Montreat’s Wilderness Rangers and community volunteers offer a variety of free guided hikes to the public each summer. These hikes utilize trail systems throughout the Montreat Wilderness and cover a variety of distances, elevations, and skill levels. All hikes will depart from the Montreat Nature Center (located at 301 Lookout Road) at 9:00 am. Half-day hikes are designed to return in time for Clubs pick-up and full-day hikes will return in mid to late afternoon. Those under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult guardian in order to attend.
Half day hikes are designed to return in time for Clubs pickup at noon.
Full day hikes will return mid to late afternoon.
Before you hike
- Wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking shoes
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Pack water and snacks for all hikes and a lunch for longer hikes
- Acquire a Montreat trail systems map online or at the Nature Center
- Let someone who is not hiking with you know your hiking plan and follow it.
In case of emergency:
- Emergency Services: 911
- Montreat Nature Center: 828.419.9811
| June 16 | Rattlesnake Rock (Big Piney Trail) Half-day | Moderate hike |
| June 18 | Walker’s Knob Full-day | Moderate hike with strenuous sections | Approx. 10 miles |
| June 23 | Pinnacle Full-day | Strenuous hike with moderate sections | Approx. 16 miles The second-longest hike of the summer takes us to Pinnacle Mountain, just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park. We’ll take Appalachian Way to the Mitchell Toll Road, walk along the Mitchell Toll Road all the way to the Parkway, and then double back along the ridge line to Pinnacle. We’ll have a leisurely lunch at the top with plenty of time to take in the excellent view (and a nap), and then return via the Toll Road to Buck Gap, Lookout Trail and home. Be sure to bring rain gear and plenty of water. |
| June 25 | History Hike with the Presbyterian Heritage Center Half-day | Easy hike Learn about the history of Montreat during this half-day hike with Anne Chesky, director of the Presbyterian Heritage Center. |
| June 30 | Lower Piney Half-day | Easy hike |
| July 2 | The West Ridge Full-day | Moderate hike with strenuous sections |
| July 7 | The Annual Perimeter Hike Full-day | Strenuous hike | Approx. 16 miles This is a trip for strong hikers only. A Fourth of July week tradition, this is a very challenging hike that tops nearly every peak in the Montreat valley. Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and rain gear. It often rains on this trip. Expect to return after 5:00 pm. |
| July 9 | Lookout Loop Half-day | Moderate hike with strenuous sections This hike involves many stair sections with high vertical risers. |
| July 14 | Rainbow Mountain Half-day | Moderate hike |
| July 16 | Top o’ the Valley Full-day | Strenuous hike | Approx. 9 miles From the Nature Center we’ll walk up to the family campground and then up the Rocky Head Trail to the top of Rocky Head. After a quick rest, we’ll head North to Potts Cove Gap, follow the Trestle switchbacks to Walker’s Knob, and then on to the top of Graybeard. After lunch, we’ll travel down the West Ridge to Big Piney and then return to Montreat on the Big Piney Ridge Trail. |
| July 18 | Mount Mitchell Full-day | Strenuous hike | Approx. 16 miles This full-day hike is the longest hike we offer during the season and is tough but rewarding. Reservations are required and can be made with Nature Center staff. You are responsible for your own transportation back. For more information about this hike and for questions, please visit the Nature Center. |
| July 21 | East Ridge Ramble Full-day | Moderate hike with strenuous sections From the Nature Center we’ll ascend the Rocky Head Trail, travel along the East Ridge Trail, and descend via Lookout Trail. |
| July 23 | History Hike with the Presbyterian Heritage Center Half-day | Mild hike Learn about the history of Montreat during this half-day hike with Anne Chesky, director of the Presbyterian Heritage Center. |
| July 28 | Two Sisters and a View Full-day | Strenuous hike We will ascend Stomping Knob trail, stopping to see the old moonshine stills. Turning north on the West Ridge, we will proceed to the top of Big Piney. We will stop for lunch at Rattlesnake Rock then continue our descent to Montreat via the Big Piney Trail. |
| July 30 | Graybeard Mountain Full-day | Strenuous hike We’ll take the Graybeard Trail to the Walker’s Knob hiking shelter. After a snack and a quick side trip to enjoy the view from Walker’s Knob we’ll continue climbing the Graybeard Trail to the top of Graybeard Mountain, the highest point in Montreat. Excellent views (north toward Mount Mitchell) and wild country make this a truly memorable hike. After lunch at the summit, we’ll backtrack to Montreat. |
| August 4 | Brushy Mountain Half-day | Moderate hike with strenuous sections |
| August 6 | Pinnacle Full-day | Strenuous hike with moderate sections | Approx. 16 miles The second-longest hike of the summer takes us to Pinnacle Mountain, just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park. We’ll take Appalachian Way to the Mitchell Toll Road, walk along the Mitchell Toll Road all the way to the Parkway, and then double back along the ridge line to Pinnacle. We’ll have a leisurely lunch at the top with plenty of time to take in the excellent view (and a nap), and then return via the Toll Road to Buck Gap, Lookout Trail and home. Be sure to bring rain gear and plenty of water. |