 |  |  |  |
| Looking Glass Rock |
| The sweeping views from the summit make this strenuous trail worth the effort |
| Difficulty (1-5): Distance (round trip) Elevation change: Summit: Trail time: Driving time: |
4-5
6.2 miles
0
3,969 ft
3-4 hours
2 hours(round trip)
6.2 miles
0
3,969 ft
3-4 hours
2 hours(round trip)
From the summit of Looking Glass Rock--and just below the summit at Upper Looking Glass Cliffs--the
sweeping views of the Shining Rock Wilderness are breathtaking.
At the top the view includes Cedar Rock, the Pink Beds area and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
sweeping views of the Shining Rock Wilderness are breathtaking.
At the top the view includes Cedar Rock, the Pink Beds area and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
| | | |
| Copyright 2008 by Tony Austin |
From the parking area, the trail starts to the
left and follows along a stream. Soon you
encounter the switchbacks and they take you
into and out of stands of rhododendrons and
laurel.
After a couple of miles you"ll come to a flat
area that's used as a helipad for rescuing
injured rock climbers. Bear right on on the
main trail (yellow blazes) and continue to the
summit. The views are limited here but
continue left and descend a little to reach
Upper Looking Glass Cliffs. The views from
here are spectacular.
There is no guard rail. Stay back from the
edge.
left and follows along a stream. Soon you
encounter the switchbacks and they take you
into and out of stands of rhododendrons and
laurel.
After a couple of miles you"ll come to a flat
area that's used as a helipad for rescuing
injured rock climbers. Bear right on on the
main trail (yellow blazes) and continue to the
summit. The views are limited here but
continue left and descend a little to reach
Upper Looking Glass Cliffs. The views from
here are spectacular.
There is no guard rail. Stay back from the
edge.
Return the same way you come. Going down
should take about half the time it took to come
up.
Don't shy away from the trail because of the
rating. It's worth the effort.
should take about half the time it took to come
up.
Don't shy away from the trail because of the
rating. It's worth the effort.
Directions to trailhead: From Lake Toxaway, go to Brevard. Proceed through town and turn left onto
Hwy 276 west. Follow the signs for Pisgah National Forest. Follow the signs to the Center for Wildlife
Education, then turn left at the intersection with FR 475. Cross the bridge and park in the center's
parking lot. This is also the Fish Hatchery.
Hwy 276 west. Follow the signs for Pisgah National Forest. Follow the signs to the Center for Wildlife
Education, then turn left at the intersection with FR 475. Cross the bridge and park in the center's
parking lot. This is also the Fish Hatchery.
2008
