Name: Craggy Pinnacle
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Craggy Pinnacle Pisgah National Forest, NC

LENGTH 0.9 MILES

DIFFICULTY 2.2 Easy

DURATION 30 minutes

ELEVATION GAIN

270

feet

TRAIL TYPE

There And
Back Again

Craggy Pinnacle

A short scenic drive north of Asheville is all it takes for some of the best views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike the Craggy Pinnacle Trail just north of the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center for multiple expansive views from the summit of Craggy Pinnacle. the third highest mountain in the Great Craggy Mountain sub-range of Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.

From the upper parking area, look for the trail sign and steps heading up the hill. Immediately you'll dive into dense Catawba rhododendron tunnels as you make your way up to the summit. On the way, the trail curves around a large boulder. A small side trail walks you on top of the rock for a view.

After a third of a mile the trail splits then immediately rejoins. On the other side of this small loop, the trails splits again to the two overlooks. The trail to the right drops down sharply to an overlook facing the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you'll get a 180-degree view to the south. But it gets better.

Back at the intersection, hike the left trail to the summit overlook. Here a four-leaf clover shaped observation area provides 360-degree views of the stunning surrounding landscape. Look to the northwest for Craggy Dome, the highest peak in the range. For such an easy trail, the views can't be beat.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Great views can be had even at the parking lot.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Trailhead from the upper parking lot.

Craggy Pinnacle.
The trail immediately heads into thick rhododendron tunnels, providing shade from the summer sun.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Hiking under Catawba rhododendron tunnels.

Craggy Pinnacle.
The trail is quite rocky in places.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Large boulder along the path. The trail hugs the rock to the left, giving you a view from the top.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Smaller view from atop a large boulder along the path.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Trail split to the two views.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Views from the lower observation area.

Craggy Pinnacle.
Looking down on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.

Craggy Pinnacle.
A four-leaf clover shaped observation area provides 360-degree views from the summit.

Craggy Pinnacle.
360-degree views from the summit.

Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)

Slope Breakdown

Elevation Gain

Elevation Range

Grade Range

Length

Elevation Gain

0 - 250 ft/mi

~ 0 - 5 %

0.1 mi

16 ft

250 - 500 ft/mi

~ 5 - 10 %

448 ft

33 ft

500 - 750 ft/mi

~ 10 - 15 %

472 ft

57 ft

750 - 1000 ft/mi

~ 15 - 20 %

212 ft

37 ft

1000+ ft/mi

~ 20+ %

0.1 mi

129 ft

For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.

Terrain Map Click to control map

Navigation

Details

length0.9 miles

difficulty2.2 Easy

duration30 minutes

features Dog Friendly Summit Views

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeNone

elevation gain270 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 35.704178, -82.373718 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°42.25, W 82°22.42 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°42'15'', N 35°42'15'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)

Trailhead Directions

N 35°42.25, W 82°22.42

Google Map It

Google Maps kept trying to route me heading south on the Blue Ridge Parkway as if it though you couldn't access it travelling north. If you're coming from Asheville, it should only be 30 on the BRP. Search for "Craggy Gardens Visitor Center" (35.700234, -82.379508) and get directions based on that. Then drive another half mile north on the BRP and the parking lot is on the left.

Parking Capacity

47 parking spaces plus two handicap.

Notes

The trail is quite rocky on the way up.

A low rock wall surrounds both overlooks. As the signs warn, do not go over the rock walls. In many places, falling would not be fun.

Nearby Hikes

Craggy Gardens

1.9 mi

3.7

Hawkbill Rock via Craggy Gardens Picnic Area

3.8 mi

10.9

Hawkbill Rock via the Snowball Trail

Similar Hikes

Brasstown Bald Summit Trail

1.1 mi

2.5

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

New Review New Comment

hikethesouth-4 years ago

BRP Required Hike

If you're travelling along the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, this is a must stop. You'll barely break a sweat to enjoy some of the best views along the parkway on this short hike. As further proof, several people were shooting engagement photos at the overlooks.

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.