Hiking in Montreat

The Montreat Wilderness and trail system is on private property managed by the Mountain Retreat Association (dba Montreat Conference Center). Our trail system is protected by conservation practices and is a hike-at-your-own-risk facility. There are more than 20 trails in Montreat stretching over 40 miles, offering a variety of hikes for all skill levels.

While we allow public hiking, our trail system is protected by a conservation easement through the State of North Carolina, in partnership with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, and is a hike-at-your-own-risk facility. Trail difficulty will differ from person-to-person.

Wilderness Rules

• Individuals who chose not to follow these rules and guidelines may be asked to leave the property.
• In case of emergency, call 911.
• Hike at your own risk. Use caution and good judgement while visiting
• Take pictures and make memories.
• Obey all posted signs. Montreat’s trails pass near/through several private landowners with their own rules.
• Pets must be leashed at all times. This Buncombe County ordinance protects you, your pets, and the wildlife.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Trail parking is limited and towing is enforced. Overflow parking is available at Anderson Auditorium.
• Wilderness trails are for foot traffic only. Motorized vehicles, horses, and bikes are prohibited. Bicycles are allowed only on Rainbow Road, Appalachian Way, and the Old Mitchell Toll Road.
• Stay on the blazed trails. Do not sidestep erosion measures or create new trails.
• Hike times and distances listed are one-way, approximate, and ability dependent.
• Many trails require additional hiking through other trails to access. Please consult your map before departing. There is no vehicle access to these trails.
• Some trails cross private property. Be courteous and stay on the trails.
• Some trails cross hunting grounds. Wear high-visibility clothing (blaze orange) during hunting season.
• Online registrations are required for camping in shelters. Register here.
• Camping and open fires are only permitted in the two shelter areas indicated on the map.
• Keep the shelters clean and safe. Do not graffiti, vandalize, make fires inside of, or modify the shelters in any way. Shelters are the property of the Mountain Retreat Association (dba Montreat Conference Center).
• Commercial use ventures or groups larger than ten are prohibited without prior approval.
• Harvesting, hunting, foraging, or collecting is prohibited.
• Firearms and air-powered guns are prohibited within the Montreat Wilderness.

Camping

Montreat offers camping in the Montreat Family Campground and in two primitive, backwoods camping shelters. More information about camping can be found on the Wilderness page.

Need to report an issue with a trail? Please report it.

Parking

Please note that parking is limited at most trailheads. It is recommended that hikers park near Lake Susan and continue on foot to the trailheads. If you do park near the trailhead, please be sure to follow all signage and directions. Do not block driveways or roads.

Parking at Greybeard and Lookout trailheads is numbered. Park only in numbered spots.

Help Make a Difference!

This trail system does not receive public funding. Please donate to the Wilderness Operations and Maintenance Fund to help preserve the health of our wilderness areas.

Love the Montreat Wilderness? Consider volunteering!

Email wilderness@montreat.org to express your interest. Please give us your name, contact information, days of the week you’d be available, and any specific information that would be helpful (ex. you can use a chainsaw, or have physical limitations).