Craggy Gardens Picnic Area — Attraction in Black Mountain

Been many times over the years, and well told by others, but I thought it bore mentioning, even into winter (Dec 13) with the parkway mostly closed and the access road to the craggy picnic area parking closed midway, it was a reasonably easy hike to the bald from the tiny parking triangle.

Just take the trail headed generally towards the closed gate going to the picnic area, and you will enjoy a brief uphill hike that takes you past the parking area, or through it should you so choose.

One of the best short hikes around for the distance/view/difficulty balance. Its only 25 minutes or so out of town, its gorgeous, and whileits not easy, its short enough that anyone who can handle uphill with a few rocks can make it with a handful of...

Oooo! I love this place!!

There are a ton of picnic tables. Some have charcoal grills, some are private way up on a hill, and some are even handicap accessible. There's a great view of the mountains, and a few hiking trails. Definitely dog friendly!

So bring a whole dang picnic with you, and enjoy! Don't forget a table cover, the tabletops are pretty rocky! There are full bathrooms here, if they're working. There was no working water when we were there. But there will be huge signs miles down the Parkway warning you, if that's the case. I don't think it's a common occurrence. I'm a local, and this is the first time I've seen...

It's one of our "go-to" places when we just need to get out of town and relax. We're so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

The bathrooms are closed due to the Pandemic, but there are portable toilets that even have hand sanitizer in them. Personally, I still would be wary of a public toilet that only gets cleaned occasionally, but at least they are there in a true emergency.

Be aware that parking is sometimes limited due to the hordes of RVs pulled across and blocking multiple...