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A quick trail through a beautiful forest.


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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.5

KM

Point to Point

5,611' 1,710 m

High

5,234' 1,595 m

Low

392' 119 m

Up

127' 39 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Family Friendly A great place for a picnic lunch and a quick jaunt. The wide open grassy meadow at the top of the trail is a perfect place to let kids run free.

Description

Head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway out of Asheville and drive approx. 18 miles past the Folk Art Center. Craggy Gardens Picnic Area is on the left. Follow the driveway 1/4 mile to the parking area. The trailhead is clearly marked at the east end of the parking lot. The trail meanders steadily uphill through ethereal old growth forest and passes through an airy alpine meadow. The trail ends at the visitor center near Craggy Pinnacle.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Blue Ridge Parkway

Shared By:

Ether Nomad

Trail Ratings

  3.4 from 14 votes

#15163

Overall
  3.4 from 14 votes
5 Star
7%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
14%
1 Star
7%
Trail Rankings

#625

in North Carolina

#15,163

Overall
5 Views Last Month
608 Since Sep 18, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

18%
0%
73%
0%
9%
0%

Photos

Forest Dance.
Sep 18, 2016 near Swannanoa, NC
Cozy camping.
Sep 18, 2016 near Swannanoa, NC
Shelter.
Sep 18, 2016 near Swannanoa, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 29 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 17, 2022
John Osborne
Jul 18, 2020
Aaron Roberts
Jul 14, 2020
Kee Collins
Jun 20, 2020
Dalana Parker
Mar 15, 2020
Guy Cunningham
Oct 18, 2019
Joel Grimes
Sep 13, 2019
Eric Lichtfuss
Sep 1, 2019
Charlie Scharfen
Started at crag gardens center. Hooked right and followed trail up to graybeard mtn overlook which was lame bc it was right off the parkway
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