Magic of a Mountain Sunrise
After weeks of closures due to Hurricane Helene, I’m thrilled to share that the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of my favorite sunrise spots, Black Balsam Knob, are open again. Last October, I had the joy of taking several different groups of mostly first-time hikers to experience the breathtaking views, and I’ve missed those moments this year. With the trail access finally restored, this reopening has brought a much-needed sense of hope.
In case you’re in need of a little hope yourself, here are my tips for planning a sunrise hike.
Location: Black Balsam Knob
There are plenty of great places to view a mountain sunrise, but my go-to spot is Black Balsam Knob off the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s accessible, breathtaking, and perfect for those starting out. Here’s the location of the trailhead.
Hike Details
This is a fairly easy hike, though there is quick elevation gain, so pace yourself. Take breaks if you need to; it’s completely worth it for the view! The rocky terrain means stepping lightly if you’re new to hiking. The trail is ‘out and back’ style—.7 miles to the top of the knob, then the same distance back down. Here’s a link to the hike on AllTrails (and I highly recommend downloading the trail map in advance because of spotty service in the area).
Timing: When to Arrive
One of the biggest questions I get: “What time do we need to be there for the best sunrise?” My rule is to arrive at the trailhead 45 minutes before sunrise to soak in the beauty of the changing sky at first light. Here’s my process:
- Check Sunrise Time: I start by looking up sunrise time in my weather app. For example, on October 26, sunrise was at 7:45 a.m., so I aimed to be at the trailhead by 7:00 a.m.
- Meet-Up Plan: If I’m meeting friends, we gather at the entrance to Pisgah (on the Brevard side) at Dolly’s parking lot around 6:15 a.m. since it takes about 45 minutes to drive up to the parkway.
- Personalize Your Timing: I’m a quick hiker (a friend recently nicknamed me a “mountain goat” 😆), so if you have a slower pace, you may want to arrive about 15 minutes earlier to give yourself plenty of time.
Packing List: What to Bring
Packing for a sunrise hike can be an art! Here are my essentials:
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Since it’s still dark at the start, you’ll want some light for the hike in.
- Check the Weather: Bring layers; mountain mornings can be much colder than expected, especially in fall. I recommend gloves, a toboggan, and your coziest puffy coat—it’s usually windy at the top!
- Trail Map: Download the map linked above on your phone. It’s always good to have a backup.
- Camera or Phone: For those epic sunrise shots, of course.
- Friend(s): This experience is even better when shared.
- Coffee or Hot Drink: I’m a coffee fan, and there’s nothing quite like sipping something warm while taking in the view. My husband always says coffee tastes best outdoors!
Responsible Hiking and Safety Tips
Lastly, I can’t recommend enough practicing Leave No Trace principles. Here are a few ways to be a responsible hiker:
- Stay on the Trail: Protect the landscape by following marked paths.
- Pack Out Trash: Leave the mountain as beautiful as you found it by packing out all trash.
- Watch Your Footing: Wet rocks can be slippery, especially in fall weather, so take your time and watch your steps.
Final Tip
I highly recommend sunrise hikes this time of year! October skies have a way of being particularly brilliant, and you can even sleep in a bit, thanks to the later sunrise. Make plans soon—the clocks roll back on November 3, and sunrise will come earlier!