Looking Glass Rock

Trailhead: Looking Glass Rock Parking Area

Trail Finish: Looking Glass Rock Parking Area

Blaze Color: Yellow

Hiking Distance: 6.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Time Allowance: 3 hours 30 minutes

Elevation Change: 1600 ft.

USGS Map: Shining Rock

Trail Description:

The trail begins in a well-marked parking area beside forest road 475. Heading toward the Fish Hatchery from US 276 it will be on your right.

Follow the well marked trail to the summit. Some areas with very steep hiking.

3.1 miles the summit. Caution: Sheer cliffs are very dangerous.

Return to the parking area back down the same trail you came up.

Other trails:

Three trails approach the base of Looking Glass along the gravel road portion of forest road 475b. Just past the Fish Hatchery, veer right on Forest Road 475b to access all of the trails, which are primarily used for rock climbing access.

Slick Rock Falls Trail approaches the south side of Looking Glass. Several deaths have occurred at Slick Rock Falls over the years. The creek above the falls is deceptive in its deceivingly innocent look. If you try to play in, or cross, the creek (even a hundred feet above the edge of the falls) & slip, you will probably perish. Once you slip it would be as hard to stop as it would be to stop yourself in the middle of sliding rock! Never approach the top of a waterfall, and be extremely vigilant around Slick Rock Falls!