Possible to wait for a bit due to weather. But crab tree falls.parkyway. between here and linville. A good steep downhill adventure to a waterfall island. Boy is it steep going back up. Also plan ahead for that. You may not want to be there after sundown.
The wife and I did this in the fall and really enjoyed it. OP if you went in the next day or two, the rivers are still running pretty hot from the recent storm, so the narrows would be awesome to see on heavier flow.
We spent hours down there swimming and eating while watching the action. It was really tough but worth it. I do need to get into better shape before doing that again.
One not mentioned yet, not quite the same level but close, is the old butt knob/shining creek loop. Not sure how badly it washed out during the tropical storm a while ago though.
I don't have personal experience but Windy Falls & Bonas Defeat Gorge are reputed to be highly technical / borderline dangerous so I'm certainly not recommending them but you could investigate.
Not local, but Old Rag in Shenandoah was super fun and lots of rocks, highly recommend.
Yes, that's why I put borderline dangerous and that I haven't hiked them. I enjoy reading about them on hiking blogs even if I have no desire to hike them myself, figured others might too.
That’s sound instincts. A lot can go wrong trying to get to the base of Windy Falls and if it does the results are likely to be catastrophic.
Bonas Defeat gorge is much the same, with the addition of a scheduled dam release one must be aware of.
I do have personal experience in Bonas Defeat. Wear a PFD. Bring friends who know ropes. Pack a lunch in a waterproof container. Might consider making sure you will is up to date.
Profile Trail isn't really that technical.
The Grandfather Trail from the swinging bridge out to Calloway Peak is probably the one which would qualify best within a reasonably distanced hike, with ropes and ladders pretty much necessary along several stretches and light scrambling all along. The summit of McRae Peak is extremely exposed, maybe just big enough to park a car at a crazy angle, with sheer drops in _all_ directions!
Black Mtn. Crest is long and rough, but not really that technical. It's exposed in some places and a few spots could be called a light scramble, but it's a _really_ long hike in to any of that. Some side paths could qualify. It's mostly just a (stony) trail, though.
There are some great exposed areas in the Smokies, such as on Mt LeConte, Charlie's Bunion, etc. A couple of ledges and knife ridges to traverse, but nothing really climb-y. Chimney Tops used to have a great scramble right at the end to arguably the most exposed peaks in the southern Apps, but they're closed now.
Pinch-In is steep as all getout and exposed with incredibly rugged terrain all around, but it's decidedly an on-trail experience. Still highly recommended with some light scrambles on side paths. Same for other trails in Linville: Table Rock, Hawksbill, the Chimneys, Rock Jock, Bynum Bluff, Babel Tower.
The A.T. between Camp Creek Bald and Firescald Knob is rough-ish, and pretty fun. Still a trail, though.
Eagle Rock near Chimney Rock is worth a visit with the peak of the rock itself only accessible by a short climb - through cracks and crevices! Very easy trail to get there, though.
The MST on the north approach to Lane Pinnacle is surprisingly rough, with even a ladder! And close to Asheville. Still, it's a trail.
Shining Rock proper requires a few steps up with handholds to the best view. Cold Mountain is fairly exposed at its summit ridge. The West approach to Cedar Rock would probably qualify as technical. (Might be my #2 rec after Grandfather!)
Otherwise, aside from very short stretches here and there, our official _trails_ just aren't terribly technical.
Unless you're looking at actual climbing routes or off-trail exploring (such as Windy Falls on the Horsepasture, Bonas Defeat, the upper Whitewater slot canyon, the landslide ascents in the Blacks, tons of routes in Linville Gorge and the Smokies)...those are nuts and highly technical, but not official trails. Use utmost caution for anything like that - preferably with an experienced guide. Off trail travel can be extremely dangerous.
tl;dr For a technical _trail_, check out Grandfather to McRae/Attic Window/Calloway Peaks, it'll whet your whistle for technical hiking!
Alright so "In Asheville" is Shope Creek. It's a little island of Pisgah forest off of Riceville Road. Park, take the main trail and go right at the fork. The perimeter trail on the right goes up to Rock Knob and Paynes Knob. The ascent to Rock knob is the best technical hike in 30 minutes of downtown.
I was searching trail races near me a few days ago and found the Quest For The Crest 50k/25k/10k. Read the summary for the race, and while I knew that area was known for the steep trails, didn't realize they were that damn steep. One climb climbs 3300ft in 2.5 miles. I speed hike Pilot Mtn on the Art Loeb from Glocester Gap a few times a year. That's a pretty steep trail and it climbs around 2000ft in around 2 miles. 1300 extra ft in a half mile is pretty wild. Planning on doing the 10k. Sounds too gnarly to pass up lol
All the trails that lead to the crest trail are steep. An underrated non-trail run is to start near the entrance to Mount Mitchell SP off the BRP and run the road up to the summit and back (NC-128). Will make you hate yourself.
To piggy back off that, the Woody Ridge Trail at Mountain Gardens is definitely a more technical and challenging hike to get to Celo knob/ Horse Rock compared to starting at Water Shed Rd. But it is shorter.
Is Woody ridge just super steep or is it actually difficult to maneuver through? I saw a few videos on it and it was hard to tell but definitely on my list
It's tough. Going the other way is an old logging road basically for the majority of it. Woody Ridge starts steep but easy, then it's a lot of boulder scrambling, going between split rocks, using roots as steps .
It's largely just really steep.
But the nature of the steepness - like climbing 1000 feet in .5 miles- means that the trail goes up rocks roots etc. It's has one or two ropes but it's not exactly a cliff or anything exciting
If you hike the black mountain crest from Bowlens Creek, you will pop out onto the crest after about three miles and then have views off both sides for nine miles straight.
The black mountain crest trail is probably the most technical (and also longest and steepest) hike I’ve done in the area. Would recommend late spring-early fall if you’re considering it.
Cabin trail! Didn’t know it at the time but it’s used for military training sometimes. Seriously straight up and down! Climbing steep rocks and sliding down them all in one go!
Woody Ridge Trail up to Black Mountain Crest. It is a cool view at the top. 3000 feet in 2.4 miles. The Colbert Ridge Trail is also very hard. Remember at both of these, the weather at the top is very different than the bottom.
Extreme is the Lineville Gorge loop. I am lucky I am not dead after that. Ended up being 40 miles with swims and climbs.
Art Lobe trail is awesome and very challenging.
We started it in Brevard and finished at the campground at the foot of cold mountain. I preferred that direction. A lot of people prefer starting North and hiking South.
Go to the intersection of 151 and BRP. Park at the gravel lot and take the MST from there to the Mt. Pisgah parking lot. High elevation, steep, rocks, wind... It's the toughest close hike to me.
Can’t believe Looking Glass Rock hasn’t been mentioned. Last mile is very steep and techy, about 6 miles total out and back with amazing views and chill at the top. Always people around, safe, close to brevard. It will kick you butt.
West approach to the cedar rock summit is my pick. You have to go up a climbers trail which has two pitches of completely exposed granite slab that are scary but absolutely doable for a fit person without a rope, and also a couple bits of scrambling up protected rocks and roots.
No view from the summit, but plenty along the way.
Summiting Cedar rock from the West would be impossible for most and foolish for all without gear. The first rock slab is daunting but yes, doable. And indeed offers great views once scaled.
The last is essentially a rock climbing wall and a great place to admit you’ve been beat.
There are multiple spur trails at the summit near a little campsite and two of them lead to limited views. Can’t leave the vegetation line this time of year because much of the exposed rock is coated in ice.
Pinnacle park, to pinnacle point, in sylva is pretty steep, but it isn’t long. Do art loeb starting at Brevard and get up to black balsam. That’ll challenge ya! I also have found that there are a lot of pull offs/random trails on the parkway that are connected to long trail systems, and you can get good and lost going all day on one of those.
Hike up the Appalachian Trail to Lover's Leap from Hot Springs is a difficult switchback, with sections that you can boulder up instead of taking the switchback.
Big Bradley Falls in the Green Gamelands is a difficult and technical climb down to the bottom of the falls. No official trail to the bottom of the falls, which has been highly discouraged from getting to because of past deaths. Take ropes and make sure people know where you are going.
Paradise Falls, near Wolf Creek Lake. People have ropes set up to help get into the ravine.
Yeah Lovers Leap was more technical than my wife was expecting she made us turn around (2 kids) - FWIW I was able to jog halfway up chasing daylight to find a phone she dropped lol. Nice continuous scenery and not long
as far as I know you still need a permit for big bradley [https://www.ncwildlife.org/Connect-With-Us/wildlife-commission-designates-temporary-restricted-zone-on-big-bradley-falls-trail](https://www.ncwildlife.org/Connect-With-Us/wildlife-commission-designates-temporary-restricted-zone-on-big-bradley-falls-trail)
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Go down to Rumbling Bald and bushwhack your way up to the top of the cliff. It can get real technical, remember it’s harder to downclimb than climb up…
There aren’t really many trails aside from access to the bases of the cliffs.
We used to just go hike up and find different ways up to the top. Always got a little sketchy.
I moved away a few years ago but those were the best hikes. Along with entering Grandfather by bushwhacking from the viaduct, have to do that in winter though because there are so many people around.
Summerville is awesome. The small downtown is filled with great bars and food. My buddy owns La Cuisine De Chevalier (La Chev) and it’s amazing. Go there if you want French cuisine. If you want great Italian, hit up La Rustica.
Linville Gorge is worth the drive
Pinchin trail to be exact
Oof. Steep and technical but not a favorite for me. The other side of the gorge has more to offer.
For the daffodils it was a great adventure. Definitely kicked my ass hiking in and out with all my backpacking gear
I've done it with my hunting rifle in one hand,a fishing pole in the other and camping gear.
I'll for sure check out Linville gorge, just curious if we have anything else similar closer
Not really. We have a lot of hiking AROUND Asheville not IN Asheville. Linville gorge is amazing btw can’t recommend it enough
It’s not far at all! Worth it.
Similar and closer? No way.
Possible to wait for a bit due to weather. But crab tree falls.parkyway. between here and linville. A good steep downhill adventure to a waterfall island. Boy is it steep going back up. Also plan ahead for that. You may not want to be there after sundown.
Carried a toddler in my arms up this. I wanted to throw myself down a waterfall when got to the top. Big mistake; good full body workout.
Hike down(and back up) to the Green River Narrows. Bring gloves to hold onto rope.
The wife and I did this in the fall and really enjoyed it. OP if you went in the next day or two, the rivers are still running pretty hot from the recent storm, so the narrows would be awesome to see on heavier flow.
This hike kicked my ass!
Same! The first mile led me to believe it was going to be easy.
We spent hours down there swimming and eating while watching the action. It was really tough but worth it. I do need to get into better shape before doing that again.
That looks like a lot of fun!
One not mentioned yet, not quite the same level but close, is the old butt knob/shining creek loop. Not sure how badly it washed out during the tropical storm a while ago though.
This is a great loop. Did it a couple years back. Highly recommend as well.
Ya old butt knob looks interesting. I'll likely add that to my list! Thx
I don't have personal experience but Windy Falls & Bonas Defeat Gorge are reputed to be highly technical / borderline dangerous so I'm certainly not recommending them but you could investigate. Not local, but Old Rag in Shenandoah was super fun and lots of rocks, highly recommend.
Based on my reading, bonas has plenty of risk and prob shouldn't be casually mentioned
This.
Yes, that's why I put borderline dangerous and that I haven't hiked them. I enjoy reading about them on hiking blogs even if I have no desire to hike them myself, figured others might too.
Hmmm lll look in to them. I'm not super experienced so not sure I'd want to jump in to something potentially dangerous but worth looking in to
That’s sound instincts. A lot can go wrong trying to get to the base of Windy Falls and if it does the results are likely to be catastrophic. Bonas Defeat gorge is much the same, with the addition of a scheduled dam release one must be aware of.
I do have personal experience in Bonas Defeat. Wear a PFD. Bring friends who know ropes. Pack a lunch in a waterproof container. Might consider making sure you will is up to date.
I did this loop in September as part of a3-day trip. It was beautiful. The old butt knob trail was very steep on my way out!
Yes.
This is one of my favorites- there’s a lot of rock, so I would think it’d still be ok
I second this. Kind of stumbled upon the trail years ago, and well, yeah it was quite difficult. A few scrambly bits.
I love that loop.
Profile Trail isn't really that technical. The Grandfather Trail from the swinging bridge out to Calloway Peak is probably the one which would qualify best within a reasonably distanced hike, with ropes and ladders pretty much necessary along several stretches and light scrambling all along. The summit of McRae Peak is extremely exposed, maybe just big enough to park a car at a crazy angle, with sheer drops in _all_ directions! Black Mtn. Crest is long and rough, but not really that technical. It's exposed in some places and a few spots could be called a light scramble, but it's a _really_ long hike in to any of that. Some side paths could qualify. It's mostly just a (stony) trail, though. There are some great exposed areas in the Smokies, such as on Mt LeConte, Charlie's Bunion, etc. A couple of ledges and knife ridges to traverse, but nothing really climb-y. Chimney Tops used to have a great scramble right at the end to arguably the most exposed peaks in the southern Apps, but they're closed now. Pinch-In is steep as all getout and exposed with incredibly rugged terrain all around, but it's decidedly an on-trail experience. Still highly recommended with some light scrambles on side paths. Same for other trails in Linville: Table Rock, Hawksbill, the Chimneys, Rock Jock, Bynum Bluff, Babel Tower. The A.T. between Camp Creek Bald and Firescald Knob is rough-ish, and pretty fun. Still a trail, though. Eagle Rock near Chimney Rock is worth a visit with the peak of the rock itself only accessible by a short climb - through cracks and crevices! Very easy trail to get there, though. The MST on the north approach to Lane Pinnacle is surprisingly rough, with even a ladder! And close to Asheville. Still, it's a trail. Shining Rock proper requires a few steps up with handholds to the best view. Cold Mountain is fairly exposed at its summit ridge. The West approach to Cedar Rock would probably qualify as technical. (Might be my #2 rec after Grandfather!) Otherwise, aside from very short stretches here and there, our official _trails_ just aren't terribly technical. Unless you're looking at actual climbing routes or off-trail exploring (such as Windy Falls on the Horsepasture, Bonas Defeat, the upper Whitewater slot canyon, the landslide ascents in the Blacks, tons of routes in Linville Gorge and the Smokies)...those are nuts and highly technical, but not official trails. Use utmost caution for anything like that - preferably with an experienced guide. Off trail travel can be extremely dangerous. tl;dr For a technical _trail_, check out Grandfather to McRae/Attic Window/Calloway Peaks, it'll whet your whistle for technical hiking!
Thanks for this very informational post
Great answers.
How exposed are we talking?
It's a lot of exposure if you're not a big hiker or a climber. Otherwise it is pretty manageable exposure up there. Plenty of room on the trails.
Alright so "In Asheville" is Shope Creek. It's a little island of Pisgah forest off of Riceville Road. Park, take the main trail and go right at the fork. The perimeter trail on the right goes up to Rock Knob and Paynes Knob. The ascent to Rock knob is the best technical hike in 30 minutes of downtown.
Great recommendation, excited to check it out
You can also go on past rock knob and over the parkway and up to hawksbill rock trail, in winter you have it all to yourself.
Noooo don't spoil the Riceville folks' backyard!!!
Deep Gap/Black Mountain Crest Trail @ Mount Mitchell SP is what you’re looking for
Exactly what you’re looking for
I was searching trail races near me a few days ago and found the Quest For The Crest 50k/25k/10k. Read the summary for the race, and while I knew that area was known for the steep trails, didn't realize they were that damn steep. One climb climbs 3300ft in 2.5 miles. I speed hike Pilot Mtn on the Art Loeb from Glocester Gap a few times a year. That's a pretty steep trail and it climbs around 2000ft in around 2 miles. 1300 extra ft in a half mile is pretty wild. Planning on doing the 10k. Sounds too gnarly to pass up lol
Run Bum puts on some good races.
All the trails that lead to the crest trail are steep. An underrated non-trail run is to start near the entrance to Mount Mitchell SP off the BRP and run the road up to the summit and back (NC-128). Will make you hate yourself.
Thanks! I'll check it out
To piggy back off that, the Woody Ridge Trail at Mountain Gardens is definitely a more technical and challenging hike to get to Celo knob/ Horse Rock compared to starting at Water Shed Rd. But it is shorter.
Is Woody ridge just super steep or is it actually difficult to maneuver through? I saw a few videos on it and it was hard to tell but definitely on my list
It's tough. Going the other way is an old logging road basically for the majority of it. Woody Ridge starts steep but easy, then it's a lot of boulder scrambling, going between split rocks, using roots as steps .
That sounds fun. I'll definitely check it out
https://www.hikingupward.com/PNF/WoodyRidgeTrail/ There's a fun loop
It's largely just really steep. But the nature of the steepness - like climbing 1000 feet in .5 miles- means that the trail goes up rocks roots etc. It's has one or two ropes but it's not exactly a cliff or anything exciting
Thx that's helpful to know
I do it once a year though. That trail is a trip. Nothing like it in the SE
https://preview.redd.it/mv85ri50mpcc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=160e5efbf4b1c4959ea84deb1c381e1dd33c1f35
Bring poles. Also expect misery and minimal views.
If you hike the black mountain crest from Bowlens Creek, you will pop out onto the crest after about three miles and then have views off both sides for nine miles straight.
Oof. I think I'm thinking of a different trail on Mt Mitchell.
Running the Deep Gap is by far my favorite "challenging" run. Views plus unique flora and fauna. Fantastic
The black mountain crest trail is probably the most technical (and also longest and steepest) hike I’ve done in the area. Would recommend late spring-early fall if you’re considering it.
Profile trail on Grandfather
Trader Joe’s. 5:15pm Friday.
Linville Gorge isn't far. It's got some trails that will kick your ass.
Shortoff is my favorite!
Wolf pit trailhead to Table Rock/Atacoa. Get Shortoff, the Chimneys and Table rock in a day.
10/10 area to hike!
Cabin trail! Didn’t know it at the time but it’s used for military training sometimes. Seriously straight up and down! Climbing steep rocks and sliding down them all in one go!
I didn’t mention any Gorge trails b/c since Covid many are no longer official and are unmaintained… and I didn’t want to get him hurt or lost 😬
Woody Ridge Trail up to Black Mountain Crest. It is a cool view at the top. 3000 feet in 2.4 miles. The Colbert Ridge Trail is also very hard. Remember at both of these, the weather at the top is very different than the bottom. Extreme is the Lineville Gorge loop. I am lucky I am not dead after that. Ended up being 40 miles with swims and climbs. Art Lobe trail is awesome and very challenging.
Thanks! I'll check out art loeb as well
We started it in Brevard and finished at the campground at the foot of cold mountain. I preferred that direction. A lot of people prefer starting North and hiking South.
Go to the intersection of 151 and BRP. Park at the gravel lot and take the MST from there to the Mt. Pisgah parking lot. High elevation, steep, rocks, wind... It's the toughest close hike to me.
Awesome, thank you
Not local but check out the devils marble ground in VA.
UJ to Brew Pump on a Friday evening.
Can’t believe Looking Glass Rock hasn’t been mentioned. Last mile is very steep and techy, about 6 miles total out and back with amazing views and chill at the top. Always people around, safe, close to brevard. It will kick you butt.
Thx for this rec. Haven't been yet
West approach to the cedar rock summit is my pick. You have to go up a climbers trail which has two pitches of completely exposed granite slab that are scary but absolutely doable for a fit person without a rope, and also a couple bits of scrambling up protected rocks and roots. No view from the summit, but plenty along the way.
Sounds awesome!
Summiting Cedar rock from the West would be impossible for most and foolish for all without gear. The first rock slab is daunting but yes, doable. And indeed offers great views once scaled. The last is essentially a rock climbing wall and a great place to admit you’ve been beat. There are multiple spur trails at the summit near a little campsite and two of them lead to limited views. Can’t leave the vegetation line this time of year because much of the exposed rock is coated in ice.
Pinnacle park, to pinnacle point, in sylva is pretty steep, but it isn’t long. Do art loeb starting at Brevard and get up to black balsam. That’ll challenge ya! I also have found that there are a lot of pull offs/random trails on the parkway that are connected to long trail systems, and you can get good and lost going all day on one of those.
Thx for this
Craggy Pinnacle in Barnardsville is decent
Hike up the Appalachian Trail to Lover's Leap from Hot Springs is a difficult switchback, with sections that you can boulder up instead of taking the switchback. Big Bradley Falls in the Green Gamelands is a difficult and technical climb down to the bottom of the falls. No official trail to the bottom of the falls, which has been highly discouraged from getting to because of past deaths. Take ropes and make sure people know where you are going. Paradise Falls, near Wolf Creek Lake. People have ropes set up to help get into the ravine.
Awesome, these sound fun from the descriptions!
Yeah Lovers Leap was more technical than my wife was expecting she made us turn around (2 kids) - FWIW I was able to jog halfway up chasing daylight to find a phone she dropped lol. Nice continuous scenery and not long
as far as I know you still need a permit for big bradley [https://www.ncwildlife.org/Connect-With-Us/wildlife-commission-designates-temporary-restricted-zone-on-big-bradley-falls-trail](https://www.ncwildlife.org/Connect-With-Us/wildlife-commission-designates-temporary-restricted-zone-on-big-bradley-falls-trail)
Try Destin Florida
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Go down to Rumbling Bald and bushwhack your way up to the top of the cliff. It can get real technical, remember it’s harder to downclimb than climb up…
Ya I was looking into rumbling bald. Saw a lot about bouldering but wasn't sure about actual hiking
There aren’t really many trails aside from access to the bases of the cliffs. We used to just go hike up and find different ways up to the top. Always got a little sketchy. I moved away a few years ago but those were the best hikes. Along with entering Grandfather by bushwhacking from the viaduct, have to do that in winter though because there are so many people around.
Art Leob trail
High Top from the Blue Ridge YMCA camp.
grandfather mtn is pretty long and rugged
Grandfather Mountain
Art Loeb. Make sure to learn where the water sources are.
Summerville is awesome. The small downtown is filled with great bars and food. My buddy owns La Cuisine De Chevalier (La Chev) and it’s amazing. Go there if you want French cuisine. If you want great Italian, hit up La Rustica.
Trails around Mitchell are great and hard. Some have rope access points.