Craggy Dome Overlook

One of the best bang for your buck type trails in area. Its relatively short and easy - kid-friendly. Just shy of one mile out and back took under 45 mins with three littles and a brief stop at the top. It was fairly muddy when we went but not a hinderance. There are rhododendron tunnels that would have been beautiful to witness; however, we went in early November and they weren't in bloom. Still worth a visit this time of year as there are really cool trees and the 360 degree view is well worth the effort. This was one of the kids' favorite hikes we did. Also of note its just past the Craggy tunnel, which is always a hit with kids.

Beautiful for sunrise. Gorgeous panoramic views. Easy hike on up (a little steep) on a cool trail.

This short mile-high hike is well worth the effort! It's an out and back type trail at around .7 of a mile none way so It's only a 1.4-mile round-trip hike to the top of the 5,892-ft. summit. Once at the top you witness breathlessly beautiful panoramic 360-degree views are hard to beat in Western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The hiking trail goes through tunnels of rhododendron, gnarled sweet birch trees and wildflowers. Near the top, there are also side trails to explore. To get to the trailhead from the Craggy Gardens Visitor's Center, drive north through a short tunnel and pull into the next parking area on the left for the trail. The elevation at the parking lot is 5,640 ft., so you only climb 252 ft. in elevation on the trail. It's not difficult. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 364.1, I highly recommend this trail to hike, for it provides one of the best views on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You do get a decent view of the mountains from the parking area, but for the real view, hike the trail. 👍👍👍👍👍