Looking Glass Rock Private Hike
Asheville, NC
Trip Highlights
- Spectacular Views
- Fulfilling Hike
- Amazing Blue Ridge Summit
- Top-shelf Backpack & Trekking Poles
- Amazing Natural & Cultural History
- Tasty Trail Snacks & Picnic Lunch
Description
This is one of the classic hikes in the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountains. Looking Glass Rock is one of the most iconic mountains in the Asheville area and one that offers phenomenal hiking, spectacular views, and a summit you’ll never forget. Our half day hike to the summit of this monolith takes us along idyllic mountain streams; through classic Appalachian forests with hemlocks, rhododendron and mountain laurel bushes; and finally to the rock slabs that define the upper reaches of the mountain. We pass though diverse forests and ecosystems on our way to the top and will keep sharp eyes out for wildlife and unique birds. After reaching the summit our efforts will be rewarded with massive, sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and a wonderful picnic lunch prepared by your guide. After lunch we will descend back down the slabs, forests, and creeks to our starting point.
(Important: We run hikes in almost all weather conditions and very rarely cancel. See our terms and conditions for information on cancellations and refunds.)
$175-$525 Per Person
Season: Year Round
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This day hike gains elevation the entire time until we reach the summit. The first two thirds of the hike move along a smooth trail that has perfect switch backs. The last third changes to a rocky and rutted out trail that makes travel a little more rugged.
Hiking Distances:
6.4 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
1784 ft
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 8-12 lb backpack for 8-9 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Hiking with light heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
- Level 1: around other hikers the entire time
- Level 2: around other hikers most of the time
- Level 3: around other hikers some of the time
- Level 4: see a couple other groups during the hike
- Level 5: most likely to have the trail to ourselves
Learn About Our Private Trips
View Private TripsRates
- 1 person: $525
- 2 people: $275 per person
- 3 people: $245 per person
- 4-5 people: $205 per person
- 6-7 people: $175 per person
- 10 and younger: $135 per person
Private day hike tours are only open to your party.
*Prices do not include guide gratuity
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
This tour is booked on a custom basis for private groups so does not have set dates (requested dates are almost always available). Give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to schedule your hike!
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour (pickup and drop off in Asheville, NC)
- A commitment to make the tour as exciting, challenging, informative, and full as you’d like, and as is possible in a day
- Trail snacks and a picnic lunch
- Use of a top of the line, technical day pack
- Use of trekking poles
What's Not Included
- Clothing and personal items
- Water (2 liters capacity)
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Food: What to Expect
Day hike tours include energizing trail snacks and a delicious picnic lunch. Your guide will customize the food for your hike, but a typical lunch consists of gourmet sandwiches or wraps, fruit, veggies, chips, drinks and a dessert. On wintery or cold days you may be treated to soup or a hot, freshly cooked lunch (if you’d prefer a hot meal, please let us know!)
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Ready to hike? Day hike reservations are made through our Adventure Consultant team. You can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and make your payment.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
If you’re staying in Asheville, NC we will pick you up at your hotel in Asheville. If you’re staying elsewhere and/or would prefer to meet us at the trailhead, that is also an option. Your guide will be in contact approximately 7 days prior to your hike to coordinate the exact time and location of your rendezvous. If you’re staying in Asheville, this is a 3/4 day tour – the pickup time will be between 6 and 8 AM, and ending times can vary but are often between 4-6 PM.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval determined on a case by case basis
Weather in The Appalachian Mountains
The weather in the Appalachian Mountains varies greatly by time of year. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). Read below for average high and low temperatures in for low elevations in the Appalachian Mountains:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
|
Month
|
Low Elev
|
High Elev
|
||||
|
hi
|
low
|
hi
|
low
|
|||
|
January
|
51°
|
28°
|
35°
|
19°
|
||
|
February
|
54°
|
29°
|
35°
|
18°
|
||
|
March
|
61°
|
34°
|
39°
|
24°
|
||
|
April
|
71°
|
42°
|
49°
|
34°
|
||
|
May
|
79°
|
50°
|
57°
|
43°
|
||
|
June
|
86°
|
58°
|
63°
|
49°
|
||
|
July
|
88°
|
59°
|
65°
|
53°
|
||
|
August
|
87°
|
60°
|
64°
|
52°
|
||
|
September
|
83°
|
55°
|
60°
|
47°
|
||
|
October
|
73°
|
43°
|
53°
|
38°
|
||
|
November
|
61°
|
33°
|
42°
|
28°
|
||
|
December
|
52°
|
28°
|
37°
|
21°
|
||
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