Black Mountain and Montreat
Black Mountain and Montreat Hikes
Black Mountain and Montreat are two small mountain communities a short drive east of Asheville, and they pair town walks with real trails. Montreat's trail network climbs the ridge behind the town, while Black Mountain has lake and riverside walking paths in town.
This page compares trails documented by the Town of Black Mountain and Montreat. If you are looking for the big peaks named for the town, note that Mount Mitchell Trail and Black Mountain Crest Trail are in the Black Mountains range, not in the town; you will find those in our Mount Mitchell hub.
Compare the Routes
Each trail below is listed by distance, difficulty where the source gives one, and its main draw.
Trail
Distance
Difficulty
Highlight
About 1 mi round trip
Easy
Described by Montreat as perfect for hikers of all ages
See Montreat's trail guide
Moderate to difficult
The most popular trail, with a summit view
See Montreat's trail guide
Not rated
Fern forest, with a history of wildfire; about 2 to 3 hours combined with Lookout
Big Piney (Ridge) Trail (Montreat)
About 3 mi round trip
Not rated; steep sections and rock scrambles
Ends at Rattlesnake Rock with the best view of Black Mountain from Montreat
Top Picks by What You Want
Grouping the same trails by intent makes the choice faster if you already know what kind of outing you want.
Best for an easy stroll
Lake Tomahawk (0.55 mi loop) and River Walk Park (0.5 mi) are short town walks that need no trail experience.
Best for a first real trail
Lower Piney Trail (about 1 mi round trip) is rated easy and described by Montreat as suitable for all ages.
Best for a view
Lookout Trail is the most popular summit walk in Montreat, and Big Piney (Ridge) Trail (about 3 mi round trip) ends at Rattlesnake Rock.
Route Details
Lake Tomahawk Park Walking Trail The walking trail around Lake Tomahawk is a 0.55-mile loop, and the Town of Black Mountain calls it the park's most-used amenity.
River Walk Park Walking Trail River Walk Park has a 0.5-mile walking trail along the Swannanoa River, and the town has described plans to extend it into a longer greenway of about 2 miles.
Lower Piney Trail (Montreat) Lower Piney Trail is about 1 mile round trip and rated easy. Montreat's beginner's guide calls it perfect for hikers of all ages.
Lookout Trail (Montreat) Lookout Trail is the most popular Montreat trail and ends with a view from the top. Montreat rates it moderate to difficult.
East Ridge Trail (Montreat) East Ridge Trail passes through a fern forest in an area with a history of wildfire. Montreat lists Lookout and East Ridge combined at about 2 to 3 hours.
Big Piney (Ridge) Trail (Montreat) Big Piney (Ridge) Trail is about 3 miles round trip and includes steep sections and rock scrambles. It ends at Rattlesnake Rock, which Montreat calls the best view of the town of Black Mountain from Montreat.
Parking, Fees, and What to Know Before You Go
Graybeard Trail in Montreat was described by Montreat as still under development after Hurricane Helene, and Harry Bryan Trail was closed at the time of our research, so neither is listed above. Check Montreat's trail information for current status before you go.
Best Season
The Town of Black Mountain and Montreat do not tie these trails to a season, so check current conditions before you go. The walks in town are open to most conditions, while the ridge trails behind Montreat climb steeply and can be slippery when wet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest hike in Montreat? Lower Piney Trail, about 1 mile round trip, is rated easy, and Montreat describes it as perfect for hikers of all ages.
Where is Mount Mitchell Trail relative to the town of Black Mountain? Mount Mitchell Trail and Black Mountain Crest Trail are in the Black Mountains range in Pisgah National Forest, not in the town. See our Mount Mitchell hub for those.
Is Graybeard Trail open? Montreat described Graybeard Trail as still under development after Hurricane Helene. Check Montreat's trail information for the current status.
Which trail has the best view of Black Mountain? Montreat says Big Piney (Ridge) Trail ends at Rattlesnake Rock with the best view of the town of Black Mountain from Montreat.
Explore Full Write-Ups
Each trail above has its own detailed guide with directions and trip notes.
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