| Date | Distance | Time | Elevation Gain | Average Moving Time | Year to Date Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/30/2021 | 2.2 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes | 510' | 1.6 mph | 137.3 |
Maps:
Gaia
National Geographic Linville Gore Mount Mitchell (I didn't find this detailed enough)
Parking: Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway mile 364
Route: On the left side of the parking lot find the trailhead. Follow the trail to the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area. Return the same way.
In Asheville it was a humid 88 degrees after work, with 30% chance of thunderstorms. One of the really nice things about this area, is that you can drive to somewhere with higher elevation to hike when its too hot. As we drove along the parkway, the temperature kept dropping. By the time we parked, it was 68 degrees, 20 degrees cooler than in town! Perfect.
In Asheville it was a humid 88 degrees after work, with 30% chance of thunderstorms. One of the really nice things about this area, is that you can drive to somewhere with higher elevation to hike when its too hot. As we drove along the parkway, the temperature kept dropping. By the time we parked, it was 68 degrees, 20 degrees cooler than in town! Perfect.
The visitor center is currently closed, I assume this is covid related. The hike starts from the visitor center parking lot. The view from the parking lot is great too. This is a heavily used trail, and we did see people, but it wasn't too bad. I especially loved the beginning of this trail. The trail itself is gorgeous, hiking through rhododendron tunnels. There are a number of side trails, which lead to interesting places. A trail on the left side leads to a meadow called Craggy Flats, and continues on to an overlook with benches. I fell in love with this area. A trail to the right leads to a pavilion with a view. The picnic area itself isn't interesting. There is a huge parking lot, and no view.
This hike is short and amazing. It is mostly downhill to the picnic area, and then back uphill to the visitor center. I kept stopping to take pictures. This is a trail I would love to do again and again. I think I missed the rhododendrons blooming in June. But in a few weeks, I assume there will be ripe blueberries, and in the fall, views with fall foliage.
The trail follows the Mountains to Sea Trail, and then splits off just before the picnic area.
Heading back we found a short unmarked side trail which leads to a pavilion with a view.
View from the pavilion
Pavilion ceiling
The trail is lined with rhododendrons and blueberries
The trail passes through this open building. At this point a side trail leads to the left towards a meadow and views in 2 directions.
Heading up the side trail
Across the meadow towards a sitting area with a view
Viewpoint
The rhododendrons often have bald trunks, with leaves just at the top.
The open structure the trail goes through
Rhododendron tunnel
Back in the parking lot, the visitor center
View from the parking lot.
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