Green Knob via MST

Although not as popular as neighboring Shining Rock Wilderness, the Middle Prong Wilderness is equally as beautiful and typically half as crowded. This hike, mostly along the Mountain to Sea trail, leads through forests of oak, birch, spruce and fir trees, along a babbling brook, past waterfalls, and onto an expansive summit meadow. For those in Asheville looking to escape to some solitude, the hike to Green Knob may be just what you need.

Begin your hike at the Mountain to Sea Trailhead near the intersection of Hwy 215 (AKA Lake Logan Rd.) and the Blue Ridge Parkway. You'll follow this trail almost all the way to Green Knob. It will take you on a gradual but consistent climb, winding through the forest with occasional vistas of the surrounding mountains. As you near the summit (about 3 miles into the hike), pay close attention to find the Green Knob Trail on the right hand side. If you start to notice the trail heading back down, you've gone too far. Follow the Green Knob Trail a short distance and the forest will open up into a beautiful meadow where you can rest before the return trip or set up camp for the night.

To get to the trailhead from Asheville, head out of town on I-40 West until you reach NC-110 South. Follow the 110 about 5 miles and it turns into NC 215 S, which you'll take another 17 miles to the parking lot on the right hand side of the road where you'll find the trailhead. There is a trailhead leading into the woods right in the parking lot but this leads only to some campsites nearby. To find the right trailhead, walk north along the road for a short distance past the end of the parking lot and look for a trailhead.