LOOKING GLASS ROCK – UPPER SITE

LOCATION: Western North Carolina
HIKE STARTS: USFS 475
HIKE ENDS: USFS 475
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.1 Miles
HIKE TYPE: In and Out, Backtrack Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult
TRAILS USED: Looking Glass Rock Trail
TRAIL TRAFFIC: Heavy
TRIP TYPE: Day or Overnight Hike
MANAGEMENT: Pisgah National Forest

HIGHLIGHTS: The Forest Service describes the Pisgah National Forest as “a mecca for vacationers, naturalists and adventurers.” Looking Glass Rock is located in this area and is a favorite destination of many hikers and backpackers. The rock is actually a monolithic piece of exposed granite that rises from the valley floor at 2310 feet to the summit at 3969 feet. The name reflects the appearance of the mountain when water freezes on the exposed granite surface and reflects the sun like a mirror.

North Carolina Hiking TrailsNorth Carolina Hiking Trails, 4th North Carolina Road Atlas North Carolina Atlas and Gazetteer

MORE DETAILS

bullet click to see trail photos from this hike near Brevard, N.C.: September 18, 1999; April 1, 1995
bullet click to view a detailed trip report of this backpacking trip in the Pisgah National Forest: September 18, 1999; April 1, 1995* (password required)
bullet click to view maps: area map, detailed map, profile map (password required)
bullet click for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
bullet click to access the guidebook North Carolina Hiking Trails which has details on this destination
bullet click for other North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
bullet click here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination
bullet note, the * indicates these items are not linked but coming soon