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A wonderful, short, loop hike off of Greybeard Trail. Great way to spend a quick hour or so in the woods.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

Loop

3,272' 997 m

High

3,018' 920 m

Low

275' 84 m

Up

277' 84 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek

Overview

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.

Need to Know

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.

Description

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.

Flora & Fauna

Amazing rhododendron fauna year round.

History & Background

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.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jim Fuller

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 5 votes

#3790

Overall
  4.0 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#154

in North Carolina

#3,790

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1,525 Since Jan 7, 2019
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Photos

Across the Sanctuary Pond on a sunny winter day.
Jan 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC
Bridge over Flat Creek at the Graybeard Trailhead
Jan 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC

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Check-Ins

Oct 25, 2022
Chad Hurley
Sep 2, 2022
Stacy Shapiro
great trail with pups not too challenging .but not just a walk in the park. beautiful water and falls. 1mi
Jun 27, 2022
Dan Grecu
Aug 12, 2019
Ellen Collins
Jun 25, 2019
Eric Thompson
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