,are marked as easier for the whole family to enjoy the park. Trails range up to 8,559 feet in elevation gain so if your feeling more adventurous you are covered!
If you prefer to explore nature from the comfort of your car, Black Mountain’s is just a short drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway makes sightseeing easy and fun for all ages and the views are simply breathtaking.
Favorite places along the Blue Ridge Parkway:
- Black Mountains Overlook — Milepost 342.2: The Black Mountains include six of the ten tallest mountains on the East Coast, including the tallest, Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 feet
- Craggy Gardens — Milepost 364.4: Breathtaking views await you here at elevation 5,640 feet. Craggy Gardens is home to a National Park Service visitor center, shop and restroom facilities.
- Mount Mitchell — Milepost 355.4: Explore the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. You can drive nearly all the way to the summit. From the parking area it is just a half-mile hike to reach the observation deck and enjoy the long-range mountain views. Mount Mitchell also has a museum, gift shop, restaurant (open during spring to fall) and restrooms.
- Folk Art Center — Milepost 382: This popular stop on the Parkway offers you the opportunity to view and purchase some of the region’s best arts and crafts. The Folk Art Center hosts craft demonstrations and events throughout the year.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center — Milepost 382: Pick up maps, learn about the entire 469 miles and history of the Parkway. Interactive exhibits and souvenirs also available.
- Mount Pisgah – Milepost 407.6: See Asheville’s most iconic peak up close and personal. The Pisgah Inn located at 408.6 has a full service restaurant, lodging, gift shop and country store. Panoramic views from their observation deck make a great backdrop for capturing memories.
- Graveyard Fields — Milepost 417: This area, named for its unique landscape, and haunting skeletons of ancient trees, offers relatively easy hiking trails to access to two waterfalls.
- Devil’s Courthouse — Milepost 422.4: A prominent landmark and home of a legend on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Devil’s Courthouse presides over some of the most stunning views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the top of Devil’s Courthouse at 5,720 feet, visitors can see into South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee in a 360-degree panorama. Devil’s Courthouse is said to have received its name because, as legend holds, the devil held court in the cave that lies beneath the rock. In Cherokee lore, this cave is the private dancing chamber and dwelling place of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla.
What are some of your all-time favorite hikes in the area? Feel free to share them with us at thecarolianmountainlife@gmail.com— we would love to hear from you!
Looking for more information?
Check out our Mountain Biking suggestions or more on our Hiking page. There are also some good third party sites you can check out as well for more trails in the area.
