Hikes of WNC: Lookout Mountain Loop

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Just minutes from University of North Carolina Asheville main campus, Lookout Mountain Loop is a beloved hiking spot for students and locals alike. The .6 mile trail is a quick lap around a North Asheville peak, but the views of the city skyline and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains will make a lasting impact on any adventurer.

Fast facts

• Lookout Mountain Loop covers the spire behind the UNC Asheville Lookout Observatory. Parking is typically available at the observatory, but if the road is closed, it may be necessary to park at the base of the hill
• The trail intersects with private property, so be careful to stay on the right route
• Lookout Mountain Loop closes at dark, so get hiking before night falls
• Dogs are permitted on the trail, but must remain leashed

University

When I arrived at Lookout Mountain Loop, the gate for approaching Lookout Observatory was closed, resulting in a gaggle of multi-colored SUVs huddled on the side of the road. If this happens to you, park carefully alongside them and follow the dirt path to the left of the gate.

Cars parked for Lookout Mountain Trail.

The path past the Lookout Observatory gate.

Just a few paces behind the gate, hikers should note an old staircase guarded with rusty metal bars and a jumble of bushes. If limber enough, hop the bars and head up the stairs, which lead to the normal parking area of Lookout Observatory. If jumping a fence isn’t your thing, simply wind your way up the road to the observatory landing.

Up the stairs to Lookout Observatory

Up the stairs to Lookout Observatory

Up the stairs to Lookout Observatory

Parking at Lookout Observatory

Once arrived in the parking lot, head past the green observatory building to a worn, dirt path behind it. Take it and head on up: that’s the official start of Lookout Mountain Loop.

Lookout Observatory is an unmistakable green building

The start of Lookout Mountain Loop

Some would say that the best part of Lookout Mountain Loop is that it start the hike with the lookout, rather than building up to it. The grassy knoll at the beginning of the trail is home to a panoramic view of downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Mountains and UNC Asheville campus. Take it in, then head out on your adventure.

While the best views on Lookout Mountain Loop are at the start, its perch atop North Asheville means that other local landmarks are visible as well. The highest profile of these would probably be the Omni Grove Park Inn, a historic, red-topped hotel visible through the trees along the way.

While the nature of a looping trail means that hikers are free to pick whichever direction their heart desires, I recommend beginning Lookout Mountain Loop on the right. The fork in the path will be marked by a large, vertical log, so take that as an indicator you are headed in the right direction.

Though it is a short hike, the Lookout Mountain trail packs a number of pretty natural sights into its diminutive mileage. Old, dried vines twist and race over many fallen trees, while dark green ivy coats several stumps. In several places, a collection of fallen trees form a natural tunnel, giving the hiker a royal welcome into the woods as they pass underneath.

A plane flies over on Lookout Mountain Loop.

Fallen trees create a tunnel to duck under.

Ivy covers a stump on the Lookout Mountain Trail.

A gaggle of fallen trees invite hikers through.

Though Lookout Mountain Loop is open to the public, it intersects with private property which is not. The trail is not marked with any clear signage hinting to the status, but a fallen log facing approaching hikers is red enough to resemble a stoplight. Take its instruction and careen down to the left.

The “stoplight log” on Lookout Mountain Loop.

The trail continues downward.

On the next leg, the Lookout Mountain trail is wreathed with tall, beautiful trees. Be sure to look up while picking your way down.

The trickiest part of the trail is a three-pronged fork in the road. When you reach this juncture, ignore the path in front of and to the right of you. Instead, head to the left and uphill.

No…

No…

Yes!

As it turns out, the jump over the stairs’ bars was good training for one obstacle on the loop. Hikers must climb over one large, fallen log on their way back up to the top of the mountain.

After making it to flat ground again, head back the way you came in. You will recognize the lookout by its open skies and righthand fencing. Congratulations, hiker.