After two beautiful mountain view spots in Blue Ridge Parkway, lies a vicious hike that can tire you out very quick if you aren’t prepared. The length is about 3.9 miles, about 2 hours long, which is more of a moderate level. The sites that are seen are gorgeous and breathtaking for sure. In the spring, you can see beautiful little purple flowers everywhere. There were also the cutest white flowers I’ve ever seen.

The hike commences with a series of uphill zigzags. You will notice a wooden fence along the way, which serves as a guide to the path. It is worth noting that there are multiple trails within this hike, and to navigate them efficiently, I highly recommend using the AllTrails app. The app provides detailed information about the trails, including the distance, elevation, and difficulty level.

Following the zigzag, you will encounter at least 2 miles of 100% uphill terrain. It is a strenuous stretch that requires a great deal of physical exertion. Therefore, it is essential to prepare adequately for this part of the hike. I recommend bringing ample water to keep yourself hydrated, snacks to keep your energy levels up, sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, and bug spray to ward off any pesky insects.

Nestled close to the loop lies a charming little inn from the early 1900s, known as Rattlesnake Lodge. The Appalachian Mountains have long been a beloved vacation destination for many, with numerous people choosing to build homes in this idyllic region. The Lodge is currently in ruins but I can tell from the photos that it was once a really nice place to stay.

After the loop, there is a beautiful spring that has the freshest water I have ever seen. After being sweaty for almost an hour, I decided to cup some freezing fresh water in my hands. It was an amazing experience. It was starting to get dark so we headed down the mountain for the rest of the trail. There was one point when we started hearing a noise from a baby animal. Still do not have any clue what animal it was but honestly, it sounded like a baby bobcat or a mountain lion.

The hike we embarked on was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The pristine wilderness and untouched beauty of nature that surrounded us was simply breathtaking. As we journeyed back, we were greeted by an unexpected sight – a mother bear was fiercely guarding her precious little cub. It was an unforgettable encounter that filled us with a sense of both fear and wonder. Despite this, we felt alive and invigorated, and cannot wait to return to this stunning trail once again.

So, what do you think? Would you go on this hike? Leave a comment below, I’d love to hear from you!

~Vick~