Hawksbill Mountain Trail

Hidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops.

At the top, you are almost immediately hit with the gorgeous views. You have two options for a view: looking left toward Asheville and Table Rock, or looking right toward the gorge lying over 2,000 feet below. Both provide a stunning height and breathtaking vision of the rolling hills ahead. If you time your hike right, you can catch the sunset from here, and watch as the sun suddenly cascades warm light all over the valley and rocks.

The mountain has plenty of little nooks and hiding places to set up a little one or two-person tent. The nights can be a little breezy (my little tent blew around and shook in response to the howling wind). But as the night moved on so did the furious weather. By morning the mountain had again returned to its solemn silence.

The sunrise is again a beautiful view that seems better accompanied by a cup of strong camp coffee.

Camping Permits may be required (May-Oct.). For permit info, contact the local ranger office:

Grandfather Ranger District
109 East Lawing Dr.
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-2144