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A diverse trail that leads along a creek up to the trestle switchbacks, then a steeper climb to the summit.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Point to Point

5,382' 1,641 m

High

3,014' 919 m

Low

2,368' 722 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The trail starts on the edge of Montreat, and follow Flat Creek for a mile or two over rocky technical terrain, before reaching a section of the trail called the Trestle switchbacks. This 2-ish mile section of the trail is along an old logging rail line, and the gradient is very smooth, averaging about 3-5% the entire stretch. During this section, you'll also pass by the small Graybeard Falls.

After the switchbacks, the trail then starts climbing more steeply on its way to the summit of Graybeard through many short, technical sections of trail. The summit has a great view of the Black and Craggie Mountains and the foothills below. This is a must-do trail in the Asheville area. The blaze is a blue diamond.

Contacts

Land Manager: Buncombe County, NC

Shared By:

Brandon Thrower

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 19 votes

#339

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
5 Star
58%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#339

Overall
21 Views Last Month
4,196 Since Dec 15, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
7%
7%
87%
0%

Photos

Snowy Day on the ridge. Grey Beard Summit 0.3mile behind me.
Feb 15, 2021 near Black M…, NC
Across the Sanctuary Pond on a sunny winter day.
Jan 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC
Greybeard Falls
May 3, 2021 near Black M…, NC
Bridge over Flat Creek at the Graybeard Trailhead
Jan 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Feb 26, 2024
Kaitlyn Erich
Jun 3, 2022
Bruno Shkembi
9mi
May 23, 2021
NICOLAS NOUVEL
Round trip 9.2mi — 2h 40m
Apr 27, 2021
Nicole Garcia
Enjoyed the waterfall and views. Very rocky with stream crossings and muddy areas. Steep hike to the summit. 10mi — 6h 00m
Oct 17, 2020
Paul Brown
Beautiful but rugged trail. Watch your footing! Great views from the summit. Take time to do Walker's Knob. Some muddy areas. Best to wear boots. — 5h 00m
Aug 8, 2020
Harrison Perusek
Fun hike with rewarding finish at the top of Graybeard Mtn. You can see pretty far from the summit, but the view isn't as panoramic as I'd hoped. B… 4.6mi — 6h 00m
Feb 22, 2020
Adam Gibbs
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