Sunset hikes

A short walk out, the whole show, and back at your car before dark. Times are estimates at a relaxed pace; give yourself extra buffer, especially with kids or in a group.

1. Walker Knob Overlook (MP 359.8)–Mountains-to-Sea Trail, 3 sights 2.1 mi away

   Be there by 7:34 PM

   1. Be there7:34 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Dark8:20 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

2. Big Butt & Big Butt Trail 2.2 mi away

   Leave by 7:13 PM

   1. Leave trailhead7:13 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Head back8:09 PM
   4. At your car8:20 PM
   5. Dark8:20 PM

   Back at your car by 8:20 PM — 1 min before dark.

   0.4 mi to the viewpoint · 350 ft climb · 31 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

3. Ogle Gap via Wilson Boundary Road 2.2 mi away

   Be there by 7:34 PM

   1. Be there7:34 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Dark8:20 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

4. Ogle Rock via Wilson Boundary Road 2.5 mi away

   Be there by 7:34 PM

   1. Be there7:34 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Dark8:20 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

5. Elk Pen Trail–Laurel Gap Trail Loop, 6 sights 3.1 mi away

   Leave by 6:54 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:54 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Head back8:09 PM
   4. At your car8:33 PM
   5. Dark8:20 PM

   Back at your car by 8:33 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.0 mi to the viewpoint · 540 ft climb · 65 min of walking

6. Bear Pen Trail–Perkins Trail, 4 sights 3.1 mi away

   Leave by 6:54 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:54 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Head back8:09 PM
   4. At your car8:33 PM
   5. Dark8:20 PM

   Back at your car by 8:33 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.0 mi to the viewpoint · 550 ft climb · 65 min of walking

7. Maple Camp Bald–Picnic, 4 sights 3.1 mi away

   Be there by 7:34 PM

   1. Be there7:34 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Dark8:20 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

8. Old Mitchell Trail 3.2 mi away

   Be there by 7:34 PM

   1. Be there7:34 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Dark8:20 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

9. Mount Mitchell via Old Mitchell Trail 3.2 mi away

   Be there by 7:34 PM

   1. Be there7:34 PM
   2. Sunset7:54 PM
   3. Dark8:20 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

10. Camp Alice Trail via Buncombe Horse Range Trail 3.2 mi away

    Be there by 7:34 PM

    1. Be there7:34 PM
    2. Sunset7:54 PM
    3. Dark8:20 PM

    Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

    The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

11. Picnic & Old Mitchell Trail via Black Mountain Crest 3.2 mi away

    Be there by 7:34 PM

    1. Be there7:34 PM
    2. Sunset7:54 PM
    3. Dark8:20 PM

    Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

    The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

12. Commissary Hill & Mount Mitchell Trail 3.2 mi away

    Be there by 7:34 PM

    1. Be there7:34 PM
    2. Sunset7:54 PM
    3. Dark8:20 PM

    Your car is right there — dark at 8:20 PM.

    The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

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