Seven Sisters and The Black Mountain Wilderness Trails - Montreat, NC
“The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.” - Arnold Palmer
"God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with." - Billy Graham
The Story -
On a crisp Wednesday morning, my sister Stacy and I met in the beautiful town of Montreat, NC, former home to the late iconic Billy Graham, to hike seventeen moderate to strenuous miles on a combination of the Black Mountain Wilderness Trails. Stacy is preparing to begin the one thousand-mile northern section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Black Mountain Wilderness Trails were an excellent training hike before her journey commences in May.
Seven Sisters 25k -
Our route followed along the path of a recent trail race held in Montreat, the Seven Sisters 25k, and comprised of multiple peaks and scenic overlooks including Lookout Rocks, Rocky Head, Graybeard Mountain, Walkers Knob, Rattlesnake Rocks, Brushy Knob, the Seven Sisters and the technical and treacherous West Ridge Trail.
Roam If You Want To - B52s
Like the beginning of the B52’s song Roam, we started our hike a little all over the place and confused, trying to find the location of the correct trailhead. Along the way, we stopped by The Chapel of the Prodigal to view the beautiful The Return of the Prodigal fresco and accidentally walked in on a professor trying to keep the attention of a room full of half-asleep co-eds. I actually think he was glad to see us. The professor kindly asked us to sit and stay for his class before realizing we were there for the fresco, then helpfully moved a blackboard to the side so we could take a better picture. Part of me did wish we could have stayed and participated in the lecture.
It’s The Journey, Not The Destination -
After leaving the chapel, we finally found the correct trail to start on, Rainbow Road Trail, thus beginning our arduous seventeen-mile journey. What followed over the next seven hours was an amazingly diverse hike filled with gorgeous views, scenic overlooks, wide paths, narrow paths, creeks, heart-pounding climbs, leg-burning descents, rock scrambles, switchbacks, wildflowers, mountain bikers, dense hardwood forests, waterfalls, camp shelters, and much much more. A hike of seventeen miles is sure to give you plenty of opportunities for many unique and different experiences.
The Black Mountain Wilderness Trails -
Montreat has over thirty miles of trails so even with the seventeen we hiked on Wednesday, there are still more to try in the future. Each trail had its own charm and character so below is a brief description of the ones we hiked Wednesday. You can combine the trails as we did for a loop or just opt for an out and back on one or two of the trails, either way, you will not be disappointed.
Rainbow Mountain Trail and Rainbow Road - Wide and spacious at the beginning, narrow late. Steep in spots as you traverse the two peaks of Rainbow Mountain. Nice warm-up for what was to come
Old Trestle Road Trail - A historic logging railroad route called Old Trestle Trail because of the three bridges required for the train to cross Flat Rock Creek. Wide, nondescript and mostly flat.
Lookout Trail - Steep climb over exposed rocks below the summit of Lookout Mountain with gorgeous views of Montreat and the Seven Sisters. We ran into four high school kids from Florida who obviously have good taste in recreational activities. One of my favorites. The views are phenomenal and the vertical rock scrambles excite me.
East Ridge Trail - Follows a ridge over Lookout Mountain, Brushy Mountain, and Rocky Head with several steep climbs but scenic views well worth the effort.
Old Mitchell Toll Road Trail - A mostly wide trail originally planned to be a tourist road for automobiles, it is not recommended for hiking during bear hunting season. This is also where you need to be on the lookout for mountain bikers.
Graybeard Trail - Graybeard Trail is perhaps the most popular of all the Black Mountain Trails, for good reason. Climbing above the town of Montreat to a lofty elevation of 5425ft, Graybeard is one of the region's preeminent peaks, made even more popular by its quirky name and being a named feature on a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook farther west. It has the longest switchback I’ve ever completed and probably my favorite of all the trails.
Walker Knob Trail - Best views of the entire Montreat Valley including an old camp shelter still in use today by The Boy Scouts and other groups.
West Ridge Trail (Seven Sisters) - This trail is recommended for experienced hikers only and is very rugged and technical. Extremely downhill (or uphill) in sections, this hike will test your knees, ankles, and hamstrings as you work your way down the trail. Traverses the Seven Sisters Ridge with very minimal views except for the Asheville Watershed Reservoir towards the west in winter. I didn’t find it worth the effort, and it does require significant effort with abundant roots and rocks to avoid. Do it for the challenge, not the views.
Wrap It Up -
The Seven Sisters 25k and The Black Mountain Wilderness Trails were a wonderful experience and a true blessing to be able to do it with my sister. It was difficult due to its length and varied terrain and a nice AT training hike for my sister. I don’t think I would make a special trip to do it again, but would definitely be back to hike The Lookout and Graystone Trails as out and backs as well as the thirteen miles of trail we didn’t complete. And if you are looking for a fun, strenuous, lengthy day hike and a challenge, look no further.
Sassafras and Skinks