Case Camp Ridge Trail and North Face Trail, Pisgah National Forest

Before we knew it we popped out on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 45 minutes. This western end of the Case Camp Ridge Trail is in mile 416. The Cherry Cove Overlook is a tenth mile to the northeast and the Log Hollow Overlook and Tunnel Gap is a half mile to the southwest. On this day, I headed to Cherry Gap to enjoy the magnificent view of the plutons. That walk is the scene in the picture at the top of this post.

Cherry Cove is one of those overlooks with a wayside panel that tells of the monarch butterfly migration. On their southward flight in September, large numbers cross the mountains at several points in this area, including Cherry Gap and Tunnel Gap. In spring they head north, breeding along the way, and depositing their eggs on milkweed. No single monarch makes the entire round trip. Offspring that hatch along the northward route either remain where they are born or journey to the northern source.

From the Cherry Cove Overlook is, I think, the best view of Looking Glass Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It seems almost close enough to touch. Peer to the south from the overlook and you’re seeing the north and east face. If you have binoculars or a zoom lens, look for rock climbers and peregrine falcons. It’s on this side of Looking Glass that they share the cliff.

If you turn further to the south you will see Cedar Rock, another pluton that can be accessed on the Art Loeb Trail. All of the area of the national forest between the two monoliths is wonderful hiking, biking and camping. I read recently that with the exception of White River National Forest in Colorado, Pisgah and Nantahala in Western North Carolina are the most popular in the country. And what makes it even more exciting is, despite the large numbers of visitors, there are so many trails that we rarely see other hikers when we are out. You can enjoy the peace and solitude that the wilderness provides.

Since we had a 2nd destination, we only stayed about 20 minutes along the Parkway, then headed back down the Case Camp Trail. The descent is pretty easy, and even quicker than the climb. The trail is in very good condition with few roots and rocks to reach out and grab a toe on the way by. Don’t like those stumbles, slips and falls. Some of the leafy vegetation was spreading arms across the trail, but the maintenance volunteers do a good job of keeping the stickers and briars away.

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Second Hike: North Face Hike Length: 1.5 miles Hike Duration: 1 hour

Hike Rating: Moderate Blaze: Blue Hike Configuration: Up and back

Elevation Change: 640 feet Trail Condition: Mostly very good; dangerous rocks at top

Starting Point: North Face Trailhead on Forest Road 475B.

Trail Traffic: We encountered two rock climbers on the trail.

How to Get There: From Case Ridge Gap mentioned above, drive an additional three miles down Forest Road 475B. The parking area is on the left marked by red signposts. The trailhead is down several steps. You can see Looking Glass Rock as you go down the steps.[/box]

It’s about three miles down Forest Road 475B from the Case Camp Ridge Trailhead to the North Face Trailhead. Along the way you will pass FR5040 and FR5044 on the left, and FR225 on the right. You may remember FR225 from the Cove Creek hike. Keep an eye out for Looking Glass Rock through the trees. Particularly in winter, there are great close-up views on the left side of the road.

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