Craggy Pinnacle Hike
On Saturday, we see an early morning break in the rain clouds and decide to drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway to hike Craggy Pinnacle. We think the short, but beautiful hike with an amazing view will be perfect for my nephew Owen’s first hike!
Along the parkway, we stop at Tanbark Ridge Overlook before continuing to head north.
Although it is foggy and overcast we still have a view.
After a thirty-minute ride, we arrive at the parking area north of Craggy Gardens and the Parkway Visitors Center. Just as we climb that last 200 feet of the mountain, the clouds thicken up and the visibility goes down. You can normally see Craggy Dome from these shots, but not today.
The hike is short, less than a mile, so we decide to do it despite the fog. If there is one thing I know about mountain weather, it is that it changes often.
The trail immediately heads through a tunnel of Rhododendron. It is almost spooky looking.
It feels like we are in a cave of wilderness. The trail is gorgeous.
There are a few rocky uneven places, but nothing too challenging.
The sides of the trail are lined with ferns, lush greenery, blueberries and blackberries. We had read online that it was illegal to go off the trail and pick the berries, so we stay on the marked path.
There are endangered plant species off the trail that the park service fears extinction from hikers trampling them.
The path has a moderately steep incline in places, just enough to feel like you are doing some work.
There is a lower and summit overlook, with promised 360-degree views.
We reach the top of the summit and it is pretty foggy. At first, it is hard to see anything.
Within a few minutes the sun peaks out and we get a filtered glimpse of some of the views.
Even with the quickly moving clouds, it is gorgeous.
We feel like we are on top of the world.
After a nice rest, we hike back down to the bottom. It is clear enough at the base to see the North Fork Reservoir, where they filmed part of The Hunger Games movie.
The entire hike takes up about an hour since we took our time with baby Owen and stopped for a nice long break at the top. It is the perfect way to spend a morning with our guests.
On our way home, we stop in Downtown Asheville to eat at one of our favorites.
Chai Pani… yum!
And some Kilwins for dessert!
Yes, I’m holding two ice creams… don’t judge. *One of them belongs to Justin who is taking the picture*
Despite a forecast that looked like a total weekend bust, we made the best of the day AND got to be a part of Owen’s first hike. He may or may not have slept through most of it, but we will get to remind him about it for years to come.
Farrah says
Yayy! I can't wait to check this place out! Those photos are gorgeous! <3 Fingers crossed that it's not as grey/rainy then as it was today!
JulieWunder says
Yes! I hope so too!! It's a cool place especially when you can see!
Rita Castline says
Julie
I am enjoying your blog and think this is just what you needed to nurse yourself back to health and happiness. The hike looked awesome and the little guy is just precious. Maybe soon,it will be Your Turn to have one all for yourself!:-)
Robert Palin says
Do you think a slightly overweight male with a artificial knee could do the trail? I would love to bring my dog Quincy on a little trek.
JulieWunder says
The only obstacles I saw were some rocks to make the path uneven in places (not the entire way) it also has some areas of rock stairs. The incline is moderate. It was one of the easier hikes I have done, but I imagine could still present some obstacles with a bum knee. I know my Dad, who also has knee issues, has trouble going back downhill.
With that in mind, you could always go and turn around if it got too dicey for you. Since it is so close to Craggy Gardens you could drive back there and the trip would not be a total bust.
Robert Palin says
Thank you for info. I'm gonna give it a shot. Taking Quincy (my little Maltese) with me. Now to find it!
🙂
Libby Haire says
Nice! What a great idea for family (and/or friends) fun to let them see some of the area. ... and I'm a fan of ice cream, too.
Dan Steadman says
we've been a couple of times...good hike with the boys...it was a better than anticipated weekend, just muggy Saturday and thankfully waited until bed time for the boys for the rain to unload. soccer evaluations were Saturday so that and school shopping made for a fun Saturday
Kathy Boggs says
Owen is absolutely gorgeous! So is the scenery you posted. Just a quiet, yuky week-end around here in Etowah!
JulieWunder says
Isn't he? He is a DOLL!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Owen is such a cutie (he must take after Owen Wilson). That trail looks gorgeous! BTW, have you heard of Fig Bistro? I'm planning a work dinner for when we have our staff retreat in Asheville in a few weeks.
JulieWunder says
I have heard of Fig, but I actually have not eaten there. There are so many restaurants in town. It is in Biltmore Village and not actually downtown. It looks really nice.
Let me know if you need any further recommendations!
Rose W says
I need to try the hike next time we have visitors. Thanks for the inspiration.
JulieWunder says
Any time Rose!
Jaime says
Wait...Owen has parents? 😉 (Sorry, had to. As a mom, we tend to be forgotten once the babies are in the - literal - picture!) We wanted to go on a short hike with Lucas this weekend, but the rain kept deterring us. Next weekend, hopefully!
JulieWunder says
Doh! I meant it as a joke... but maybe it didn't come off that way. I'm sending Megan a text now to apologize 🙂 Owen really does steal a show though.
Terry B says
Never been there but your beautiful pictures sure make me want to go!
JulieWunder says
It is an easy drive and nice little hike with a great view! We are going back on a clear day!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
What a nice hike Julie. We haven't been there...need to remember that one. No judging here about the ice cream! Have a great week. See you soon. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Ice Cream is a true weakness. See ya next week!
Terri Waller says
Nice looking hike!!!! Might try it when family visits myself not too bad w/ grade school children!!!!! Thanks for the wonderful story Julie.
JulieWunder says
Perfect for grade school children... we even saw some on the way down.
Lynn says
Yes Julie!! I have been up there a time or two! It's beautiful! I also like going to Pisgah Inn!! The view is breath taking!
JulieWunder says
Me too! And the food is pretty tasty!