Graybeard/Harry Bryan/Julia Woodward Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek

This is a wonderful small loop back off of the Graybeard Trail in Montreat. These trails gently follow and cross both the Little Slaty Branch and Flat Creek.

Privately owned land, open for hiking. Not many parking spots during peak spring and fall seasons. No restrooms. No water. Stay on trails please. Abuses of this land could result in public trail closures.

The trails are on privately owned property and maintained by Montreat Conference Center but are open to the public as hike-at-your-own-risk trails.

From the small parking area, start up the Graybeard Trail, following the blue diamonds for approximately a mile until you come to the Harry Bryan Trail on your left, marked by yellow diamonds. Follow Harry Bryan Trail for roughly a half mile until you come to the Julia Woodward Trail (White Diamonds).

Here, you can turn right and head up the Julia Woodward Trail for another half mile into a rocky cliff area and just sit and enjoy the quiet surroundings, or just head back down the valley by turning left on to the Julia Woodward Trail and following the trail markers back to the parking area.

Amazing rhododendron fauna year round.

The Little Slaty Branch at one time was the water source for the village of Montreat—you'll see the original old iron feed pipes, some of which are still in use bringing water to the Sanctuary pond just above the parking area.