Overview
The hike from Carter Creek Falls is about 12 miles roundtrip. 2900 ft. gain in six miles on the ascent. The hike is situated within the boundaries of the Blue Ridge Parkway which winds its the way through the Great Craggy Mountans.
Although most of this hike is relatively tame, the bushwhack from the Parkway to the summit is extremely difficult. The hiker will find her/himself negotiating extremely dense thickets of rhododendron, mountain laurel and blackberry bushes. Due to the unpopularity of this southern sixer among those outside of the “peak-bagging” community, you will almost assuredly find yourself alone on top of this exciting mountain.
There is a much shorter and easier route from the Greybeard overlook off of the Blue Ridge Pkwy.
Getting There
Take NC 197 to Barnardsville, NC & turn south at the post office. Stay on this road until you reach Dillingham. Follow left fork in Dillingham to big Ivy Campground after wich the pavement will end. Follow unpaved raid for about nine miles to Craggy Mountains Scenic Area. Trailhead is at the end of the car park.
For the Greybeard overlook route (mile 363.4) start at MST at the south end of the Greybeard parking area.
The summit is marked by a metal pole.
Red Tape
There are no summit fees or permits required to acess this mountain. Parking passes are not required. The BRP around Craggy Dome & Craggy Pinnacle is often closed in the winter because of road conditions. When my wife & I climbed the mountain in early January 2005, this portion of the Parkway way closed.
When To Climb
The best time to climb Craggy Dome is late fall to late spring. From June to September it can be painfully hot.
Camping
Car camping is relatively safe along the parkway and there are pay camp areas in the small villages that surround the BRP. The Big Ivy Campground is located near Dillingham, NC
Images
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Blue Ridge Parkway
