Rocky Head Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views

Unless you are staying in the Montreat Campground (or if the campground is closed), you'll have to park in one of three very small spots outside of the campground gate and followCalvin Trail (road) up to the trailhead.

Rocky Head trail is a steep climb from the Montreat Campground to Rocky Head summit. The marked trail starts behind the second bath house and follows a steep former water chute path to two abandoned holding ponds (electricity was generated in the area in the 1920s). Once you pass the holding ponds, you'll follow a steep winding trail to the summit at the intersections of the East Ridge Trail. This trail is narrow and used very little but is an exhilarating jaunt up the mountain and makes a great addition to any longer hike along the ridges above Montreat.

Rhododendrons abound along the beginning of this trail. Oaks and other deciduous trees take over midway up this trail finally ending in scraggly Fraser Firs at the summit.