World Class Hiking
Great trailheads are a short distance away from the retreat.
People come from all around to hike the great trails in our area. We’ve compiled the list below of our favorite hikes, but we encourage trying many of the other great nearby options as well. The Eco Retreat is at an elevation of 3000 feet, but weather at the top of the highest nearby peaks can be very different due to winds and an additional 3600+ feet of elevation gain, so be sure to prepare appropriately. Be safe and have fun!
Hiking Info:
We like to suggest folks use AllTrails.com and the AllTrails app, which was Apple’s 2023 App of the Year. Some features require a membership, but there is a wealth of info available on the platform, including trail details, directions, reviews, etc.
Winter Road Closures:
During the winter months, the Blue Ridge Parkway is often closed due to inclement weather. The Parkway is the only way to access Mount Mitchell State Park. Check for road closures here:
https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm
Hunting Season:
We have active bear and deer hunters in our area, typically October - December. We aren’t aware of incidents in our area, but have bright orange vests that hikers are welcome to borrow to stay safe.
Bears & Wildlife:
Black bears and other dangerous wildlife do live in our area. Although they typically avoid humans, run-ins can occur. Please use caution and learn more about how to handle bears here:
https://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Mammals/Black-Bear/What-to-do-if-I-see-a-bear
Crabtree Falls
This moderately difficult hike is a crowd favorite. It’s close to the retreat, challenging but fair, and has a great waterfall in the middle of the loop.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.6 miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 577 ft
Average Completion Time: 1 hr 20 min
Drive from Eco Retreat: 19 min/9.6 miles
Roaring Fork Falls
This family-friendly hike is a short drive away, is paved, and has a waterfall at the end that kids often enjoying climbing.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.3 miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 114 ft
Average Completion Time: 30 min
Drive from Eco Retreat: 8 min/2.9 miles
Deep Gap Trail
Starting from Mount Mitchell State Park, this trail goes up and down along several of the highest peaks on the east coast, and features the best views of any nearby hike. A worthy option even if shortening the hike by turning around sooner.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7.3 miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 2,440 ft
Average Completion Time: 4 hr 40 min
Distance from Eco Retreat: 41 min/21 miles
River Loop Trail
A moderate hike that’s easier than most, this hike starts at Black Mountain Campground and loops around the river. There is no cell service on this hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.6 miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 475 ft
Average Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance from Eco Retreat: 15 min/5.6 miles
Mount Mitchell Trail
The most popular hike for people wanting to claim the honor of having hiked Mt. Mitchell. This starts at Black Mountain Campground and goes all the way up to top of Mt. Mitchell.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 11.2 miles
Type: Up & Down
Elevation Gain: 3,690 ft
Average Completion Time: 7 hr
Distance from Eco Retreat: 15 min/5.6 miles
Colbert’s Ridge To Mount Mitchell
The ultimate hike that goes all the way to the top via the ridge that can be seen from the Main Lodge of the Eco Retreat, than across the ridgeline of the Black Mountains to Mount Mitchell State Park.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 7.7 miles
Type: Point to Point (one-way)
Elevation Gain: 4,763 ft
Average Completion Time: 5 hr
Distance from Eco Retreat: Colbert’s Ridge: 6 min/2.1 miles, Mt. Mitchell: 41 min/21 miles