Cedar Rock Mountain
North Carolina, United States, North America

Cedar Rock Mountain

Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 35.25690°N / 82.8011°W
Additional Information County: Transylvania
Activities Activities: Mixed
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Additional Information Elevation: 4056 ft / 1236 m
Sign the Climber's Log
Sign the Climber's Log!

Overview

Cedar Rock Mountain rises in the vicinity of two more famous local mountains: John Rock and Looking Glass Rock. Although it's not quite as visible and prominent as those two peaks, it's well worth the hike to visit the summit and the vast amount of exposed rock on its flanks.

 
Obligatory
Looking Glass
Like many of the other peaks around it, Cedar Rock Mountain is a classic pluton. The softer rock and earth have washed away to the sea to reveal the resistant granite stone standing in contrast. While the cliff faces on Cedar Rock are not on a par with Looking Glass, and Stone Mountain and related peaks, there are still many opportunities on the mountain for technical climbs, scrambling, and friction climbing.

In addition, this is classic southern hiking territory. The slopes are  
One More Waterfall.
Waterfalls
home to hundreds of species of trees. Fall is a great time to visit for one of the best displays of color on the continent. And, as with most of Pisgah National Forest, there is abundant wildlife.

The trail system around Cedar Rock is dominated by the well known and well maintained Art Loeb Trail. This is a great hiking and backpacking trail that even has its own series of trail shelters. Cedar Rock Mountain is well positioned to offer a fair amount of solitude if you choose the right time. Mid-week and in cooler weather will generally guarantee that you will see few (or no) other hikers.

This area is also the location of a number of impressive waterfalls. Many of these are easily accessed along the same trails that will take you to Cedar Rock Mountain.

Rock
Slabs



Getting There

Best access to Cedar Rock Mountain is along the same trail system that's popularly used to hike to the summit of John Rock. Once at the summit of John Rock, just continue on until you hit the intersection with the Art Loeb Trail and follow that north to Sand Gap where you will find the manway to the top of Cedar Rock Mountain.

From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east to the exit for the Asheville Airport (exit 40). Turn right onto NC 280; follow this 4-lane highway for 16 miles toward Brevard. At the intersection with US highways 276 and 64, turn right onto US 276 west (follow signs for Pisgah National Forest). Follow US 276 for 5.2 miles; turn left onto FR 475. Go 1.4 miles to the Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery. Turn left, cross the bridge and park in the parking lot.

Map Location
Cedar Rock Off Trail

Red Tape

None. Pisgah National Forest lands. Back country campsites in abundance. Springs and streams aplenty. I know of no restrictions for hiking, backpacking, camping, etc.

Trail Shelter at Butter Gap.
Butter Gap Shelter

Camping


Many, many back country campsites all around this part of the Pisgah National Forest. There are several trail shelters along the Art Loeb Trail.

There is developed camping at the nearby Davidson River Campground, which is part of the National Forest Service but administered by a concessionaire.

Leaves Below Falls
Waterfalls abound

External Links

Davidson River Campground.

The Art Loeb Trail.

Pine on Cliff
Scenery


Images

View Cedar Rock Mountain Image Gallery - 12 Images

Table of Contents
Geography