Lookout Mountain

Adam

This is a must do! The views from the top and along the way are spectacular. The top if a great place to sit and relax in peace and quiet. Aldo, a great place for some snacks after the hike. I love this moutain!

Bonnie Robinson

I have been hiking this mountain since adolescence when I attended Montreat Youth Conferences. The easiest way to access it is to enter Montreat and drive up Lookout Road. There are two small gravel parking lots on the right where the trailhead is. This is one of my favorite hikes because it offers the most stunning views at the top in very little time. Despite being a shorter hike, it is definitely a workout with very steep incline, stairs, and rock scrambling at the top. To get the best views, you have to get above the rock scrambling at the top, which is not recommended for young children! Wear proper shoes, bring some water in the summer, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views!

Michael Roth

Good hike but very confusing markers. Even AllTrails did not provide anything helpful. Overall many options but also super busy in the summer time

Alan Hendricker

A great view ruined by a terribly constructed "trail". If you can find it, there is no parking at the beginning of lookout trail, expect the small "lot" to be filled and to park on the street which is barely wide enough to begin with. A steep ascent is followed by an even steeper climb to the top using roots, rock scrambling (see the photo for an example) and otherwise hallmarks of poor trail design. It feels like it was designed by teenagers trying to find the fastest way to the top. This ruins the whole experience of the hike. I also doubt the 1000 foot vertical claimed on the picture below, I think it is optimistic but it sure is a big climb in a short distance. The view at the top is great especially for a hike not near as high as those on the parkway (Montreat College in the background of the attached pic). But your knees and feet will pay for it on the way back. It's too bad too, because this could be a really great hike.