Looking Glass Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Looking Glass Rock |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,969 ft (1,210 m) NAVD 88 |
| Geography | |
 Looking Glass Rock
Location in North Carolina
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| Location | Transylvania County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Parent range | Appalachian Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Shining Rock |
Looking Glass Rock is a giant, single rock mountain in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, United States. It's known for its smooth, bare rock face. This face often reflects the sunlight, making it look like a giant mirror or "looking glass."
About Looking Glass Rock
Looking Glass Rock is located inside Pisgah National Forest. It's about 5.5 miles (8.8 km) northwest of Brevard. It's also about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Asheville. This huge rock rises from the valley floor. It reaches a height of almost 4,000 feet (1,219 meters).
The mountain gets its name from how its shiny granite surface reflects the sun. It truly looks like a giant looking glass!
Hiking to the Top
You can hike to the top of Looking Glass Rock. There are trails that start from Forest Service Road 475 and 475B. The trail is considered a bit challenging. It climbs about 1,700 feet (518 meters) over 3.1 miles (5 km).
When you reach the peak, you'll find a flat, open area. This spot offers amazing views all around. It's a great place to see the beautiful scenery of the mountains.
Rock Climbing Adventures
Looking Glass Rock is a very popular place for rock climbing. Many climbers come here for exciting adventures. There are dozens of climbing paths on different parts of the rock. These include the South Face, North Face, and Sun Wall.
Climbers can try different styles. Some prefer "free climbing," using only their hands and feet. Others do "multi-pitch" climbs, which means climbing in sections. "Aid climbing" uses special tools to help go up. No matter the style, climbers enjoy reaching the top of this famous rock.
Amazing Views
From the top of Looking Glass Rock, you can see far and wide. You'll get panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can also see the many mountains that make up Transylvania County. It's a perfect spot to take in the natural beauty of the area.
