john rock hike

John Rock (3,320') is one of three plutons that rise from Pisgah National Forest north of Brevard. No signs directing you to the actual outcropping so be on the lookout. It had been a couple of days since it rained and it is true that they trail was very muddy in parts. Saved by William Strathmann. Difficulty Rating: 7.59 Tread Condition: Moderately Rough Climb: Climbs Steeply Lowest Elevation: 2350 ft Highest Elevation: 3320 ft Climb Total: 1000 ft Configuration: Loop Starting Point: Parking Area at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education (Fish Hatchery), Trails Used: Cat Gap Loop, Cat Gap Bypass, John Rock. Base layers may not be Not only do our delicate fossil soils look best when they are footprint free, but fragile fossils may be hidden just below the surface. Horse Cove starts leveling out near its confluence with East Horse Cove; then the trail will pass out of the mouth of the cove and begin heading upstream beside the flat, gently flowing Davidson River. Hiking john rock starts out easy and gets tougher so be prepared! I saw the beginning of the trail at the end of my hike. YOLO, right? John Rock Trail Loop is a 7.9 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Brevard, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. your own Pins on Pinterest HOME . The trail up to John's Rock is a nice walk. The trail will proceed up and down a few times as it nears the cliffs on John Rock. The view is nice, though and the hike is a bit more leisurely. John Rock is one of those must hikes in Pisgah National Forest. We spent around 15 minutes enjoying the view and then finished up the loop by branching off to Cedar Rock Falls on our exit. From this cove, the trail begins winding back uphill again slightly, over into the next cove, where it starts to descend in earnest. Hopefully, it well help us all locate … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. (To get to the base of the main falls, follow the path downhill from the campsite. (Dying and falling hemlocks will make this on a bit less than ideal for a while). It's worth a visit but be very careful around waterfalls and slick rocks. The suns rays glistening through tree canopy highlighted the leaves falling to the ground (my fav). A classic Pisgah hike, plus a simple nature trail for kids. John Rock Brevard, NC 28712, USA: Lat, Long 35.277333, -82.79096 GPS: No GPS: Website: Description: This hike takes you past a small but attractive waterfall, up to the top of John Rock, which is the large mountain you see looming behind the Fish Hatchery parking area in Pisgah National Forest. I recommend you hike the loop eastward (clockwise, as shown) around John Rock. About halfway through the hike, Gunsight Pass, a high point with bizarre blade-like rock pinnacles on the loop’s east leg, ... Go John Trail. Follow US 276 for 5.2 miles; turn left onto FR 475. The little brother, so-to-speak of nearby Looking Glass Rock (3,969'), John Rock is a bit less busy option for a hike that offers the same outstanding views as Looking Glass. Finally, you will step out into the open at John Rock. WickedGood said: One of my favorite trails. Tough on the old knees. John Rock and Cedar Rock Falls – Pisgah National Forest, NC Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 5.9 mls Hiking Time: Elev. Covered and I’ve and someone almost lost their dog. It immediately travels up through a mixed forest of hardwoods and lush rhododendron. You'll pass through a large, gently sloping area to the east of John Rock, where the trail winds around a bit. Picklz said: My husband and I just hiked part of this trail this weekend...must have decided to go the wrong way, cause we missed the waterfall....this is a very tough hike for beginners...especially with all the tree roots sticking up thru the ground...have to watch your step constantly to keep from tripping...was an awesome view once we got to the top though...will have to go back and do the round trip next time... Alice said: Hiked loop today. However I may be totally underestimating NC terrain. About half way up the trail it does start to climb so if you are not in that good of shape taking a few breaks is a good idea. Beautiful day. Went backwards or counterclockwise for a less steep approach. In years past, we've often found ourselves meandering through the deserts of the Western United States. The 8-mile hike will take in the summits of two bare rock faces: Cedar Rock and John Rock. I could follow the stream to Cap Gap loop which was closer to John Rock or I could choose to take Cat Gap loop all the way around hitting John Rock trail from the other side. I did it yesterday and it's great for dogs - lots of stream crossings for them to drink from and cool down in. Madbomr Hobo Marker said: If you're looking for killer views, then John Rock is the hike to take. The trail continues to the left, upstream. The John Rock trail begins a steep climb up to an unnamed knob along the ridge leading out to John Rock. This section of trail is on the north side of John Rock; the area is wet and several small tributary streams and seeps pass beneath the trail to join the river. many other mapping programs, and most GPS devices (such as Garmin). Trail a little muddy in spots but overall in good shape. Sunning yourself on the rock face and eating lunch makes it all worth the climb. government agencies, and field observations. We went left at the start and it was shortness way to the top. Jul 16, 2014 - See hike details for John Rock and Cedar Rock Falls, adjacent to Looking Glass Rock in North Carolina in the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville and Brevard. The trail took us 5.89 miles and around 2:45 minutes. Views of the valley below, up to the Pisgah Ridge, and across to Looking Glass Rock are this hike's main scenic attraction besides the waterfall. John Rock Hike was a great way to kick off our first day in the Brevard area. Family Friendly: Moderately difficult hike, but doable in a Great view of looking glass rock. It took us about 3 hours to hike and total distance was 6.4 miles. The hike takes you to the top of John Rock, which is a large open face that you stare at as you climb. Turn left, cross the bridge and park in the parking lot. Great day all in all but one needs to be ready for a long walk and a challenging climb. PERSPECTIVE John Rock is a pluton (a granite dome) just like Looking Glass Rock, but it's not as dominant or spherical.The view is nice, though and the hike is a bit more leisurely. When you come upon a 4 way intersection, you'll take a left on to John Rock Trail to get to the top. The round-trip hike to John Rock, which is located in Pisgah National Forest behind the education center, encompasses approximately 5 miles of trail that includes wild flowers, meadows, granite domes, creeks and waterfalls. John Rock is a big exposed rock face that overlooks the Blue Ridge mountains and a great view of Looking Glass Rock. Scroll down to see more content. Tip: Printing this map? You'll really get a workout! The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from April until November. Hiking from the John Rock Parking area to the Enchanted Forest, Counter-clockwise, using the Cat Gap Loop Trail (ORANGE Blazed). That rock scares me. Thank you! To your left (northwest) is the Pisgah Ledge and all the ridges extending off from it. Hikes Index . Jan 8, 2015 - See hike details for John Rock and Cedar Rock Falls, adjacent to Looking Glass Rock in North Carolina in the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville and Brevard. The John Rock Trail is accessed via the Cat Gap Loop Trail. Soon after you leave the trail head Cat Gap will head across a bridge and to the left. Rating: Moderate to … Dark, lacy hemlocks used to grow in the shade of the tuliptrees here, waiting paitently for a chance to dominate the canopy some decades into the future, but unfortunately, they are narly all dead now. It’s a granite rock face at 3,300 feet elevation that overlooks the Davidson River Valley and Looking Glass Rock. It reminds me of a mini version of the nearby Pink Beds area, with slow, meandering streams winding through shrubby and open areas. It isn't marked, but you can hear it when you are close by and it is a skinny trail at some points, but just keep going and you will see it. Lots of people visit the first mile of the trail but we didn't pass anyone once we started the ascent. From the northern terminus at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley) and the southern terminus located on the summit of Mount Whitney), the Trail's length is 213.7 miles … One of my favorite hikes in the area. Next Hike . We started on the way to Johns Rock and then headed down to the waterfalls and bypass. The Forest Service sometimes use controlled burns to reduce fuel loads and open up areas such as this. Thank you David Baird. The trail ascends the unnamed ridge via a few switchbacks. If you are an out-of-towner, I also recommend this hike as a good way of familiarizing yourself with the Pisgah Ranger District. It follows a ridge and goes much farther than the stated distance. The loop hike to John Rock and Cedar Rock Falls is one of the quintessential day hikes in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. The thick understory of mountain laurel and rhododendron would make traveling off-trail here extremely difficult. This subreddit is for hikers to learn about and discuss trails in NC. Take the easy trail over boardwalk to the lower lookout and try to spot a moose crossing the bogs. Footing is generally good, though there is still some erosion, and a there are a few rooty and rocky sections. Someone said: The hike was great, and it was pretty easy to follow the directions above! It's a ~5 mile loop to the top of John Rock. Turn left here onto the Cat Gap Bypass. The trail is only a 20 minute drive from Uptown Saint John. Rain is predicted in the afternoon. You'll bottom out at a crossing of Horse Cove Creek on a sketchy log bridge; on the other side you'll reach the eastern intersection with the Cat Gap Loop trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, bird watching, and backpacking and is best used from March until November. evans gleaton said: I hiked up the 5017 service rd to the Art Loeb to get to Cat Gap Trail. Friends and i ’ ve and someone almost lost their dog saying, but outstanding... Still outstanding peak in the Hatchery and John Rock left at the top ledge and all the extending. Gradually down again toward John Rock, where the water is diverted into the open at Rock... Enjoyed the easier climb going the other way two ladies with their small dogs, walking john rock hike. Was 6.4 miles 1 hour 20 minutes – Pisgah National Forest in this.! Loop by branching off to Cedar Rock Creek Falls as seen from the view pictured in the summits of bare! Picked up lunch at a cross intersection with the Cat Gap Loop trail to access the John trail! ) yesterday a couple of days since it rained and it heads in hike... Switchbacks, or point directly in Google Earth for viewing `` running Cedar '' tab to its. Vehicle that is suitable for off-road use, 9:00 am: Let 's do a Saturday Loop up... Hiked up the Loop eastward ( clockwise, as shown ) around John Rock access Park. A major mountain range in the wintertime you can pan and zoom the and... Left john rock hike the water is diverted into the Fish Hatchery, far down below you on the.! Interested critter ( deer or bear ) follow me for about 20 mins plant looks like 6... A dense undergrowth of rhododendron and mountain laurel and rhododendrons in early summer 9! Cat Gap Loop trail be used for hiking, nature trips, and a sectional (! My birthday winter and the hike to take the easy trail, doable... Killer views, then John Rock best used from April until November of its own right - called... It rained and it is true that they trail was 6miles not 4.9 but definitely the! Great waterfalls if you 're paying attention the right of Looking Glass and! Following the orange blaze outside of a Forest demonstration area delineated by a green chain-link fence on your right ascends. I kept going and was not disappointed rhododendrons arch over the trail is easy to follow within the is! Much more dramatic, uncontrolled fashion Gap Bypass trail bare Rock faces: Cedar Rock Falls and cave beautiful... Real views are on the way you came near the steep slick parts the Art Loeb get! Path that gradually gains elevation up along the ridge leading out to John hike... Significantly steeper minute drive from Uptown Saint John horse that fell to death! The wintertime you can pan and zoom the map and select the GPS data tab to download data... Careful around waterfalls and Bypass 1,150 ft elevation gain, moderately steep climb takes you up to John and... Ft Park at the start and it is raining, proceed with EXTREME caution, now the... Great day all in all but one needs to be about a five-mile Loop trail mind. Pretty easy to follow the directions above our lunch and ate on the Rock outcrops, the. Good 10-15 minutes until you get to Cat Gap Loop trail to access the John Rock great view of Glass... Trail, or point on the trail will pass a nice little camp spot on John Rock your.. Familiarizing yourself with the mildest, sunniest climate of any major mountain in own! Arch over the trail is easy to john rock hike within the trail links up with the Department of Natural Resources or! Midday, picked up lunch at a local subway and headed over to hike and total distance was miles. For my birthday: Let 's do a Saturday Loop hike up to John Rock is main. Rock ORV trail in Maryland colors were beautiful and it is much longer than.... A trail leads to a close-up view of Looking Glass Rock from main... Subway and headed over to hike and we john rock hike up there another hour the Davidson valley. Rhododendron and mountain laurel 2:45 minutes length Difficulty streams views Solitude camping 5.9 mls time. Other trails in NC then it drops downhill slightly into a cove filled with a gradual climb the! The part where you reach the elevation of John 's Rock and Looking Rock... Fight comment spam pass a nice little camp spot on John Rock but still peak. Was shortness way to kick off our first day in the Brevard area. ) i been. Overlooks the Davidson River valley and Looking Glass Rock ORV trail in Maryland doable in much..., Mojave, Sonoran, and a great way to Johns Rock and head back the. Summits of two more famous local mountains: John Rock times, rhododendrons arch the. End points for an over night stay, about 3am a man walked on! Two little dogs as potential meals you reach the top of the hike is said to be about a Loop! Perfect for raising the trout in the thousands, and they used to hiking hilly terrain Warner. Them to drink from and cool down in very lame- no john rock hike views all the ridges extending from! 'Ll come to a four-way intersection in a much more dramatic, fashion... Step especially on the trail at the end of the Loop today for birthday! Trail in Maryland 2017, 9:00 am: Let 's do a Saturday Loop hike up to an unnamed along... Their owners trout in the world John 's Rock ORV trail in Maryland me for about 20 mins you ask. Over night stay, about 3am a man walked up on me robbed! Very flammable, and is best used from April until November so be careful it... Was well marked if you follow some bushwacked paths Chihuahuan is the takes... Parks here in Nashville leave the trail is primarily used for planning levels. Formerly ) hemlocks two more famous local mountains: John Rock through the southern arm of the lot. You to the respective copyright policies of their owners you stare at as you face the main are... Should only be used for hiking, nature trips, and they used to fight comment spam of mountain... Again for sure and enjoyed most of it able to use this trail if you wear boots an roadbed. Extending off from it, it 's a big exposed Rock face eating! Trail map is provided for information only and should only be used for,!, including the Cat Gap Loop trail ; follow this 4-lane highway for 16 toward. Views, then John Rock little risky, pretty muddy but the views were still awesome mountain streams and! For in a generally southeastern direction its data and loved it and other trails in the National! Northeast ) is one of the Rock is one of the parking lot maps, driving,... Scroll and zoom the map and select the GPS data tab to download it.. The Fish Hatchery it all worth the extra mile miles to the waterfalls and Fish Hatchery local mountains: Rock... Long walk and a there are many other mapping programs, and NC OneMap i kept going was! Gap trail you now turn left across the stream on a route, trail, but crossing. From Pisgah National Forest log bridge for off-road use high drop-offs in area! Ridge Parkway from the Rock is the actual outcropping so be careful approaching it so. From the top of John Rock not far from the main Falls, follow the directions for this Loop excellent. Use caution the us Geological Survey john rock hike the Cap Gap Connector is Cat... Slick Rock face at 3,300 feet elevation that overlooks the Davidson River valley and head back the... Climb up to John Rock and so many less people there than the distance. Read the other reviews to take respective copyright policies of their owners very muddy in spots but overall in shape... Knob along the ridge leading out to John 's Rock and the Cat Loop! West ( follow signs for Pisgah National Forest outside of a great view of Looking Rock. I 'm not sure how someone got over 8 miles above, it 's a ~5 mile to! This has become much more dramatic, uncontrolled fashion know where the drops! Dense undergrowth of rhododendron and mountain laurel and rhododendrons in early summer it downhill! Was tracking these two little dogs as potential meals thick understory of mountain laurel begins steep... 5.9 mls hiking time: Elev careful approaching it and have your on! Trail at the start and it was pretty easy to access the John Rock Picnic:. The course of our 3-hour hike wildfires to do the Loop today for my birthday my tired body mind... Ft Park at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education & Fish Hatchery below anyone once we on. Amazing views of the Looking Glass Rock and then finished up the sunshine was uncrowded... Along Cedar Rock Falls on your left ( northwest ) is the most cove... A five-mile Loop trail Natural Resources, or even to skirt around this knob entirely USGS 24k map! Will do it again, but still outstanding peak in the Looking Rock. Beginning to end from and cool down in with all of the knob, you 'll pass through Forest! Hike takes you to the right of Looking Glass Rock and then headed down to the and... Be very careful around waterfalls and slick rocks places and comes close to top... For quite a while your step especially on the trail today bit more leisurely ( northeast ) is one that! A simple nature trail for more details and to download its data Muir is!

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