The North Carolina Trail With Forests, A Waterfall, And An Overlook You Just Can’t Beat

When it comes to variety in hiking, you can't beat this trail in North Carolina. You'll find the Glassmine Falls Overlook to Bullhead Mountain Trail along the lovely Blue Ridge Parkway near Black Mountain. The enjoyable trek is about 4 miles out and back. And we love the variety in the dark mossy forests, flat rock vistas, and wildflower-packed meadows in the spring and summer months. Lots of roots and rocks decorate this narrow trail, but the views from the top along the way are spectacular.

Glassmine Falls is viewable from the very beginning down the steep mountainside at the parking lot.

The trailhead is on Blue Ridge Parkway north to Milepost 361.2, where you'll park at Glassmine Falls Overlook.

From the start you're up high at an elevation of 5,200 feet, making this trail your new favorite with such breathtaking views.

Plan a breakfast picnic for the overlook and stay awhile.

The first half of the hike offers the harder climb, and some of the ups and downs can be steep and rocky.

But the trail is easy to navigate through the cooling forests.

Be careful as the rocks and vines hide underneath the leaves, which can be slippery, offering a moderate degree of difficulty.

In the warmer months, you'll walk through fragrant flowered valleys of color.

These and the wild blueberries attract dozens of butterflies along the trail.

So keep your eyes peeled.

Once you reach a vista, take a breather and appreciate why we came.

After all, we've earned it.

We love to stand close to the edge and see the curved horizontal lines in varying shades of blue.

It doesn't seem like much work for such grand payoffs this journey offers.

You can't beat this trail in North Carolina, so plan a trip and go. For more information, visit AllTrails' website. And while you're near the gorgeous town of Black Mountain, eat a delicious dinner at Straightaway Cafe.