Name: Craggy Gardens
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Craggy Gardens Pisgah National Forest, NC

LENGTH 1.9 MILES

DIFFICULTY 3.7 Easy

DURATION 1 hour

ELEVATION GAIN

580

feet

TRAIL TYPE

Trail
System

Craggy Gardens

One of the more popular destinations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Craggy Gardens Trail takes you to the open grassy bald of Craggy Flats along the Blue Ridge Parkway just north of Asheville, NC. If possible, go in June for the peak bloom of the Catawba rhododendrons. I hiked too early in mid-May. Even if you miss the bloom, this hike has several great views to enjoy in any season.

You can start this hike from either the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center or the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area 2.9 miles south of the Visitor Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Picnic Area has over twice the parking so this may be your only option on high traffic days.

Between the two trailheads, the trail is shared with the Mountains-to-Sea trail marked with white circle blazes. On the way up from either trailhead there are several side trails. Most are obvious and easy to ignore. The major intersections have signs pointing the way. The only exception you want to watch for is halfway down to the Picnic Area, three side trails on the right (if heading down) lead to the Gazebo Overlook with an excellent view that many people miss.

Once you reach the CCC Pavilion, a trail on either side lead to a small network of trails that explore around the grassy bald of Craggy Flats. Follow either trail, they reconnect and head to a limited overlook to the east past the Blue Ridge Parkway. Look out for wedding parties.

Craggy Gardens.
Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and parking along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Craggy Gardens.
View from the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.

Craggy Gardens.
The trailhead is at the southern side of the parking lot. Look for the large sign.

Craggy Gardens.
Heading up the trail from the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.

Craggy Gardens.
While there are a few side trails that are easy to ignore, the major intersections are marked with signs.

Craggy Gardens.
CCC Pavilion. A trail on either side lead up to the open bald area of Craggy Flats and reconnect. A small network of trail allows you to explore around.

Craggy Gardens.
Heading up from the pavilion through Craggy Flats.

Craggy Gardens.
Craggy Flats views along the grassy bald.

Craggy Gardens.
View at the end of the trail.

Craggy Gardens.
Don't miss the side trail to the Gazebo Overlook on the way up/down from the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area trailhead.

Craggy Gardens.
View from the Gazebo Overlook.

Craggy Gardens.
Heading up the trail from the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area trailhead.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

435 ft

6 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

0.2 mi

83 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

0.2 mi

155 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

0.3 mi

286 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

349 ft

74 ft

Elevation Loss

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Loss

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

426 ft

14 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

0.3 mi

109 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

0.3 mi

168 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

0.3 mi

231 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

385 ft

85 ft

Terrain Map Click to control map

Details

length1.9 miles

difficulty3.7 Easy

duration1 hour

features Dog Friendly Grassy Bald Views

trail typeTrail System

blazeWhite Circle (Mountains-to-Sea), None along Craggy Flats

elevation gain580 ft.

state North Carolina

park/forestPisgah National Forest

ranger districtAppalachian Ranger District
632 Manor Road
Mars Hill, NC 28754
828-689-9694

parking feeNone

trailhead coordinates 35.699421, -82.38009 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°41.97, W 82°22.81 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°41'58'', N 35°41'58'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 35°41.97, W 82°22.81

Google Map It

The coordinates are for the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center trailhead. The trailhead is on the south side of the parking lot. For the larger Picnic Area trailhead, travel south on the Blue Ridge Parkway for 2.9 miles and follow the sign for the road leading to the Picnic Area. Coordinates: 35.699652, -82.391741. The trailhead is at the far end of the lot at the sign.

Parking Capacity

40 parking spaces + 3 handicap spaces at the Visitor Center. ~100 parking spaces at the Picnic Area.

Notes

Restrooms are available at both trailheads.

The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center is open from mid-April to mid-November 10am - 5pm daily.

The trail up from the Visitor Center is quite rocky. Be careful if wet.

Nearby Hikes

Craggy Pinnacle

0.9 mi

2.2

Hawkbill Rock via Craggy Gardens Picnic Area

3.8 mi

10.9

Hawkbill Rock via the Snowball Trail

2.7 mi

8.4

Similar Hikes

Panther Top Lookout Tower

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

New Review New Comment

hikethesouth-4 years ago

Excellent Short Family Hike

This is a perfect hike for families not trying to take on too much. If you're looking for something longer and more difficult this isn't for you. Try to get there in June for the bloom but otherwise still several amazing views from the Visitor Center, Craggy Flats and the Gazebo Overlook. Perfect to pair with Craggy Pinnacle.

Easy | Hiked Spring 2019

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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.