John Rock Trail Loop | Creekside Forest and a Granite View in Pisgah

Our Favorite Western NC Mountain Hikes | Asheville Elevated Living

John Rock gives you a little of everything in one outing. You start near the Davidson River, climb through the woods and come out at a granite overlook with a wide view across Pisgah toward Looking Glass Rock.

John Rock Trail Loop main trail photo — Photos via AllTrails and its hiking community.

Hike at a glance

Pisgah National Forest near Brevard
4.8 miles | 1,072 feet of gain | Moderate loop | 2.5 to 3 hours

What the hike is like

The saved route uses the Fish Hatchery and Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education parking area as its starting point. Follow Cat Gap Loop, trail 120, toward John Rock Trail, trail 365. The low sections can be muddy after rain, and the climb has plenty of roots and uneven footing.

Several routes in this trail network reach the same overlook. The 4.8-mile figure is for the saved AllTrails loop. Explore Asheville describes a longer version using the bypass. Compare the routes before you leave the lot so you know which junctions to take.

Before you go

Check facility and parking access near the hatchery before leaving. Give yourself extra time for the climb, and stay well back from the sloping ledge, especially with kids or dogs.