Snowball Trail Pisgah National Forest
A strenuous hike in Pisgah National Forest with challenging elevation, rewarding views, and unpredictable, often muddy, terrain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Snowball Trail Pisgah National Forest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A strenuous hike in Pisgah National Forest with challenging elevation, rewarding views, and unpredictable, often muddy, terrain.
"Strenuous hike with challenging inclines and beautiful landscape, but can be very slippery and muddy."
π Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for slippery, muddy, and icy conditions. Regular shoes won't cut it!
β° Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, so beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving early.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 Β· 37 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Challenging Uphill Climb
Snowball Trail
Experience a strenuous hike with significant elevation changes, offering a rewarding workout.
Scenic Overlooks
Various points along the trail
Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, especially when the weather permits clear visibility.
Well-Marked Paths
Snowball Trail
Navigate with ease thanks to visible and well-marked trails, with signage at forks indicating directions and lengths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Terrain
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
π Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for slippery, muddy, and icy conditions. Regular shoes won't cut it!
β° Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, so beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving early.
πΊοΈ Consider a Trail Map
While marked, a map can help with orientation and understanding distances.
πΆ Dogs Welcome (Leashed)
Many hikers bring their dogs, so expect to see furry companions on the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
π Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for slippery, muddy, and icy conditions. Regular shoes won't cut it!
β° Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited, so beat the crowds and secure a spot by arriving early.
πΊοΈ Consider a Trail Map
While marked, a map can help with orientation and understanding distances.
πΆ Dogs Welcome (Leashed)
Many hikers bring their dogs, so expect to see furry companions on the trail.
π§ Be Prepared for Mud
The trail stays wet for days after rain due to shade. Embrace the mud!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Snowball Trail to be a strenuous but rewarding hike with beautiful views, especially when the weather is clear. The well-marked paths are appreciated, though some wish for more detailed maps. The trail's challenging nature and potential for muddy, slippery conditions are frequently mentioned, emphasizing the need for proper footwear and early arrival due to limited parking.
"I wish I was here not during such a wet weather. My husband and I were in the area for the day with the plan to hike Mount Mitchell Loop but the weather was cold and so foggy that Yoh could definitely not hike up there. So I thought that this trail would be fun to hike. I'm sure when the trail is dry it's a lot of fun, the steps and uphill and the beautiful landscape make it a wonderful albeit moderate/hard hike. The trails are visible and wel marked making it easy to navigate. At the first fork there is signage with all the directions to different trails and length of each trail.
Parking is limited so I recommend getting there earlier. You'll likely find other hikers on the trail and a lot of them with dogs.
It gets terrible muddy and a but slippery after a rain and I think it stays pretty wet for a few days because of the shade."
Patrizia R.
"I wish the trail was better marked. It would have been nice to have some sort of map/diagram of the trail. Would have also liked it to be marked with mile markers. Make sure you wear actual hiking boots/shoes. We hiked this trail the first week of December. It was slippery and muddy in some parts. There were patches of ice. Several people who were ahead of us said they didn't hike the trail all the way, we all think we were at the mid point (had there been markers, we would've known) before we decided to turn around and go back. After all that, I at least got a good workout in."
Candy Moreland
"Nice trail well marked. We came in March and it had snow!
Beautiful views.
It is a moderate level hike.
Some parts were slippery due to frozen water over the ground or rocks."
Pablo Gonzalez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
The Snowball Trail is located within Pisgah National Forest. Access typically involves driving to a trailhead with limited parking. It's recommended to use GPS coordinates or a reliable map service to find the specific trailhead.
Public transportation options are generally very limited in Pisgah National Forest. Driving your own vehicle or a rental car is the most practical way to reach the Snowball Trail.
The Snowball Trail is situated in Pisgah National Forest, which is accessible from towns like Brevard, Asheville, and Boone, North Carolina.
While the trail itself is generally well-marked, finding the specific trailhead and parking area can sometimes be a challenge due to limited signage. Arriving early is advised. +1
Ride-sharing services may not be reliable or available in the more remote areas of Pisgah National Forest, including near the Snowball Trailhead. It's best to have a backup plan.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
Pisgah National Forest generally requires a recreation pass for parking at many trailheads. Check the official U.S. Forest Service website for current pass requirements and fees for the specific area.
As an outdoor trail, Snowball Trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, weather conditions can impact accessibility, especially in winter. +1
While there isn't a general entrance fee for the entire forest, day-use fees or recreation passes are often required for parking at popular trailheads and developed recreation areas.
No, time slots are not typically required or available for hiking trails like Snowball Trail. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Discounts may be available for certain passes, such as annual passes or passes for seniors and military personnel. Check the Forest Service website for details.
π« π§ Onsite Experience
The Snowball Trail is considered a strenuous hike with significant elevation changes, making it a moderate to hard trail for many hikers. +1
The exact length can vary depending on the specific route taken, but it's known for its challenging inclines and substantial elevation gain. Some hikers report turning back around the midpoint due to conditions.
Expect uneven terrain, steep ascents, and descents. The trail can become very muddy and slippery, especially after rain or frost, with potential ice patches in colder months. +1
Restroom facilities at trailheads in Pisgah National Forest can be limited or non-existent. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby towns before heading to the trail.
Cell service can be spotty to non-existent in many parts of Pisgah National Forest, including on the Snowball Trail. Download offline maps and inform someone of your hiking plans.
πΈ πΈ Photography
Look for scenic overlooks that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The changing seasons can also provide beautiful photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Be mindful of weather conditions, as fog can create dramatic, moody shots.
The challenging terrain and potential for varied weather, including snow and frost, can lead to unique and dramatic photographic subjects. Capturing the trail's ruggedness is key.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a weather-sealed camera body if shooting in wet or snowy conditions.
Drone usage is subject to U.S. Forest Service regulations. Always check current rules and restrictions regarding drone operation in Pisgah National Forest before flying.
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