On my Birthday Trip to North Carolina, after our visit to the Biltmore House and Gardens on August 3, 2014, we then took the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Blowing Rock (where we were spending the night)... It was a gorgeous day --and when we got up to the Craggy Gardens area (at 5500 feet in elevation) along the parkway, the weather was CLEAR... (NOTE: it is usually foggy when we have been in that area in the past!!!).. We were so happy --so we decided to finally take that hike (which we had never done before) to the Craggy Pinnacle. Click on the photos for enlargements.
I loved seeing the American Flag blowing in the breeze at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.
Even though there is an elevation gain of almost 400 feet when hiking to the Pinnacle, it is NOT a long hike (only 1.4 miles round trip)... Once we got to the top, there were two overlooks. We took the higher one (so we ended up at 5892 feet in elevation with tons of great views).
The trail was in good shape and I would love to hike this one in June --when the Rhododendrons are blooming. WOW!!!! About halfway up the mountain there was a rock overlook. I took this photo of George at this big rock.
I always look for wildflowers and interesting things along the trail. I loved this interesting flower... I think it was a Queen Anne's Lace BEFORE the lace appeared!!!! HA
This is one of many photos I took during that hike.... The sky/lighting looked different whichever direction you were facing. Such beauty all around ---and another time one should visit this area is when the leaves change colors in Autumn.
George took this photo of me when we were at the TOP overlook at the Craggy Pinnacle (5892 feet)... I felt like I was on TOP of the world.
Mountain range after mountain range could be viewed from that overlook... I love the pretty clouds also that day.
This is a view from the top of that mountain looking down on the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway where my first photo above was taken. Many of you have probably been to the Visitor Center --but have you been to the Craggy Pinnacle? (Now look back at the first photo at the beginning of this blog post... That photo was taken from the visitor center looking up that mountain... We were on the top of that mountain when this photo was taken looking the other way. Amazing, huh?)
I was on another of the viewing areas (there were about 3-4 different areas up there) when I took this picture of George.
Here's another view from the top of Craggy Pinnacle. What fantastic views from there!!! Wow!!!
From that large overlook (which even had benches to sit and relax)---one can see from various viewpoints all around the area. I loved seeing the SUNBEAMS in this photo, and of course, those interesting clouds. (Looks like a group of animals dancing in the sky! See them???)
The water you see in the distance is the Burnett Reservoir (where Asheville, NC gets some of its water). Wouldn't it be fantastic to be here at this overlook to see either a sunrise or a sunset???? Fantastic!!!
Hiking on that trail, I (of course) had to take some pictures of the FERNS in that area...
I loved seeing the wildflowers from this angle ---with the Blue Ridge Parkway in the distance.
Here is another photo showing the Burnett Reservoir and the wildflowers. Don't miss seeing the beautiful clouds also.
Here is another photo of the Craggy Pinnacle (see the overlook WAY up there on the tippy-top?) as taken from the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center after our hike.
AND--here's one last photo that George took of us (using his tripod) when we were on the top of that pinnacle at the overlook. That hike was truly one of the highlights of our entire trip that week --although we always have fun no matter what we do!
If you ever get a chance to hike to the Craggy Pinnacle, do it!!!! That short hike is worth every bit of huffing-and-puffing you will do going UP that mountain!!!!! HA.... Seriously, it's not a bad hike AT ALL....If you love mountain tops, check this one out!
Hugs,
52 comments:
I have hiked some of those trails and it's the going up that is especially hard... thought I was going to croak! Sure is beautiful!
You know I've loved this post! I did get a little dizzy at times!! Growing up in those mountains, it was a rare treat to see them without that blue haze. I hope you are going to do a post of Blowing Rock??
Best,
Bonnie
I always like a good challenge. It looks like a good hike and really beautiful overlook. Amazing shots, I really enjoyed it.
Another beautiful place I need to visit. My bucket list is getting close to the top of the bucket. Thanks for sharing your trip .
What an incredible view!! Breathtaking. Wow...
Boy, those views are spectacular! We couldn't get to that area when we drove the Parkway, 'cause a long stretch was closed after a landslide.
What an interesting name for a peak - I like it. It is hard not to feel your enthusiasm for every place you visit. Lovely views for sure!
What a beautiful birthday trip. There is a small mountain like that almost in my back yard that I used to climb every day when I was younger. An enhilerating way to begin the day... Ha. So many fantastic photos to look at. The wildflower also looks like Angelica. What a queenly picture of you, sitting on top of the world.
You got some beautiful pictures from this hike. I'm ready to go back any time you are.
Definitely on top of the world. So glad the clouds and fog cooperated so we could see your beautiful pictures.
We had to pass on the Pinnacle hike on our last trip on the Parkway. Maybe we'll fit in an autumn visit this year... Love Blowing Rock!
What a beautiful hike. I would like to go there sometime. Thank you for sharing your pictures.
Yes, you do seem to always fun, Betsy. But this hike was brilliant - for me read about - can imagine how great it was to DO it. We've been asked before Why do you climb the mountain? Our answer: Because it's there! Have a great day. Jo
Beautiful views, Betsy! I love that section of North Carolina.
Hugs,
Nellie
Such gorgeous views, Betsy! What a wonderful place to visit for your birthday trip!
The hiking up is always the hard part....no wait...putting on the brakes coming back down can be just as hard!!!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
What a great trip and such terrific captures for the day!! Thanks, as always, for sharing the beauty and the fun, Betsy! Hope you're ready for a great weekend!! Enjoy -- as always!!
Oh how pretty! I would love to do that hike some day. My daughter and SIL just hiked a 14,000' mountain in Colorado with a 2,000 ft. rise in 2 miles. I could never do that but maybe I could make this one some day!
Gorgeous photographs of one of our favorite places. The rhododendrons are lovely, but the trail is far too crowded when they are blooming. You went at the right time.
Spectacular views! I would love to be there when there was snow clinging to everything. I bet that would be one awesome view, too.
When I saw that first picture I thought "what is Betsy thinking." It sure looks a lot farther than .7 of a mile up. The views were awesome and if I am ever in that position,I won't hesitate hiking up. So worth it.
What fun this must have been....I'm interested in knowing how long it took you to get in shape to be able to hike a distance like this? I'm assuming you started out with short distances and have gotten yourself in good shape, to be able to do this. Beautiful views...well worth the hike!!
hugs,
shug
Wow! You take us to some gorgeous places on your hikes Betsy, thank you! And before I forget, I also love the quotes and pictures you use in your side bar. I always enjoy reading them.
I love YOU sitting on the rock wall! I would be so scared to topple over, my balance is so bad. I love the fern, and the clouds, and the mountains! You both have to be the healthiest people I know! Fresh air and plenty of exercise.
What a great hike - the scenery is just gorgeous!
Nice place !
It is fabulous scenery from up there . I like the rolling mountains. The shots are all great but I like the ones with flowers in the foreground they give depth to the photo.
Hi Betsy!
Firstly, Wow! what a hike! I do adore the name Craggy Pinnacle, it looks outrageously steep though, you two are a pair of dynamo's! the views you have given us as a result of your hard work are just beautiful (when I recently saw vast landscapes of beautiful nature on my travels I thought of you) and a gorgeous photo of George and you to end it all! wonderful! x x x
Beautiful! Sure are some lovely views there. Bet it's a fun place to visit.
That really is a beautiful hike at ALL times of the year! Western North Carolina is a wonderful place to be, but then so is East TN! LOL!
What beautiful views from up there. Worth the trek up there.
When I saw the photo of the view from below, I thought...oh it's not that far away...
But when I saw the snap shot 7miles...gosh...
Anyway, bet it worth the hike. Lovely view and of the wild ferns
Those are really beautiful photos of the mountains from up there. You are so lucky to find a clear day to make that hike.
Happy lat birthday !!
Blessings
Marilyn
You even have enough energy, huh! Your birthday trip yielded gorgeous photos. No doubt, you are lucky people who always find beautiful scenery and a clear day!
Have a nice weekend Betsy!!!
Bia
Sounds like an awesome summit with versatile view of 360 degree! Great overlooking mountains and the ones looking down the parkway with winding road was amazing.
You are right Betsy! Some places and views are worth visited or behold despite however trouble they are… once reached there could be nothing content like that. Many a time my parents complain of bad road or road-less when visiting some remote areas, but I have to convey them that these are nothing once u reached there.
Your orange tees were stunning overlooking the mountains and interesting clouds! Glad you enjoyed :)
Happy Weekend
This would be a must see place,if I ever get to that area. Wow! The scenes are breathtaking in their beauty.
Oh, what gorgeous views!
This sounds like a fantastic trip, happy birthday to you!
My mom is on her annual September (her birthday month) trip, she left Minnesota Monday and was in New York state last time I talked to her. She had welcomed me to join, but I needed to stay back home this busy week of getting kids off to school & adjusted. I do wish I could have joined her exploring though.
Last year she was down in this very area you share. Fantastic photos, Betsy!
Dear Betsy, thanks so much for sharing these majestic vistas with us. When I see mountain range after mountain range I invariably think of the first Native Americans who roamed those ranges and then of the first settlers who looked upon those vast surroundings. I wonder what their thoughts were. And when I see the Blue Ridge Parkway I wonder about the building of it and how long that took and who the men were who laid the road. Eons of history there where you stood. Peace.
Hi Betsy, I miss the mountains. You and your hubby sure had a wonderful time on your birthday trip! So happy you still enjoy hikes. Have a great weekend!
Sorry, I am past the hiking stage. I think it is remarkable you two have so much strength and energy to enjoy all these activities. You are definitely getting your exercise.
Such outstanding pictures of the mountains... and of you two. Have a great weekend.
luv the couple shot! u look 2 cute! what
Well I think on this I am glad to see it from a photo - I am a little scared of heights!
You and the mister are just too cute, you young chickadee. I just love the way you live life to the fullest. I couldn't keep up with you. I envy your free spirit. I need to lose about 50 pounds and I could go with you:)
Oh, you two! I am always so jealous of your hiking places! What a wonderful achievement! The views are just beautiful! I love the Blue Ridge parkway so much! Thanks for sharing this lovely post!
Hi Ms. Betsy, it's Darla. You and George look great! I see you are still enjoying your hikes in the beautiful outdoors. Blessings to you both.
Betsy, Beautiful photos! You and George took a lot of photos...but I would have taken even more! This is mainly because it would have given me a reason to stop and catch my breath as I climbed to the top... You two are like a matched set of Timex watches...you just keep on keeping on! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
What a beautiful and wonderful day. My favorite pics are the ones of sky and mt. range. Love those mts.!All of the photos are terrific---you were high up there!:>)
Chidren so nice and such a beautiful beach ... You are a lucky person, for sure! Have a nice week and a big hug from Brazil!
Bia
Beautiful views and photos! We both scaled mountain recently, Betsy--although I did most of mine in a car--lol! I did hike the final quarter mile up to 14,270 feet!
Looks marvelous! I was at Craggy Gardens many years ago and I'd like to go back.
You looked so happy sitting at Craggy Pinnacle @ 5892 feet!!!! That looks like heavens to me!
The panoramic sights of the mountain ranges and fluffy clouds are so breathtaking! I love them!
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