Don’t Try This One Hike in North Carolina If You’re Afraid of Heights

Western North Carolina’s mountainous terrain makes for a nature lover’s playground. Places like the Pisgah National Forest provide hundreds of epic hiking trails that weave through the landscape, taking you to new heights as you pass through hardwoods, waterfalls, and more. Tucked away in this National Forest lies one of the most extreme hikes in North Carolina, the Looking Glass Rock Trail. The trek to the top is strenuous, but one of the best views in North Carolina awaits those who reach the summit. 

The viewpoint for Looking Glass Rock is one of those spots that hikers put on their bucket list. You have a front row seat to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and considering the trailhead is only about an hour away from Downtown Asheville, it’s perfect for a day trip when you need to escape the city and immerse yourself in a more natural landscape. 

The 5.6-mile out-and-back trail features steep sections and numerous switchbacks as it ascends to an elevation gain of 1,679 feet. It’s not a trail for beginners, that’s for sure. It takes about four hours to complete this hike, so make sure you start early enough in the day so that you’re not descending in the dark. As always, we recommend wearing the proper hiking gear for this trail, which includes good hiking boots, trekking poles, and enough water. Bring some snacks to enjoy at the viewpoint! A peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the summit tastes like a million-dollar meal. 

The trail is a nearly continuous climb to the summit. Early on, you’ll pass over a small creek as you make your way through the trees. About half a mile in, you’ll get to the sharp switchbacks and tunnel through a dense rhododendron thicket. Watch your step, the tree roots become a staircase in sections, and it’s easy to lose your balance here. There are roughly 20 switchbacks on this trail, so take your time. 

About two miles into the trail, you’ll come across a large rock outcrop. This actually doubles as a helipad for rescue teams. Hopefully, you won’t need to see it in action. It is a good spot to take a break before beginning the final climb to the summit. 

Once you reach the summit and your legs feel like they’re going to fall off, you’ll get your reward. The views open up, and you have a spectacular panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Find a spot to sit for a spell, eat your snacks, and admire the view. While this is a fabulous spot to watch the sunset, only do so if you have a headlamp for the hike back to the car. Hiking in the dark, especially on a trail as steep as this, is a great way to see that helipad in action. Be safe, be smart!

Planning on adding the Looking Glass Rock Trail to your hiking bucket list? Try planning your own trip to the most extreme hike in North Carolina using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. If you want the views without the strenuous climb, check out the Kuwohi Observation Tower (formally known as Clingmans Dome).