October 9, 2023
The Blue Ridge Parkway
My day began early, beneath Mount Mitchell, which I had hiked the day prior. The plan was to drive the famed Blue Ridge Parkway around sunrise, from the Black Mountains to Asheville. Starting at this somewhat remote mid-point at such an early hour, I hoped to avoid getting stuck behind any camper vans or traffic snarls.
The plan worked! I zipped along the windy parkway, enjoying empty roads, golden low-angle sunlight, and beautiful low-lying clouds.
The Blue Ridge parkway runs nearly 470 miles through the Southern Appalachians. It runs from Shenandoah NP in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains NP in Tennessee. Like many stunning feats of construction with questionable environmental impacts, it was constructed in the 1930s, as part of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal employment programs.
No trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway feels complete without getting out to stretch your legs on a short hike. And some quick googling informed me that Craggy Pinnacle was among the best places to do just that!
The trail to Craggy Pinnacle
The Craggy Pinnacle trailhead sits roughly 40 minutes (20 miles) northeast of Asheville, along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a half mile walk, up roughly 250 vertical feet, from the roadway to its summit.
Though short, the Craggy Pinnacle hike packs a punch. The 5780′ summit sports 360 views of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.
The trail runs along a somewhat rocky path, beneath stunted trees. You can tell you’re over a mile above sea level! The route features ample stone stairways, rocks and roots. Make sure to watch your step and take your time. That said, this is a very family-friendly hike.
Craggy Pinnacle
In short order I reached the summit. A handsome stone terrace afforded views in all directions. It was a gorgeous morning! I soaked in the views before heading back down to the car. It was time for breakfast in Asheville.
