For the last couple of years dad and I have hiked to a new peak every Father's Day. We have made hiking a Father's Day tradition. This year we were trying to find a new destination somewhere in/around Asheville, NC since I would be traveling back from Georgia (we spent Father's Day weekend at my in-laws with our friends in Gainesville). Considering we would be passing through Asheville on our way back home on Sunday, we figured we should pick a hike somewhere along the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway. I came across Craggy Pinnacle Trail when I was searching for hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Asheville area). I saw a picture of the views from atop and read the rhododendrons would be in bloom along the trail until late June so I knew this would be the perfect Father's Day Hike. The hike was super easy and only 1.2 miles round trip with no chance of getting lost along the trail. It was also extremely easy to find- from downtown, take the Blue Ridge Parkway 18 miles north. Pass the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at Milepost 364.6. After passing through the Craggy Pinnacle tunnel, turn left into the Craggy Dome parking lot at Milepost 364.6. The drive out to the trail is absolutely stunning. There isn't a better drive than this one I can promise you that. The winding road of the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you all throughout the mountains with tons of different places to stop and take pictures along the way. Once reaching the top you have 360 degree views of the mountains. This is the perfect hike if your looking for something easy and short with a big reward. With an elevation of 5900 ft, the temperature drops about 10 degrees when you reach Craggy Dome, so we had perfect weather with a light breeze. If you are in the Craggy Pinnacle area it is worth it to take the ten minute drive over to Mt. Mitchell and park at the visitor center and walk to the summit. It's an easy ten minute walk to the top from the parking area. Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at 6684 ft in elevation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
August 2018
Categories |