This strenuous 3.1 mile hike takes its name from the rock that resembles a Cherokee chief known as Grey Eagle sitting and overlooking Black Mountain. The hike begins at Black Mountain Gap off the Blue Ridge Parkway. During the trek, hikers will cross the summit of Potato Knob (6,400’). Potato Knob is the highest point in Buncombe County. To summit it, one has to endure a 1,200-foot elevation gain in one mile. In addition to being the roughest section of the Rim it features the highest elevation, most spectacular environment, and the most incredible vistas on the Swannanoa Rim.

Difficulty: Strenuous, 4.5 miles

 Note: This event has been split into two different hike times- Saturday, June 19 @ 8:00AM – 3:30PM & Wednesday, June 23 @ 8:00AM – 3:30PM in order to keep hike group numbers low and to better adhere to evolving county and state coronavirus protocols.     

This event is sold out for 2021. The museum hikes committee is taking a waitlist for individual hikes and will attempt to add hikers as spots are available. Please direct any inquiries to svmhikes@gmail.com.    

Coronavirus Protocol: In order to follow state regulations concerning the coronavirus, the Swannanoa Valley Museum has created new guidelines for its 2021 hikes. These guidelines and the 2021 hike schedule, will continue to evolve as the COVID situation changes.  Please email svmhikes@gmail.com with any questions. 

New hike guidelines:

• Sign-ins will be conducted outdoors, at the parking lot of the Black Mountain Savings Bank.
• There will be no carpooling, no pickup truck / driver shuttles, and a new limited hike size.  All the series hikes have been redesigned to be either be out/back or loop hikes and the museum discourages any carpooling to the trailheads, unless with family members or trusted friends.
• No one exhibiting symptoms will be allowed on the hikes.
• Hikes are limited to 25 hikers (20 hikers plus leaders). 
• SVM will not shuttle drivers in cars or pickup trucks as in the past.
• Hikers will be required to bring a mask. Masks should be worn at the sign-in / registration table and at any time hikers are in a close group, such as at trailheads, history talks, or rest breaks.
• Social distancing requested on the trails.
• Series hikers have the opportunity to make up these hikes at any time in the future. If hikers do not feel comfortable taking part in hikes in 2021, this is more than understandable.