It is a short hike that is moderate with difficult sections but the views were worth it. I recommend going at an off time since parking is limited. read more

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It's a short trail (1m round trip) with limited parking options and a lot of vertical climb aided by railroad tie timbers positioned as erosion-limiting stairs. The view is pretty good, especially in a clear day, but there are better hikes to be had IMO. read more

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I am not an avid hiker, but I do enjoy spending time outdoors and walking the trails. Lookout Trail is considered a moderate hike, but I would call this an all-naturale "Extreme Stair Stepper". The elevation on this is quite steep and the last part of the hike is mostly rock, so expect to climb if you want to reach that coveted view and hope your hiking shoes have great traction, because it can be pretty slippery after that morning dewfall. It's a short hike (0.6 miles one way), but I definitely had to take a few breaks to catch my breath! The trail is a dirt path that weaves and winds around the mountain with some makeshift steps and shaded by the woods. The climb up is so worth it because at the top of the summit (3,620 ft above ground) there is a 360-degree view of trees, mountains, and fall foliage. It is a small lookout so it can be crowded at peak hours, but there are rocks that you can sit on to take in the view. Going down the mountain is a bit harder, but can be easily navigated if one takes their time. read more

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What a hike! Pretty steep challenging hike but that view made all the hard work worth it. Although difficult it was clear how to follow the path to the top. Make sure to bring a buddy for safety, lots of water, and a camera! Limited parking (but also keeps the crowds low). read more

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Beautiful once you reach the top. Not too difficult though probably not appropriate for toddlers or those who need assistance climbing. There's a small section that will require hiker to climb over large rocks. read more

What a delightful little trail! It can get busy but we hiked this on a snowy cold day and it was pretty empty. Lucky for us! If it does get busy, there is parking overflow but definitely don't park on the road. The hike starts out steep but manageable for sure. There is some dicey rock parts towards the top but we were fine as was the pup. Just wear sturdy shoes. The trail is well maintained and the path clear. The view at the summit is spectacular. Lots of pretty stairs and plants along the way too. We parked in overflow which was a bit of a trek to the start. Overall I believe we did 1.6 miles and it took about 50 minutes with a photo shoot at the top :) If you take a dog please clean up after them and carry out the waste- we saw a lot at the trailhead. Keep our beautiful nature clean! read more

There is so much to say about this experience. First of all the drive up was absolutely gorgeous with so many fun roads to explore. The hills and valleys must be respected but you can have an amazing time driving them. Once we parked we did get a little lost because we were in the overflow lot which was not by the entrance to the trail. After a couple of minutes we found our destination and proceeded on our adventure. The path was very clearly laid out and easy to see. One thing I must stress is that if you are not used to hiking trails or dealing with thinner air because of elevation to take your time. Many people have said this was a moderate hike, but for me it was a bear! My legs and heart were feeling it after a few minutes in. Fortunately the cool mountain air helped keep the body temps down to help with the strenuous activity. Please bring some energy snacks and a big water source to recharge yourself while going up. The other trail goers were all friendly and encouraging while we continued the uphill battle and we were in good spirits during this whole ordeal. Near the top is an actual section where it is all rock so you will be literally climbing. Just keep this in mind so you are not surprised. Do not be discouraged though because the view at the top is absolutely breathtaking. I almost didn't believe it during the hike, but when we reached the top it was an amazing reward to see the entire mountain range with the trees swaying in the wind and the sunlight giving us energy. Everyone at the top got to share a special moment and bask in the achievement. I urge everyone to get out in nature and get in touch with the earth. This was an unforgettable experience that I can't wait to try again! read more

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The views are beautiful, but be ready to make the hike up there. AllTrails marks this trail as moderate, but if you're not in peak shape, I'd say it borders on hard. read more

I love this trail and while some reviews call it easy, be warned it is not for the faint of heart. While it is short and the views are epic, the trail is steep and there's a pretty big elevation gain and a section you will need to scatter on all fours up. My dog handles it fine and we've seen hikers off all ages so it is possible. Just don't rush. Take your time. Enjoy the views and always leave no trace! Also, Make sure you park in the designated parking lots and stay off the private property! read more

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This is one of my favorite trails in the area. The views at the top are incredible. I would suggest bringing a picnic and planning to spend some time at the top while enjoying the view. While the hike itself is not very long, parts of it are quite steep, I would rate it as moderate. Parking can be tricky here. read more

This was a nice uphill hike. The view from the top of the mountain is great and you have cell service up there too lol read more

Lookout Trail and Mountain - Lookout point - Hiking Near Me - Montreat, North Carolina

I'm not going to lie -- Lookout Trail (a.k.a. Lookout Trace) in Montreat had me pretty gassed on the way up. I had to take a couple breaks. Admittedly, I'm not a regular hiker nor in the best of shape. This trail is considered "moderate" to hikers. My sister and niece and nephews have hiked this trail multiple times over the years. It's short (about 0.6 mile one way), but steep with a climb to an elevation of 3,621 feet to Little Lookout, which is where we peaked. The trailhead is located near Montreat College. Just drive up Lookout Rd until you hit a small parking lot and the trailhead info board. The trailhead is already located at about a 3,000-foot elevation, so the climb itself is over 600 feet. The trail is a clear, mostly wide, dirt path, nicely wooded until you reach the top. It weaves and winds its way up with makeshift steps along the way. Near the top, you have to climb some rocks, so be careful. Going down can be harder than going up. Here's a quick video I took before climbing said rocks: https://youtu.be/KOapniwJWZM The views are pretty impressive when you start to reach the summit: https://youtu.be/nKhqoVLVbQI As I understand hikers like to say, the "payoff" is definitely worth it with this trail. At just over half a mile, it's short, but the 360-degree view from Little Lookout is pretty dang impressive. There are rocks that you can sit on and hang out. You're fully exposed to the sun and wind up here, so be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and/or sunblock. Just take a look at my pictures to see the magnificent view. Trees, mountains, and skies as far as the eyes can see. If you're looking for a short, relatively easy hike to do in the Asheville area, I'd definitely consider Lookout Trail / Lookout Mountain. It's only about a 30-minute drive east of Asheville, mostly down I-40. read more

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This will get your heart pumping on the way up. It's called a moderate hike, but depending on how you look at it could be considered more extreme since the elevation climb for the distance is significant and the climb near the peak is mostly rock (Alltrails labels this "hard"). The view at the top is excellent - and pretty much a 360 view. Because the hike to the peak is a relatively short trail and everyone seems to want to take it for the view - it can be pretty crowded at times which can be a drawback. We decided to continue beyond Lookout Point for the full Rainbow Trail loop (3.4 miles). After reaching the peak, look off the back or right side and you will see where the trail continues. The rest of the loop was very easy and far less crowded. read more

Listen. If you are in shape and go to the gym everyday then this moderate "trail" is for you. If you're a regular person possibly from a state that is a lot flatter drive up Chimney Rock- the view is basically the same. My knees will never be the same. read more

Challenging hike with a rewarding view at the top. Pretty steep for less experienced hikers or smaller kids.

A perfect trail for the entire family with a beautiful view from the top. Towards the top, the trail gets a little bit more difficult but for the most part you will be walking on a path. read more

Great short hike, close to Black Mountain. Quite a steep hike, but only 0.6 miles to a beautiful view. Small parking lot but not a deal breaker. read more

Lookout Trail and Mountain - Hiking Near Me - Montreat, North Carolina

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Nice short Hike about hour long, take some rests and not bad at all. Once at the top take your time enjoy the view. The downward trip feels like your floating. read more

Nice moderate to strenuous trail. Pretty well maintained. The peak has a nice view. Parking at the bottom can be a challenge.