Here in North Carolina, we love embracing all that the outdoors have to offer. No matter the season, there are certain places that provide a boost of scenery in a relatively short amount of time. One of those places is Craggy Gardens in North Carolina. Tucked away along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this magical destination is one of the most beautiful areas in the state. The hike is famous for its rhododendron blooms in late spring, but rest assured you’re in for magical scenery any time of year. Here’s more on the experience that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an enchanting fairytale world.
Blue Ridge Mountain Life Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, not far from Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens and the 1.5-mile Craggy Pinnacle Trail are perfect for an afternoon stop and a quick hiking trip with a beautiful reward.
Flickr / Louis L The 1.5 mile-hike weaves through enchanting scenery as trees topple over the trail and look like something plucked straight from Middle Earth.
Flickr / Louis L
Flickr / LouisL What really makes the area is the rhododendron blooms famous in the late spring. They fill the trail with the beautiful sight of pink and purple blooms, encompassing the entire area as you trek to the top and the amazing overlook.
Emory Rakestraw There are also several tree tunnels on the short but brief hike to the top. The trail is flat and easy enough that it’s ideal for all skill levels, from adults, children, and seniors.
Joe Flood / flickr It’s also great to snap a few frame-worthy photos.
Kenyaboy7 / flickr
Flickr / Parke Ladd At the top, you’re treated to the large overlook where you can sit and take it all in. You see the sprawling Blue Ridge Mountains laid out in front of you. The world is peaceful and quiet, and it’s one of the most enchanting hidden places in North Carolina.
Have you ever visited Craggy Gardens in North Carolina? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experiences there! Looking for more hiking inspiration in the Tar Heel State? Check out 15 of the best hiking trails in North Carolina.
Blue Ridge Mountain Life
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, not far from Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens and the 1.5-mile Craggy Pinnacle Trail are perfect for an afternoon stop and a quick hiking trip with a beautiful reward.
Flickr / Louis L
The 1.5 mile-hike weaves through enchanting scenery as trees topple over the trail and look like something plucked straight from Middle Earth.
Flickr / LouisL
What really makes the area is the rhododendron blooms famous in the late spring. They fill the trail with the beautiful sight of pink and purple blooms, encompassing the entire area as you trek to the top and the amazing overlook.
Emory Rakestraw
There are also several tree tunnels on the short but brief hike to the top. The trail is flat and easy enough that it’s ideal for all skill levels, from adults, children, and seniors.
Joe Flood / flickr
It’s also great to snap a few frame-worthy photos.
Kenyaboy7 / flickr
Flickr / Parke Ladd
At the top, you’re treated to the large overlook where you can sit and take it all in. You see the sprawling Blue Ridge Mountains laid out in front of you. The world is peaceful and quiet, and it’s one of the most enchanting hidden places in North Carolina.
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Address: Craggy Gardens, North Carolina 28778, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Craggy Gardens in North Carolina August 07, 2020 Beth C. What’s the most beautiful hike in North Carolina? With so many exquisite hiking trails to choose from, pinpointing the single most beautiful hike in North Carolina can be something of a challenge. That being said, many folks agree that one of the most popular hikes in the state is Calloway Peak in Grandfather Mountain State Park. This iconic trail takes hikers to one of the tallest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Measuring in at an altitude of 5,964, Calloway Peak is truly a bucket-list hike. Despite being a difficult climb upwards, the trail isn’t terribly long. Hikers should also note that it’s necessary to obtain a permit before hiking this trail. Read more about this beloved North Carolina landmark along with its neighbor, Grandfather Mountain. What are the best family-friendly hikes in North Carolina? If you’re looking for family-friendly hikes in North Carolina, it’s a good idea to start in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The visitor’s center will have maps and recommendations for younger hikers to get the most out of their experience. Other kid-friendly hikes include Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, Cloudland Trail, Duggers Falls Creek Trail, Pisgah Covered Bridge Loop Trail, Cascades Trail in West Jefferson, and Craggy Pinnacle Trail. Learn more about these lovable trails in North Carolina, all of which are just under a mile in length. What are the best wildflower hikes in North Carolina? If you’re a fan of beautiful wildflowers, then North Carolina is the state for you. Wildflowers are generally in bloom between the spring and early autumn, although it can be hard to predict exactly when to spot these beautiful blooms. However, it’s a relatively safe bet that you’ll find some pops of color if you head into the mountains during the warmer months. Some of the best wildflower hikes in North Carolina include Oconaluftee River Trail, Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Pink Beds, and Hawksbill. Remember, it’s best to leave the wildflowers where they are and resist picking them. This ensures that they can continue to grow abundantly for years to come!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Craggy Gardens in North Carolina
August 07, 2020
Beth C.
What’s the most beautiful hike in North Carolina? With so many exquisite hiking trails to choose from, pinpointing the single most beautiful hike in North Carolina can be something of a challenge. That being said, many folks agree that one of the most popular hikes in the state is Calloway Peak in Grandfather Mountain State Park. This iconic trail takes hikers to one of the tallest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Measuring in at an altitude of 5,964, Calloway Peak is truly a bucket-list hike. Despite being a difficult climb upwards, the trail isn’t terribly long. Hikers should also note that it’s necessary to obtain a permit before hiking this trail. Read more about this beloved North Carolina landmark along with its neighbor, Grandfather Mountain. What are the best family-friendly hikes in North Carolina? If you’re looking for family-friendly hikes in North Carolina, it’s a good idea to start in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The visitor’s center will have maps and recommendations for younger hikers to get the most out of their experience. Other kid-friendly hikes include Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, Cloudland Trail, Duggers Falls Creek Trail, Pisgah Covered Bridge Loop Trail, Cascades Trail in West Jefferson, and Craggy Pinnacle Trail. Learn more about these lovable trails in North Carolina, all of which are just under a mile in length. What are the best wildflower hikes in North Carolina? If you’re a fan of beautiful wildflowers, then North Carolina is the state for you. Wildflowers are generally in bloom between the spring and early autumn, although it can be hard to predict exactly when to spot these beautiful blooms. However, it’s a relatively safe bet that you’ll find some pops of color if you head into the mountains during the warmer months. Some of the best wildflower hikes in North Carolina include Oconaluftee River Trail, Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Pink Beds, and Hawksbill. Remember, it’s best to leave the wildflowers where they are and resist picking them. This ensures that they can continue to grow abundantly for years to come!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With so many exquisite hiking trails to choose from, pinpointing the single most beautiful hike in North Carolina can be something of a challenge. That being said, many folks agree that one of the most popular hikes in the state is Calloway Peak in Grandfather Mountain State Park. This iconic trail takes hikers to one of the tallest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Measuring in at an altitude of 5,964, Calloway Peak is truly a bucket-list hike. Despite being a difficult climb upwards, the trail isn’t terribly long. Hikers should also note that it’s necessary to obtain a permit before hiking this trail. Read more about this beloved North Carolina landmark along with its neighbor, Grandfather Mountain.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in North Carolina?
If you’re looking for family-friendly hikes in North Carolina, it’s a good idea to start in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The visitor’s center will have maps and recommendations for younger hikers to get the most out of their experience. Other kid-friendly hikes include Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, Cloudland Trail, Duggers Falls Creek Trail, Pisgah Covered Bridge Loop Trail, Cascades Trail in West Jefferson, and Craggy Pinnacle Trail. Learn more about these lovable trails in North Carolina, all of which are just under a mile in length.
What are the best wildflower hikes in North Carolina?
If you’re a fan of beautiful wildflowers, then North Carolina is the state for you. Wildflowers are generally in bloom between the spring and early autumn, although it can be hard to predict exactly when to spot these beautiful blooms. However, it’s a relatively safe bet that you’ll find some pops of color if you head into the mountains during the warmer months. Some of the best wildflower hikes in North Carolina include Oconaluftee River Trail, Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Pink Beds, and Hawksbill. Remember, it’s best to leave the wildflowers where they are and resist picking them. This ensures that they can continue to grow abundantly for years to come!
