Craggy Gardens Swannanoa, NC 28778

"Hands down, my favorite place to stop on the Parkway. It is a short trail, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in steepness. A great little climb. Perfect for all ages. And the meadow and wildflowers at the top are gorgeous all year long."

"Southwest of the Craggy Hardens visitors center is the 0.7 mile trail of the same name. Highly recommend hiking poles (which we purchased at the visitors center) as many stepping stones are loose and lopsided and will move or flip. With the trail muddy from fog and drizzle and step motions of varying heights, plus elevations I would have easily injured myself several times without poles. The trail has elevation change in the 200 foot range and is not handicapped accessible. It is probably a light to medium difficulty for pure walk hiking, there are no ledges or bridges to negotiate. There is a shelter and picnic area. We paused to chat with a fellow hiker who was eating a snack. Took us about an hour round trip. Really enjoyed this trail as it was challenging enough for our first hiking pole use and demonstrated how proper equipment can make a hike less stressful and more enjoyable than constantly staring at the ground for obstacles and giving a little bit more time for pleasant chatter and viewing yet feel a bit more challenged tha a flat trail. Would visit this trail and nearby trails again it was a positive experience and challenging enough."

"Beautiful hike. Not long trail at all. Uphill but not strenuous to craggy flats and gazebo. Great walk for a pup or sunset/sunrise hike."

"one of my favourite, low-key hikes to take either when i just need to soak in my love for my hometown, or to show others just how absolutely lovely the area is! so many childhood memories are here. highly recommend - and take a pic at the octopus tree!"

"Such a pretty view. The short hike up to the top is well worth the long range views. Dogs are allowed and our two loved it. Be sure to stop in the gift shop for some information about the area and for an awesome view out the window into the mountains! Especially impressive in October!"