The Adventure Collective 2019 Asheville Guide Sample | Page 25

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Hike Graybeard Trail (Montreat)
With nearly 30 miles of hiking trails at the Montreat Conference Center nestled in the middle of the Black Mountain Range,
there’s certainly no shortage of beautiful scenery and adventures to be found at this private nonprofit association that allows
hikers to explore their property. While options abound, we recommend heading up the six-mile-long Graybeard Trail to the
5,400+ foot summit of Graybeard Mountain, the highest point in Montreat, where great views of the surrounding mountains,
including Mt. Mitchell, make the hike well worth the 2,400 feet in elevation gain required to reach the summit. The numerous
creek crossings and waterfalls along this hike make it a great option to bring your furry friend (follow leash laws accordingly).
After the 12-mile-roundtrip is over, we suggest resting your legs and rehashing the day’s events over at Pisgah Brewing Company
where each summer the brewery hosts a series of music concerts at an outdoor amphitheater located outside the brewery and
tasting room.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-40 E to the Black Mountain exit and take NC Route 9 about 2 miles to the Montreat Gate.
Route 9 becomes Assembly Dr and then turns into a road called “Graybeard Trail” to the end where you’ll find the trailhead to the right
of the trailhead sign at the upper end of the parking lot.