looking glass rock

A group driving up to Asheville for the weekend made this detour to do this hike and it was a great decision. The trailhead has a decent size parking lot and a map at the base of the trail. I believe from the parking lot it was 3.0 - 3.2 miles to the end of the trail with the best views. Trail starts out with plenty of zig zagging and is a pretty decent climb. Our group made the trek to the top in about an hour and forty five minutes with a few quick breaks. Once you are to "the top" keep pushing through the campsite for another 2-3 minutes and you'll arrive at a rock clearing with a fantastic view. We made it back down in about an hourt and twenty minutes. Great hike all around - highly recommend.

We took this hike in October, 2014, during a week day. It was cool and sunny. We had the trail to our selves most of the time. Steady uphill climb for 3 miles, some areas fairly steep, and took several rest breaks. We are 60 and 58. The views at the end are wonderful. The hike is not necessarily strenuous, but we did give ourselves plenty of time. The trail is well maintained, and the miles are marked.

I absolutely love Pisgah National Forest and enjoy any opportunity to hike the vast number of its great trails. I have viewed Looking Glass Rock numerous times from the Blue Ridge Parkway and have even passed the trailhead but never had the chance to hike the trail until recently. I found this hike to be somewhat challenging, with the altitude gain, but definitely worth the effort. This time of year the trees are just beautiful and the cooler temperatures are a welcome break from the usual heat of North Carolina. The hike offered lots of switchbacks, beautiful tunnels of rhododendron, and lots of opportunities to peak through the trees. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Once you reach the actual summit you do have to continue on a short distance to emerge from the trees to reach the breathtaking views. You do need to be very careful once you come out of the trees as the open area is limited and can be very dangerous if you do not respect where you are. This hike for me took around 4 1/2 hours round trip, but I spent quite a lot of time enjoying the view. The parking lot was completely full when I arrived, so I did have to park on the road, so be careful. I really enjoyed this hike, and now it definitely has a special meaning to me when I view Looking Glass Rock from a distance. I hope you will enjoy the hike as much as I did.

I would rate this moderately difficult. It is up hill for 3.2 miles parts of the trail are pretty steep. Some parts you have to walk over big rocks, however for the most part a well maintained trail. Depending on your level of conditioning, allow up to two and half hours to make it to the top. The first time with my wife it took two hours, the next time by myself I made it in one hour. the walk down is obviously a lot easier. This is an out and back walk.The top is a sort of big flat rock that overlooks the valley below. The Blue ridge parkway is visible but higher. Bring your camera.

This is one of (if the 'the') staple hike of the Pisgah Ranger District. It's a moderate to strenuous 3 miles up to the top. Lot's of cut backs (don't take short cuts, please), then you start to navigate the rocky outcrop. I would plan 3-4 hours for this hike roundtrip. Bring plenty of water, and arrive early…parking lot gets crowded. If you must park along the road, just use caution…lots of cars. This hike is not recommended for kids, dogs (they fall off and die every year….sad), or those not in decent shape. The view is absolutely fantastic, especially in fall. Well worth the effort!!

Its a tough 3+ mile hike all up hill but as long as you are reasonably fit then the reward at the end is amazing and well worth the effort. Put this hike on your bucket list .

The hike was wonderful and if it was our only experience in Brevard, it would have an excellent rating. It's a semi-challenging hike that starts as a long gradual walk up the side of the mountain, eventually becoming a steeper zig-zag and then more traditional trail approaching the top. During mid-spring, the tree foliage prohibits much of a view for most of the hike but there are a few cool spots including a campsite and even a helicopter landing pad near the peak. The view from the peak is spectacular and well worth the hike. Brevard, the surrounding city, was ok but many of the encounters with the townsfolk felt strange as though they weren't quite comfortable with African Americans being there (rude stares, awkward service, avoidance, etc.) Overall it was a lot of fun though.

I've hiked here before & will do so again. Beautiful views from the top and not too difficult. Can be crowded at times & not much parking with no restrooms but it's all good.

I am used to doing shorter local hikes and was ready for this 6 mile hike. A little nervous that it would be too hard and exhausting. Not at all. It was actually easier than what Ive done, just longer. The trail alone was worth it. Gorgeous the whole way. The first 2 miles had gradual incline with alot of switchbacks so seemed relatively flat. The last mile was a little more treacherous with rock and roots and didnt really get too steep until the last half mile. Once you start going downhill thats when it opens up to the rock top and amazing views. I was actually a little nervous at the top because its very slanted. I wouldnt want to be there with alot of people. We found a flat spot to sit and eat and enjoy before heading back. It took us 2 hrs to get to top and 1 1/2 to come back down. Im pretty slow and we took pics all along the way. I loved this hike.

My wife has such an affinity for this place that we go miles out of our way to witness it. There is just a magic feeling to view that rock jutting up fromthe forest surrounding it.

Wow! This is the a breathtaking summit that should not be missed if hiking in WNC. We decided to take our traditional New Year's Day hike and chose Looking Glass Rock. The ascent is sometimes very steep and rocky, but well worth it. There are plenty of places to stop and rest if needed. When we finally turned that last corner we were greeted with a 360 degree view of our beautiful mountains. Be very cautious if you decide to walk on the granite - it can be slippery and drops off very suddenly. Looking forward to a spring hike when the Rhododendron are in full bloom.

Recently hiked with hubby and daughter, young adult. The website states moderately difficult. By New England standards it is a fairly easy hike. Lots of switchbacks for at least the first half. After that step areas with roots or rocks, but not difficult. Lots of families and dogs on the trail on our visit. It is approximately 6.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 1700 feet. The views are spectacular. It is fun to watch the people coming off the trail onto the ledge. Whoa, where is the drop off! Not to worry - lots of room. Easy trail to find, lots or parking.

awesome hike. the climb is gradual enough that it isn't exhausting and the views from the rock of the mountains around you are breathtaking!! definitely recommended as a top hike in the area!

2000 switch backs, a few stream crossings, and dozens of "we must be at the top by now, statements" and you will reach your reward. When you come out of the woods onto the bald rocks that stretch for 30-yards before falling off a 400-foot cliff, you will thank yourself for doing this hike. The views are awesome, so bring your lunch so you can bask in the sun, soak up the scenery and rest your weary legs.The trail head is well marked and there is almost enough parking (we parked on the grass). The trail itself is easy to follow, and there are many rock out croppings that you can rest on along the way. While not technically not part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can see the parkway (way in the distance) from the top and look across the Blue Ridge mountains.

It's fun, but just be warned! I suppose if you're not in a hurry it's not so bad. My wife and I got to the top in around an hour and a half, I think. The last quarter mile or so kicked our behinds—I thought I was on a stairmaster. To be honest, the view at the top was just OK (it was overcast)—a little underwhelming. A little dangerous, too, at the summit. You really have to watch your footing. We accidentally knocked over a bottle of water we had sitting next to us and watched it roll down over and then off the rock face into oblivion.