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Print Friendly MapClosure notice: The Point Lookout Trail is temporarily closed.
Overview
Located approximately 25 miles east of the vibrant city of Asheville, the Point Lookout Trail offers visitors the opportunity to be enveloped by nature as they travel through the dense woods of the Pisgah National Forest. The more than 500,000 acres of national forest are home to waterfalls, the country’s first school of forestry, a variety of wildlife, and the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains: Mount Mitchell.
Visitors seeking a more physically strenuous journey can begin at the trail’s eastern terminus in Old Fort, as the trail ascends more than 900 feet in elevation over its 3.6 miles. Those who are more interested in experiencing the trail with the assistance of gravity, however, should start uphill at the western terminus in Ridgecrest.
About the Route
At the Ridgecrest terminus, a gate blocks unauthorized motor vehicles, but hikers, walkers, runners, and bicyclists can go around it. From there, the trail descends through a lush hardwood forest, punctuated with breaks in the trees that grant glimpses of sweeping vistas of the surrounding verdant slopes.
After approximately three-quarters of a mile, the trail encounters a Norfolk Southern railroad corridor, which stretches a mile below the trail, providing an over-the-shoulder view of rail tracks approaching a tunnel. Soon after, the trail opens up to its most noteworthy stop: Point Lookout. In addition to the dazzling overlook, trail users will find benches to rest and informational signs detailing the point’s history as a tourist destination.
The remainder of the trail continues to wind downhill, treating trail users to more views of the Royal Gorge and the natural beauty of the mountains.
Trail History
The Point Lookout Trail follows part of the route of the Old NC 10 (Central Highway)/Old US 70 West, which served as a main link between the Asheville area and the rest of the state before the road was closed to vehicular traffic in 1982. Years later, the North Carolina Department of Transportation funded converting the road into a paved greenway. Although most of the trail falls within the domain of the U.S. Forest Service, a small portion is clearly marked as private property; please respect these boundaries and do not stray from the trail in this area.
The Point Lookout Trail runs between Mill Creek Rd. (Old Fort) and Old US 70 W (Old Fort), where parking is available.
Parking is also available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Beautiful greenway. Lightly traveled. We did up first then down on our bikes.
First trail run of my NC citizenship and it was awesome. All paved, beautiful day and beautiful scenery. Will definitely be back. All uphill followed by all downhill. 7.1 round trip.
Real scenic. Steady rise. Just the right distance to and from.
We thoroughly enjoyed our great walking experience on this trail. One request we might suggest is a better observance of verbal announcements by cyclists approaching hikers from behind on the trail. Pls announce your approach as trail protocol requires. Collision between a bike tracking at high speed and an inspecting walker can end tragically. All in all, a great experience.
We rode up with our bicycles. Took roughly 45 minutes with stops to take in the beautiful views. Recommend starting from the bottom (park right outside of the church) and ride up. The ride down is amazing! Enjoy!
Beautiful views. Perfect ride for electric bike fun!
We tore it up on the ebikes. No more struggling for me.
Biggest thing to note, this trail is either all uphill or all downhill depending which end you begin on. It’s gorgeous, well paved for the most part, and very scenic. Will be back!
A great trail, but please be aware of rockslide approximately 1.6 miles from Old Fort terminus. Debris can be walked through, but you will need to dismount.
I've taken my dog here for the last two days (parked on the Ridgecrest side) and it was a good time. It's an easy paved path, the climb isn't so bad (gradual and steady) with great views. Will be a great regular walk with the dog to wear her out and work on my legs.
Here is what you do: Pick any weekday morning, in October preferably. Get jacked up at the Whole Foods on Tunnel Road in Asheville. Then drive to the trailhead parking, take the trail to the top and loop back down via Mill Creek Road. Views, history, natural beauty. This route will take you along the OLD main thoroughfare to Asheville -old US70- back in the Model T days. An information site with pictures is near the top. It also winds alongside the famous railroad loops and tunnels, along routes of civil war battles, and past the geyser, ca. 1885. On my first trip I saw exactly... zero people. On my second I met a whopping six, and watched the train creep up those incredible loops-- The head of the train on one side of me, the tail 180 degrees opposite.
DO park at the Forest Service parking, NOT at the church, no matter what anyone else does.
There are also trails leading off of this loop, and one could take the road from the ridge top (Ridgecrest) all the way into Asheville.
It is about 4 paved miles uphill before the Mill Creek Road descent. Don't let the ascent deter you. It is not that bad.
Since my wife and I have started biking the RTT's and Greenway Trails, we have come to expect a certain "casual" experience on our rides. This trail has all the features for a casual ride i.e. scenic, well constructed, smooth asphalt through and through, shade, etc.! Our only advice for you casual bikers, you better be in good shape, because it is 3.62 miles of UP! - WHEW!!!
Is this trail's (well, all trails') mileage one-way or round-trip?
Thanks!
This trail is a continuous climb which had me wishing I had brought my mountain bike instead of my road bike. The problems mentioned by a previous reviewer appear to have been repaired and the road looks to be in good shape. Instead of coasting back down the trail, I took Mill Creek Road, (the dirt road you see on the right when you reach the top) and made a big circle back to the picnic area where I was parked. This gives you some more great views of the railroad and takes you by Andrews Geyser. Give this one a try, I think you'll like it.
The trail is open. However, there is work being done just below Point Lookout where a culvert is being replace. The road is shifting down the mountain and has developed cracks in the pavement. I don't know what the powers that be have in mind for this repair. It will be major.
due to mudslide, trail is closed for now.
When you start your bike ride from the church, it's up hill all the way. There is an excellent paved road, some beautiful plants and flowers, and lots of heavy breathing. Take time to enjoy the view from the 2 wooden benches, see picture. Coming down, is a blast!!! Make sure your brake pads are in good condition.
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