Hiking Trails: Looking Glass Rock Trail

View of Looking Glass Rock as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Length of Trail:

3.0 miles to summit

Rating of Difficulty:

Strenuous: Going up is a constant 3 mile uphill climb

Description:

Wonderful views at the top reward the strenuous hike to the summit. Be sure to bring atleast 20oz of water, although more is recommended. Along the way you will pass a helipad. The trail is somewhat heavily used, and there is a good amount of erosion on the switchbacks. Be sure NOT to shortcut the switchbacks! Top rockface at the top presents a fantastic view of the Shining Rock Wilderness. You can see overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but can't help laughing at the hokey parkway drivers view compared to yours. Definetly worth the hike. The return hike down takes half the time of going up.

* Pets must remain on a leash at all times
* Don't shortcut the switchbacks due to trail erosion
* No campfires are permitted in Shining Rock Wilderness
* There is no garbage service on the trail, be sure to pack everything out

Scenery:

Location:

Located in the Shining Rock Wilderness, near Brevard, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest

Directions to Trailhead:

From Brevard: Take U.S 276 along the Davidson River north past the ranger station for 3 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 475, which takes you to the fish hatchery. Trailhead parking is 0.5 miles on the right, before you reach the fish hatchery. There is a maximum parking space for 15 vehicles.