Looking Glass Rock the way many see it -- from the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximate elevation profile for the Looking Glass Rock summit trail (outbounddirection shown, reverse for inbound). My software is old and this elevation is somewhat inaccurate. (Actual trail distance is reportedly 3.2 miles)
Looking Glass Rock trail (shown highlighted in blue) is smack in the middle of the popular Pisgah National Forest area. Closeby is Looking Glass Falls, the fish hatchery, Sliding Rock, Davidson River Campground, and many other popular outdoor destinations.
Looking Glass Rock summit trail parking area. Thanks to the trail's popularity and the outstanding Spring-like weather the parking lot was already overloaded when I arrived.
Looking Glass Rock trailhead
Looking Glass Rock Trail - A kiosk at the trailhead
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The endangered Peregrine Falcon nests here, apparently unsuccessfully.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The trail starts with a crossing of a tiny brook
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Yellow blazes mark this well-maintained trail
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Crossing a small stream near the beginning of the ascent
Looking Glass Rock Trail - I always enjoy the galax in full maroon during the winter
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The lower portion of the trail winds through a devastated hemlock forest
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Small cascades slide down a rock on an unknown creek
Looking Glass Rock Trail - There has been a lot of recent trail work, probably due to trees taken down by the tough winter. You'd never know it was winter today though.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - More young hemlocks and poplar
Looking Glass Rock Trail - A few icy shaded spots were slick and required caution, as I found out later.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Snow and ice hanging on despite the warm day
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Swinging around to follow the ridges, views open up through the trees
Looking Glass Rock Trail - More views
Looking Glass Rock Trail - This was a cool switchback with balancing rocks and a tree growing out of it.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Laurels tunnels begin to appear
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Another switchback with a crooked hemlock growing from a rock
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Now views to the north
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The benefit of winter hiking, more views
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Entering a chilly rhodo tunnel
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The rhodo tunnel
Looking Glass Rock Trail - This camping spot off to the left of the trail had a fire ring
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The exposed rock slab that doubles as a helipad.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Transylvania County uses (or used to use) this rock as a helipad to evac injured climbers. This area is a hotspot for rock climbing.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - A sign next to the helipad. My recommendation, add the distance remaining.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - A huge rock face near the helipad
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Back into the laurel
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The galax gives some nice color to the ground
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The summit of Looking Glass Rock, elevation 3969'. This, however, is not the end of the trail.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Maybe Cedar Rock?
Looking Glass Rock Trail - A pleasant spot to the left of the trail
Looking Glass Rock Trail - After a descent, emerging on the north face of Looking Glass Rock.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - About to emerge to some stunning views.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Ta da! The Wow views from the north face of Looking Glass Rock. The ribbon of the Blue Ridge Parkway travels along the snowy mountains to the north.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Table Mountain Pine cling to the cliffs
Looking Glass Rock Trail - I believe this is the area around Graveyard Fields.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Lots of views pics to follow. This is looking east towards Mount Pisgah
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Now looking west
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Lunch spot under the Table Mountain pine. Nothing beats a homemade hoagie at 3800'.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - The boys of Troop 77 from Asheville, NC, a fine bunch of young men
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Troop 77 enjoys the lunch, the views, and sending pictures to their parents from their phones.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Add this trail to your list.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - It's a big dropoff
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Heading back to the trailhead, I love the overhanging rhododendron tunnels to get out of the sun
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Three pines that are prevelant along the trail. To the left, White Pine. In the middle, Table Mountain Pine. And on the right, Hemlock.
Looking Glass Rock Trail - A few more view shots on the return trip
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Last shot of today. This trail is fantastic..I highly recommend you add it to your to-do list.
