North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountain Trail Near Asheville Offers Breathtaking Views And Lovely Wildflowers

Even with stiff competition from iconic routes, like the Pacific Coast Highway or the historic Route 66, the Blue Ridge Parkway manages to bag the honor as "America's Favorite Drive" – especially when the fall hits. This 469-mile scenic stretch of road connects the misty mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, welcoming nearly 17 million travelers every year. And while the drive is rewarding (coupled with a speed limit of 45 mph or lower, so you don't miss any views!), there are also some special towns and trails for stop-offs. On the North Carolina side, one popular trekking treasure is the Craggy Pinnacle Trail.

The Craggy Pinnacle Trail, like many others along the Parkway, is conveniently located right off the road and is around 25 miles from Asheville — an artsy mountain city full of eclectic fun. The 1.2-mile out-and-back route is popular for its shorter stint and yet packs a punch with its lush wildflower meadows, thickets of twisted birch trees, and wide views of the Appalachians at the crest. By June, the rhododendrons and mountain laurels bloom into a vibrant display of purple and pink amidst the green of the old-growth forests. Leaf peeping season — beginning early October — also sees dreamy fall foliage and has more footfall on the trail.

But, even during the busy season, there's still an opportunity to have some peace and quiet with the route's three lookout points. A common intersection, as you're about to reach the crest, makes the path clear to each one. The Craggy Pinnacle Summit (also called the upper lookout, as it has the highest elevation of the three) is where most people go for panoramic scenery of the undulating mountains, while the other two have 180-degree views of the same landscape.

You will find the trailhead for this hike off the Craggy Dome parking lot by milepost marker 364.1. Bring your furry friends along, but remember to clean up after them. Some reviewers have complained about the smell of dog poop along the route, which detracts from everyone's experience. The trail also involves about 250 feet of elevation gain with inclination spurts, so decent hiking shoes with a cushioned and lightweight insole can make for a smoother climb on this rocky terrain.

What's more, prepare for unpredictable weather changes that come with higher elevations (the trailhead itself is at 5,640 feet, with the Craggy Pinnacle Summit viewpoint at 5,892 feet) and check for current conditions or highway closures at nps.gov. "Nice easy short trail, lots of fog our fault for not checking the weather but otherwise fun!" writes one reviewer on AllTrails. And as tempting as it may be — with groves of birch and mountain ash, magical thickets of mountain laurels, and eye-catching blueberry bushes in sight – don't go off the trails. The Blue Ridge Mountains ecosystem is one of the world's most diverse, and it protects many fragile and rare species. Staying on the designated route is your small part to keep this beautiful environment intact for future generations.