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A diverse trail that leads along a creek up to the trestle switchbacks, then a steeper climb to the summit.


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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

78%

Runnable

5,382' 1,641 m

High

3,014' 919 m

Low

2,368' 722 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

26%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The trail starts on the edge of Montreat, and follow Flat Creek for a mile or two over rocky technical terrain, before reaching a section of the trail called the Trestle switchbacks. This 2-ish mile section of the trail is along an old logging rail line, and the gradient is very smooth, averaging about 3-5% the entire stretch. During this section, you'll also pass by the small Graybeard Falls.

After the switchbacks, the trail then starts climbing more steeply on its way to the summit of Graybeard through many short, technical sections of trail. The summit has a great view of the Black and Craggie Mountains and the foothills below. This is a must-do trail in the Asheville area. The blaze is a blue diamond.

Contacts

Land Manager: Buncombe County, NC

Shared By:

Brandon Thrower

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 19 votes

#340

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
5 Star
58%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#340

Overall
21 Views Last Month
4,196 Since Dec 15, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
7%
7%
87%
0%

Photos

Snowy Day on the ridge. Grey Beard Summit 0.3mile behind me.
Feb 15, 2021 near Black M…, NC
Across the Sanctuary Pond on a sunny winter day.
Jan 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC
Greybeard Falls
May 3, 2021 near Black M…, NC
Bridge over Flat Creek at the Graybeard Trailhead
Jan 24, 2019 near Black M…, NC

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Oct 22, 2022
NICOLAS NOUVEL
Dry trail. A few fell trees but nothing bothersome 10mi — 4h 00m
Dec 4, 2021
Philip Curley
1h 00m
Sep 7, 2021
Scott Abshire
Beautiful technical trail 9.1mi — 2h 45m
Jul 27, 2019
Rick Beck
4.6mi
Jun 26, 2019
James Warnick
Timber rattler on upper trail 9mi
Jun 23, 2019
Luke Richey
Tons of rocks and roots. And mud. Very beautiful 5.5mi
May 21, 2019
Mike D
Rocky and tough climb but it beat the lowland heat. A few mud puddles but completely manageable. Great views at the top and waterfall 9mi
Dec 2, 2018
Abdiel Flores
Up graybeard down seven sister to big piney ridge 9.5mi
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