Looking Glass Rock
A massive granite dome in Pisgah Forest whose rain-wet rock faces reflect light like a mirror, visible from a viewpoint on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Looking Glass Rock is a granite dome formed by magma intrusion about 390 million years ago. Its smooth face reflects sunlight after rain or when icy, which gave it its name. The easiest way to see it is to park at the viewpoint on the Blue Ridge Parkway and look out. Hikers can take the Looking Glass Rock Trail, about 10 km round trip with roughly 500 m of elevation gain. The summit offers broad views, though its edges are steep. It is also a popular climbing destination.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Sliding Rock
- Looking Glass Falls
- Cradle of Forestry in America
- Graveyard Fields
- Black Balsam Knob
- Mount Pisgah
- DuPont State Recreational Forest
- North Carolina Arboretum