Name: Rocky Head Trail
Rating: 5.0

“Exhilarating!”

— Jim Fuller

GPX File

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views

Trail is accessible year round, but Montreat Campground is only open May through October.

Need to Know

Unless you are staying in the Montreat Campground (or if the campground is closed), you'll have to park in one of three very small spots outside of the campground gate and followCalvin Trail (road) up to the trailhead.

Runner Notes

Not a running trail.

Description

Rocky Head trail is a steep climb from the Montreat Campground to Rocky Head summit. The marked trail starts behind the second bath house and follows a steep former water chute path to two abandoned holding ponds (electricity was generated in the area in the 1920s). Once you pass the holding ponds, you'll follow a steep winding trail to the summit at the intersections of the East Ridge Trail. This trail is narrow and used very little but is an exhilarating jaunt up the mountain and makes a great addition to any longer run along the ridges above Montreat.

Flora & Fauna

Rhododendrons abound along the beginning of this trail. Oaks and other deciduous trees take over midway up this trail finally ending in scraggly Fraser Firs at the summit.