Waterfall Hero Hikes: Montreat Wilderness

Montreat is a town in eastern Buncombe County just northeast of Black Mountain, named as a portmanteau of Montain and Retreat. Montreat Conference Center has placed 2,460 acres of land above the town under a conservation easement. Although private property, the center generously allows public access to the trail system through the wilderness. The wilderness covers the south flank of Greybeard Mountain and the Flat Creek drainage. There are more than 20 trails covering more than 40 miles, ranging from short nature trails to rugged wilderness trails.

Map:

Trails:

Graybeard Trail:

Length: 4.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: Blue

Graybeard Trail leads from Walk Jones Wildlife Sanctuary and leads up to the summit of Graybeard Mountain.

Harry Bryan Trail:

Length: 0.39 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: Yellow

Harry Bryan Trail splits from Graybeard Trail and crosses Flat Creek on a footbridge then gradually ascends to Julia Woodward Trail.

Julia Woodward Trail:

Length: 0.66 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: White

Julia Woodward Trail leads through the woods of Bell Forest and ends at a small waterfall on Slaty Branch.

Sanctuary Trail:

Length: 0.3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: Orange

Sanctuary Trail starts at Walk Jones Wildlife Sanctuary and follows Slaty Branch upstream, ending at Julia Woodward Trail.

Walker's Knob Trail:

Length: 0.16 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: Orange

Walker's Knob Trail splits from Graybeard Trail at the shelter, nearly 4 miles from the trailhead, and leads out to great views looking south into the Montreat Valley.