With 2023 designated the Year of the Trail in North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to check out one of the fabulous trails in western North Carolina. To get you started on your early springtime trail exploration, we’ve put together some featured trails for March.
March weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so be sure to check the weather before heading out. You’ll also want to check the Blue Ridge Parkway road closure website at www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm if you plan a day on the Parkway.
THE LOWER PINEY TRAIL IN MONTREAT (pictured)
- 20 minutes from our B&B
- Part of Montreat Conference Center’s trail system
- Easy out-and-back, 2.5 miles total
- Lots of rhododendron!
- Views halfway up, at around 3,200 feet
More details: hikewnc.info/trails/montreat/lower-piney
THE JOSEPH McDOWELL HISTORICAL CATAWBA GREENWAY IN MARION
30 minutes from our B&B, in Marion
Closest entrance is just before the Hwy 70/Hwy 221 intersection
Easy trail for walking or cycling, 3.5 miles total
Meanders along the Catawba River
Maintained by the McDowell Trails Association
More details: mcdowelltrails.org/greenway
THE OUTCROPPINGS TRAIL AT CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK
- 45 minutes from our B&B
- Alternative to taking the elevator to/from the “Chimney”
- 494 stair steps, one way
- Go up or down (or both) – the views are amazing
- Points of interest and landings along the way
More details: www.chimneyrockpark.com/view_trail/outcroppings-trail
THE CRAGGY GARDENS TRAIL ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
- 45 minutes from our B&B, at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 364
- Between Asheville and Mt. Mitchell State Park
- Trail to/from Visitor Center to Picnic Area
- Bonus side trail to a grassy bald with amazing views
- Rhododendron blooms mid to late Spring
More details: ashevilletrails.com/blue-ridge-parkway/craggy-gardens-trail
One trail that we are all waiting to reopen is Catawba Falls, which has been closed for several months for the first phase of a three-phase project — trail repairs, accessibility improvements and trail construction that will eventually bring the trail to the upper falls and continue it to the parking lot, adding almost two miles and creating a loop trail that includes both the lower (pictured) and upper falls. The Forest Service recently received additional funding to start Phase 2, which means the trail will remain closed this year for work to continue. Phase 3 does not require the trail to be closed, so once it’s back open in 2024, it’s open for the long-term! Read more about this latest update at fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD109777