| Hiking in Western North Carolina
Featured Hike
FEATURED HIKE ARCHIVE
John Rock/Cat Gap Loop
Written by Heidi Gritsavage, DBO Staff
The John Rock/Cat Gap Loop offers a wide variety of scenery as well as terrific views of Looking Glass Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and miles and miles of mountain peaks at the top. You can choose to take either the shorter, steeper climb (John Rock trail) or the longer, more gradual slope (Cat Gap Loop). The hike is moderate to difficult, but definitely worth the trip. The John Rock trail parallels a river and winds through beautiful rhododendron forests. Cat Gap Loop offers creeks and streams, rhododendron, meadows and pine fields along the way.
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Directions:
Off of I-26, take Highway 280 past the airport, toward Brevard.
Highway 280 runs into Highway 276 in Brevard; go right. Pass the
Pisgah Ranger Station and drive all the way to the road that splits
off to the left toward the Fish Hatchery. Go to the hatchery,
about a mile on the left, and park in the parking lot.
Facing the mountain, the Fish Hatchery will be on your right.
You can either go left to the John Rock trailhead, which is approximately
2 miles to the top, or you can follow the road straight to the
gate (locked). Go around the gate and look for the Cat Gap Loop
trailhead on your right. Follow the trail all the way to the John
Rock trail, approx. 4 miles. Take the John Rock trail straight
up to the face. Following the trail, you will come out directly
onto the rock and be awarded with awesome and peaceful views.
Difficulty:
Suggested Trail Map:
National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map of Pisgah National
Forest, (map number 780) available at Diamond Brand Outdoors
and the Pisgah Ranger Station
Gear:
Make sure you wear a comfortable
pair of hiking shoes and a good pair of socks. Pack plenty of
snacks or a lunch; you might want a picnic at the top, and the
hike will make you hungry. Bring plenty of water. You might also
want to bring a piece of fleece or a jacket; always be prepared
for various weather conditions, especially on a bald face. Weather
often gets windy and cold at the top, even in the summer months,
and rain can hit unexpectedly at any time. It is also recommended
that you take blister treatment (just in case) and several emergency
items, such as an emergency blanket, matches, pocket knife, first
aid kit, whistle and compass (essentials for any trip).
Wildlife is abundant in Pisgah National Forest. Beware of black
bears, copperheads and rattlesnakes, common in western North Carolina,
who occasionally enjoy stretching out on the trail. Insects and
ticks are plentiful in the summer months, so be sure to bring
your bug repellent if hiking during this time. |
