Brevard, NC – Part of the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock is a popular day hike, camping area and rock climbing destination. The trail provides easy passage from the access road to the summit utilizing repeated switchbacks. After passing the summit, hikers are delighted with a dramatic vista of the immense neighboring mountains strung together by the blue ridge parkway. totaling around 3 miles (one-way), the trail ascends to a point 1,680′ higher than where you start and can be finished in around 2 hours (one way).
Trail Description
Located just off US 276 inside the Pisgah National Forest, the trailhead is adjacent to a small parking area. After passing a small information sign, the trail begins to gradually slope up, using repeated switchbacks to traverse the steeper slope at the base of the mountain. Erosion is fairly prominent due to people hiking in-between many of the switchbacks. After roughly one and a half miles, the trail begins to level out providing the opportunity for small campsites. Continuing up further, the trail passes by a small clearing which is actually a heli-pad. Closer inspection reveals a small “H” carved into the rock. The trail continues up gradually to the summit, where there is a fair sized clearing for camping. From there the trail begins to drop until the forest ends at the northern rock face. This is the climax of the trail for hikers, as it provides unobstructed views of the much larger adjacent mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway.
The trail is fairly easy to traverse making it popular. Likewise, parking on the weekend can be difficult as the small lot fills up quickly. On the whole, however, the trail makes an excellent out and back day hike with a 2 hour one-way hike time at a casual pace.
Trail Data
[gps-data-up distance=”3″ elevationdifference=”1680″ climb=”1720″ descent=”120″ time=”2 hours one-way”]Trail Map
[gps-iframe urlbase=”looking_glass/looking_glass” height=”496″]Trail Elevation Profile
[gps-elevation trailname=”Looking Glass Rock Trail” urlbase=”looking_glass/looking_glass”]Trail Photos
Looking Glass Rock as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway - the trail ends at the top of the closest rock face
Upper trail and thick forest
View from end of the trail - the Blue Ridge Parkway can be seen winding along the ridgeline
Black Balsam Knob (6214 ft) as seen from the end of the trail