Let’s go! The 2026 Fall Peaks Hiking Series in Black Mountain runs from Oct 6-Nov 3
Join Black Mountain Recreation for their popular Fall Peaks Hiking Series! The 2026 Fall Peaks Hiking Series features 10 hikes exploring the mountains, trails, scenic overlooks and state parks of Western North Carolina.
Registration is free, thanks to the Town of Black Mountain’s Recreation and Parks department. Please note that hike distances, difficulty levels, meeting points and transportation details vary. Information can be found on the registration website, https://bmrp.recdesk.com/Community/Program
So what are you waiting for? Let’s go!
2026 Fall Peaks Hiking Series
October 6 – November 3, 2026
October 6: Mount Craig
At 6,647 feet, Mount Craig is the second-highest peak in the eastern United States, just behind nearby Mount Mitchell. Located in Mount Mitchell State Park, the hike takes visitors through high-elevation forests to sweeping views of the surrounding Black Mountains.
October 8: Craggy Gardens
Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Gardens is known for its dramatic mountain views, rocky outcrops and high-elevation rhododendron balds. Its trails wind through beautiful woodland and open up to panoramic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a popular destination for fall foliage.
October 13: Hawkbill Rock
Hawkbill Rock is a scenic rocky overlook reached via the Snowball Mountain Trail in the Craggy Gardens area. The trail follows forested ridges and leads to views of Reems Creek Valley and the surrounding mountains, offering a quieter experience along this stretch of the Blue Ridge.
October 15: Rattlesnake Mountain
Near Black Mountain and Ridgecrest, Rattlesnake Mountain features a rugged, rocky summit with expansive views of the Swannanoa Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. The hike includes steep, wooded sections and a rewarding open-rock viewpoint.
October 17: Strawberry Gap
Photo credit: Gordon Tutor and the conservingcarolina.org/strawberry-gap website
Strawberry Gap Trail climbs through beautiful forests to Ferguson Peak and the grassy summit of Blue Ridge Pastures in the Hickory Nut Gorge area. Along the way, hikers can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding countryside, including the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell on a clear day.
October 20: Kitsuma Peak
Kitsuma Peak is a popular hiking and mountain biking destination near Old Fort, known for its steep climbs, challenging switchbacks and scenic ridgeline. The summit rewards hikers with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Mount Mitchell.
October 22: Rumbling Bald
Located near Lake Lure in Chimney Rock State Park, Rumbling Bald is known for its impressive rock formations, massive boulder fields and sweeping views of Hickory Nut Gorge. Its trails wind through rugged terrain, offering opportunities to explore the area's distinctive rock features and mountain scenery.
October 27: Lake James State Park
Lake James State Park offers a mix of woodland trails, peaceful coves and beautiful views of its expansive mountain lake. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park is a lovely place to experience fall colors while exploring its natural landscapes.
October 28: South Mountains State Park
South Mountains State Park features rugged mountain terrain, forested trails, streams and waterfalls, including the popular High Shoals Falls. Its extensive trail system offers a chance to explore a quieter, less-developed stretch of the North Carolina mountains, with plenty of opportunities to take in the fall scenery.
November 3: Hike with Foothills Conservancy
This special outing is in partnership with Foothills Conservancy, a nonprofit that works to protect natural areas, waterways, farms and wildlife habitats in Western North Carolina.
For More Information
Call (828) 669-2052 or email recreation@townofblackmountain.org
