Hiking Trails: Rattlesnake Lodge Trail

The Rattlesnake Lodge Trail is a short, but strenuous hike up to remnants of an old lodge in the Asheville area. Now property of the National Forest Service, this lodge was used heavily in the early 1900's. The lodge can also be accessed via the Mountains to Sea Trail.

The trail crosses a couple small dry creek beds. Traces of stonework can still be seen. The official Rattlesnake Lodge site (listed below) provides a fantastic account of the history here.

Length of Trail:

0.5 miles to the first set of ruins

Rating of Difficulty:

Strenuous: Going up is tough, coming down is quite easy.

Scenery:

There is a decent cascade near the parking area. The trail follows a small babbling brook most of the way up. There are stone remains of the lodge that are still visible. Chimneys, springs, and various remnants of buildings can be seen. Going further up the trail, you can see some nice panoramas.

Directions to Trail head:

From Asheville: Blue Ridge Parkway to mile marker 374.4. Park directly before the Tanbark Ridge Tunnel. Parking is available on the right and left side of the road. The trail starts on the left.

Special Notes:

• Please do not disturb any of the remaining structures!
• For more information on history of this site, please visit the Rattlesnake Lodge Official Web Site.