Beacon Heights Trail
A benefit of having an office near the Blue Ridge Parkway is being able to go on a short hike after work. Today I was able to hike Beacon Heights Trail. This is another one of my favorite short Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails, with great views. From the intersection of Hwy. 221 at Grandfather Mountain, go south on the Parkway across the immediate bridge, and the parking lot and trailhead are on your left at MP 305.2 .
This is a great leg stretcher with gradual grades. It is an easy to moderate hike. There is a good amount of roots and stones on the trail, but it is easily maneuverable. To get to the huge views, go right at the first junction on the trail. When the trail splits again, stay on Beacon Heights trail and go left. At the next junction and crest, there will be a bench.
A short walk to the right of the bench, will take you out onto a large flat rock which is a massive crop of quartzite with endless views to the Piedmont and awesome views of the high peaks of Mount Mitchell to the south along the Parkway.
A short walk up some stone steps to the left of the bench will also take you out onto a large flat rock, which is another massive crop of quartzite, with great views of the eastern flank of Grandfather Mountain along the Parkway heading north. There are also huge views of Pisgah National Forest to the east.
This is a “bring a picnic, stretch out on the rocks, and take in the endless views” kind of place! I give this hike a rating of 4 ½ hiking sticks of a possible 5. This is definitely another easy BRP hike with great views. You can find additional information and Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trail maps on Virtual Blue Ridge. Cool Runnings!
