Hike the Graybeard Trail to Walker's Knob

After you pass through the town of Black mountain, you make your way through the stone entryway that greets you to Montreat. The trailhead is at the end of the main road that makes its way through the college. This is a very popular trail, and the parking area can be full if you go late in the day. The area consists of a short nature loop, and the full trail. The nature loop is labeled as a wildlife walk and is good for a short walk in the woods. From the parking area we headed down some stairs that cross the river and down into the Rhododendrons. The trail here is rocky, slick, and pretty low light. The first 20 minutes or so winds you through the canopy of trees and hugs the creek on your left side. There are multiple chances to break from the trail and sit by the creek.

As you make your way out of the Rhododendrons, you continue climbing on rocky terrain through the woods. The trail follows the creek most of the way, occasionally crossing it a few times as you wonder through the woods. The best part of this hike is the serene feeling you get as you hike. It’s very quite here, allowing you to take in the sounds of the woods and the rushing of the water over rocks in the nearby creek.

After the fourth creek crossing you are greeted with a sign that informs you of the trail reroute. This is where the hike starts to get a little strenuous. The trail works its way along the mountain until you reach a sharp curve and start heading back in the same direction. On the second or third switchback is the first look at an actual view. I believe this is peeking through the trees back towards Black Mountain.

Eventually you will reach a little sign for Graybeard Falls. It’s only about 200 feet off the main trail and it’s a nice little spot to take a break and enjoy some peace and quite, about 25 feet of smooth rock with water cascading down into the little creek that you have been hiking along. There is also a little spot to camp here if you like. The spot is very secluded and tucked into the trees. Since the hike is pretty strenuous, you don’t pass a lot of people up this high, leaving you to enjoy the woods and falls uninterrupted.

The hike continues up the mountain, occasionally teasing you with the possibility that the top is near. You pass countless blue blazes letting you know you are on the right track as you come upon a shelter. The Walker's Knob Shelter is a great little 3 sided shelter near the top of the mountain. It has some benches and a nice sized fire pit. It is here you are given the choice to head off to the “summit” of Graybeard, or continue to Walker’s Knob.

About 1/10 of a mile from the shelter is a beautiful rocky outcrop looking back at the valley below. The only downside of Graybeard is you spend most of your hike in the trees, so the opportunity at a view needs to be savored, however, you won't find many places this accessible and this quiet near town.