Black Mountain is located in Buncombe County. The town of Montreat is at the border of Black Mountain and the community of Swannanoa is found on the west border. This town is named after the old train stop at the Black Mountain Depot. It is located at the southern end of the Black Mountain range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Southern Appalachians.
There are many interesting shops at the downtown area that attract seasonal tourism, which makes up the main bulk of the local economy. You can find many quaint bed and breakfasts here as well. Black Mountain is also the home to the Swannanoa Valley Museum. You can find the Black Mountain Center for the Arts down the street from the museum.
Asheville is a busy mountain city which an exciting downtown life. There are more than 30 art galleries downtown, a growing culinary scene and a bustling music scene. On top of it all, there is the amazing scenery of the Appalachian Mountains. Asheville is where there is great diversity of outdoor adventures and the ideal place for an active lifestyle. Many beautiful hiking spots can be found near Laurelwood so read on to find out more.
West Ridge Trail
The West Ridge Trail is 6.6 kilometers in length. It is a heavily trafficked loop trail located near Black Mountain, North Carolina. The trail can be challenging, and it is rated as difficult to hike. But it features beautiful wildflowers along the trail. It is mainly used for hiking, bird watching and nature trips. This is a challenging yet rewarding trail to take.
Graybeard Trail
The Graybeard Trail spans 14.2 kilometers. The back trail is located near Old Fort, North Carolina. One of the main highlights include waterfall and this trail is rated as moderate. It is mainly used as a hiking trail. You can bring dogs along, but they must be kept on leash. This is a great trail to explore and a great discovery for people who love hiking in the mountains. You can get lost for a moment and enjoy the peace and energy of this place.
Point Lookout Trail
The Point Lookout Trail is paved, and it is 3.62 miles in length. It follows the Old NC 10/Highway 70 route through the Pisgah National Forest. This trail ascends more than 900 feet between Ridgecrest and Old fort. It features long-range views when you are at the famous Point Lookout. From there, the trail crosses over the railroad and you get to enjoy the great view of several rail tunnels. The Point Lookout Trail is often used as the return leg in the challenging Kitsuma Mountain Bike Trail. You can use this trail for biking and hiking. With a beautiful mountain view on the entire trail, it is a trip worth making.