The Looking Glass Rock is located in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, Western North Carolina. The sheer face makes it one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the United States. It’s a heaven for hikers, sightseers, and photographers, comprised of striking Whiteside granite.
The Looking Glass Rock name is derived from its majestic appearance because whenever rainwater freezes on its surface, the sunlight reflects like a mirror. It’s a lifetime experience to see the sunlight reflecting from its surface. Looking at Glass Rock from the side just looks like a Helipad but the view from the top is well worth the effort! It is highly recommended do not to get too close to the edge, because it is very slippery, and falling from the top could be life-threatening.
Therefore, Geologists refer to it as a “pluton monolith” a huge ball of granitic rock that would have become a volcano had it not cooled before it reached the earth’s surface. The striking landmark is rising 3,969 feet and was formed roughly 390 million years ago.
It’s a big attraction among hikers, as 6.2-mile round trip trail offers terrific views after the climb to the top. The Looking Glass Rock Trail climbs about 1700ft in just over three miles, following a stream, small cascades, a series of switchbacks up the mountain, and tunnels of rhododendron, and mountain laurel.
Moreover, Looking Glass Rock is a favorite place for birders and a prime nesting location for the endangered peregrine falcon. It is also considered a landscape of waterfalls like Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and Sliding Rock Falls among the most popular. Once you pop out on the cliffs, you will see at your feet, minor gullies have been carved into the rock by water seeping, soil, rocks, and forest duff that forms a thin cap on top of the mountain.
Moreover, you can also look out out for the patches of water, pine needles, algae, or ice on the rock that could send you sliding as you search for that perfect spot for photography. Moreover from the top of Looking Glass Rock, stunning panoramic views can be seen of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the surrounding mountains of Transylvania County.
The Looking Glass Rock is located in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, Western North Carolina.Moreover, Looking Glass Rock is a favorite place for birders and a prime nesting location for the endangered peregrine falcon.Geologists refer to it as a “pluton monolith” a huge ball of granitic rock that would have become a volcano had it not cooled before it reached the earth’s surface.The striking landmark is rising 3,969 feet and was formed roughly 390 million years ago.Looking Glass Rock as seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway in early summer.It’s a heaven for hikers, sightseers, and photographers, comprised of striking Whiteside granite.It’s a lifetime experience to see the sunlight reflecting from its surface
