ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Beaucatcher Mountain Trail is a popular hiking spot just outside of downtown Asheville. The network of branching trails is located behind Memorial Stadium and McCormick Field, making the hike a perfect outing for tourists and Tourists alike.
Fast facts
- Beaucatcher Mountain Trail is less than straightforward in its construction, lacking blazes or clear signage. The best approach to take is to follow the widest trails you can. These are the main arteries on the mountain, though there are several diverging paths to explore for extra credit.
- A comprehensive hike on Beaucatcher Mountains runs about 2 miles.
- The trails are often steep and spotted with roots and rocks. Wear solid hiking boots.
- Many parking spots for the trail are located for free at the Memorial Stadium lot.
- Dogs are allowed on the trail, but be mindful of black bears.
Memorial Stadium mountain
To approach Beaucatcher Mountain Trail, head into Memorial Stadium and veer left along the track. Skirt around the playground at the left hand end zone and take the pavement path on the other side of it. After a short walk, the entrance to the mountain will be marked with signage detailing the trail rules.
After starting the trail, you will be immediately confronted with a series of forks, diversions and side quests. While a few will be fun to take later on, for the first choice, stick to the path to the right.
As you ascend Beaucatcher Mountain, there will be several opportunities to look out at Memorial Stadium, McCormick Field and the Asheville skyline behind it. The repeat views are a fun way to track your elevation during the climb.
The most confusing thing about hiking Beaucatcher Mountain is that the trail does not follow a linear path. Instead, the trek follows a “choose your own adventure” sort of structure, offering branches to follow to unique terminus points before doubling back and advancing to the next leg.
The first of these comes after the first major push from the beginning of the trail to the top of a ridge. Here, the trail will spit you out onto a wide dirt avenue, with trees reaching skyward on either side.
Headed to the right, the trail butts up against a gate at the end of White Fawn Drive. One fun, brief side adventure to take is the log staircase right before the gate. While it ends with a private property sign, it is a fun bit of extra exercise and permits some scenic views at the mountain slope below.
Doubling back, head down the path in the other direction, passing the entrance you took to the ridge. Along the trail, there are several picnic tables and stone lookout benches available to rest on.
The next fun diversion is a downhill path leading to a semicircle of stone benches surrounding a sundial-shaped structure. I loved the little spot for its resemblance to a meeting place for wizards or forest elves. The Council of Elrond, anyone?
Back on the main trail, pass by the right turn up to the next major leg of the mountain, marked by a stone wall and a small creek preceding a right turn up the mountain. Keep going down the path to reach the second terminus, this one intersecting with Ardmion Park.
After reaching the gate, trot back to the turn up the mountain and follow the path.
The highest plane on the hike, the final leg is hung with gorgeous vines and features the clearest views of the Asheville skyline.
The end of the final stretch will be apparent when you reach a small cluster of logs. Just after these, a private mountain home denotes the finish line. Turn back and head down the way you came. You have conquered Beaucatcher Mountain.
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