This is a great hike, with a little incline and well maintained trails. It’s fairly close to Asheville, and you’re rewarded with wonderful views along the way and at the top. The trees have been shaped by the wind and are so interesting. There are lovely wildflowers and hundreds of rhododendron bushes. I definitely recommend this hike.

The Craggy Gardens Summit Trail is a favorite hike on the Blue a ridge Parkway outside Asheville, NC. It is a gentle hike to the summit. In August the trail had a lot of wildflowers blooming along with the buzzing of bees. Each season brings its own uniqueness. We have favorite stops on the trail.

If you time to stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway consider Craggy Gardens. There are numerous picnic table just off the parking lot with a view. Some are even handicap accessible. There are a number of portable toilets. There is a trail that leaves from the picnic area as well. Be aware that you are high above sea level and the temperature is much cooler than in a town below. That's

Craggy Gardens Summit Trail is a favorite stop for us on any visit to the Asheville, NC area. In fact we have been hiking this trail to the Summit each year since 2014. The Trail is only .7 miles through a beautiful thicket with some fantastic trees along the hike. The summit offers some fantastic views of miles of mountains. We take an annual picture along the trail, so this visit was mainly to take a few special snap shots. We just ask another hiker to take a picture for us so they are spontaneous but each year we are thrilled with the unique pictures along the trail. Know it is cooler at this elevation so dress accordingly.

Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail is at milepost 361.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway outside Asheville, NC (about 40 min. North). First of all, the drive is terrifying at times. Sheer drop-offs on the right. There are pretty scenic overlooks on the way there. Once you arrive, there is a big parking lot with restrooms but no other facilities other than picnic tables. The walk was rather steep, and hard on the ankles and knees (I'm 65) as the trail was full of lots of rocks, uneven surface, slanted to one side at times. Wish we would've brought a water, but it said at the top (about .75 mile) there was a visitor's center. Their of of a visitor's center was ridiculous. It was a pavilion with stone benches and that's it. No building, no RR, no water, no park ranger. At the top turn right and go up some steps to see a view, although the mountains are somewhat obscured by the undergrowth. I thought the scenic overlooks offered better views. Had to rest a few times on the way up as my heart was thumping. Not used to the higher elevations. Passed 10-15 people along the way/way back. Drive back down wasn't as scary. There was another covered gazebo off the trail about 2/3 of the way up with nice views, too. Remember to bring water.