Graybeard Falls–Brushy Knob, 6 sights
10.2 mi · ▲ 3,445 ft · 5 hr 7 min
Graybeard Falls–Brushy Knob, 6 sights is a 10.2-mile out-and-back in Asheville Watershed near Montreat, NC. The route passes Brushy Knob and Big Slaty before reaching Graybeard Falls at the turnaround, 5.1 miles in. It climbs 3,445 ft, with sections as steep as 28% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 74/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Graybeard Falls–Brushy Knob, 6 sights
10.2 mi · ▲ 3,445 ft · 5 hr 7 min
Elevation 2,940–5,253 ft
Out & Back · Asheville Watershed
Trailhead: Lower Piney Trail · 35.65371, -82.29954
Weather Sep 4: Overcast, high 86°F / low 69° · precip 25% · wind 4 mph · sunrise 7:04 AM · sunset 7:54 PM
Dogs allowed on leash · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Lower Piney Trail, heading SW.
- 0.5 miTurn right onto Big Piney Ridge Trail, heading N.
- 1 miPass Brushy Knob.
- 50 ftTurn right onto West Ridge Trail, heading N.
- 2.1 miBear right onto Graybeard Trail, heading E.
- 50 ftPass Big Slaty.
- 1.5 miReach Graybeard Falls, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 1.5 miBear left onto West Ridge Trail, heading N.
- 2.1 miTurn left onto Big Piney Ridge Trail, heading S.
- 1 miTurn left onto Lower Piney Trail, heading SE.
- 0.5 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 3.1 mi in (~134 min). Leave by 5:20 PM for the 7:54 PM sunset. Back at your car by 9:24 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Lower Piney Trail Trailhead
- Brushy Knob–Big Piney Ridge Trail, 3 sights 3 mi · ▲ 1,222 ft
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