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BRO’s Weekend Picks South–Hike to the Summit of John Rock

This weekend is going to be cold but clear in the mountains of Western North Carolina, so bundle up and head for the John Rock trail head in the Pisgah National Forest just outside Brevard, NC. This moderately strenuous 5-mile hike will reward you with an unparalleled view of the nearby Looking Glass Rock. It’s a unique perspective and well worth the climb as most people bypass this hike in favor of the more popular Looking Glass Rock trail.

To access the trailhead take Highway 276 through the entrance of Pisgah National Forest in Brevard. Continue approximately 5 miles before turning left on  Fish Hatchery Rd. (FR 475C). Travel another 1.4 miles until you see signs for the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery. Park at the hatchery and continue around the gate onto FR 475C on foot.  Cross the small bridge and immediately turn right onto the Cat Gap Loop Trail. Take Cat Gap Loop trail to Cat Gap Bypass trail to John Rock trail to achieve the rocky summit. Be sure to bring and consult a map.

The views from the granite dome are stupendous and take in much of Pisgah National Forest including a dominating view of Looking Glass Rock. Continue along John Rock trail back down to hang a left onto Cat Gap Trail to reach your car. The hike finishes along a scenic stretch of the Davidson River before ending at the opposite end of the  hatchery parking lot. The total loop is approximately 5 miles.

If you work up a thirst while taking in this classic WNC hike or just want to browse through some of the newest mountain biking gear and outdoor apparel, head to the HUB and Pisgah Tavern afterwards just past the gates of Pisgah back down 276 toward Brevard. The weekend the Hub is undergoing a soft opening of its highly anticipated new facility.

Alas! The new Hub and Pisgah Tavern is ready to be broken in. We will be moving / CLOSED on Monday-Thursday (Feb…

Posted by The Hub and Pisgah Tavern on Thursday, February 4, 2016

For more detailed weekend trip adventure plans like this one subscribe to our Weekend Picks Enews letter!

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