I've hiked here before & will do so again. Beautiful views from the top and not too difficult. Can be crowded at times & not much parking with no restrooms but it's all good.
I would rate this moderately difficult. It is up hill for 3.2 miles parts of the trail are pretty steep. Some parts you have to walk over big rocks, however for the most part a well maintained trail. Depending on your level of conditioning, allow up to two and half hours to make it to the top. The first time with my wife it took two hours, the next time by myself I made it in one hour. the walk down is obviously a lot easier. This is an out and back walk.The top is a sort of big flat rock that overlooks the valley below. The Blue ridge parkway is visible but higher. Bring your camera.
2000 switch backs, a few stream crossings, and dozens of "we must be at the top by now, statements" and you will reach your reward. When you come out of the woods onto the bald rocks that stretch for 30-yards before falling off a 400-foot cliff, you will thank yourself for doing this hike. The views are awesome, so bring your lunch so you can bask in the sun, soak up the scenery and rest your weary legs.The trail head is well marked and there is almost enough parking (we parked on the grass). The trail itself is easy to follow, and there are many rock out croppings that you can rest on along the way. While not technically not part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can see the parkway (way in the distance) from the top and look across the Blue Ridge mountains.
I am used to doing shorter local hikes and was ready for this 6 mile hike. A little nervous that it would be too hard and exhausting. Not at all. It was actually easier than what Ive done, just longer. The trail alone was worth it. Gorgeous the whole way. The first 2 miles had gradual incline with alot of switchbacks so seemed relatively flat. The last mile was a little more treacherous with rock and roots and didnt really get too steep until the last half mile. Once you start going downhill thats when it opens up to the rock top and amazing views. I was actually a little nervous at the top because its very slanted. I wouldnt want to be there with alot of people. We found a flat spot to sit and eat and enjoy before heading back. It took us 2 hrs to get to top and 1 1/2 to come back down. Im pretty slow and we took pics all along the way. I loved this hike.
My wife has such an affinity for this place that we go miles out of our way to witness it. There is just a magic feeling to view that rock jutting up fromthe forest surrounding it.
Wow! This is the a breathtaking summit that should not be missed if hiking in WNC. We decided to take our traditional New Year's Day hike and chose Looking Glass Rock. The ascent is sometimes very steep and rocky, but well worth it. There are plenty of places to stop and rest if needed. When we finally turned that last corner we were greeted with a 360 degree view of our beautiful mountains. Be very cautious if you decide to walk on the granite - it can be slippery and drops off very suddenly. Looking forward to a spring hike when the Rhododendron are in full bloom.
We took this hike in October, 2014, during a week day. It was cool and sunny. We had the trail to our selves most of the time. Steady uphill climb for 3 miles, some areas fairly steep, and took several rest breaks. We are 60 and 58. The views at the end are wonderful. The hike is not necessarily strenuous, but we did give ourselves plenty of time. The trail is well maintained, and the miles are marked.
Recently hiked with hubby and daughter, young adult. The website states moderately difficult. By New England standards it is a fairly easy hike. Lots of switchbacks for at least the first half. After that step areas with roots or rocks, but not difficult. Lots of families and dogs on the trail on our visit. It is approximately 6.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 1700 feet. The views are spectacular. It is fun to watch the people coming off the trail onto the ledge. Whoa, where is the drop off! Not to worry - lots of room. Easy trail to find, lots or parking.
It's fun, but just be warned! I suppose if you're not in a hurry it's not so bad. My wife and I got to the top in around an hour and a half, I think. The last quarter mile or so kicked our behinds—I thought I was on a stairmaster. To be honest, the view at the top was just OK (it was overcast)—a little underwhelming. A little dangerous, too, at the summit. You really have to watch your footing. We accidentally knocked over a bottle of water we had sitting next to us and watched it roll down over and then off the rock face into oblivion.
A group driving up to Asheville for the weekend made this detour to do this hike and it was a great decision. The trailhead has a decent size parking lot and a map at the base of the trail. I believe from the parking lot it was 3.0 - 3.2 miles to the end of the trail with the best views. Trail starts out with plenty of zig zagging and is a pretty decent climb. Our group made the trek to the top in about an hour and forty five minutes with a few quick breaks. Once you are to "the top" keep pushing through the campsite for another 2-3 minutes and you'll arrive at a rock clearing with a fantastic view. We made it back down in about an hourt and twenty minutes. Great hike all around - highly recommend.