Rainbow Rd to Old Mitchell Toll Rd to Lookout Trl Loop (8:45 Blk Mtn Ingles)

Rainbow Road to Old Trestle Road to Old Mitchell Toll Road to Lookout Trail Loop (8:45 Black Mountain Ingles)
Meeting Point: Trailhead
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
General Location: Montreat
Parking URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KZZzPU3apYAwfEA96
Parking Address: Ingles, 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Parking Notes: Parking is limited at the trailhead, with two small adjacent parking lots as you go up on the right side of hill. We will meet at Black Mountain Ingles parking lot on the side closest to McDonald's at 8:45 am and carpool from there. If you're unable to do this and will take your chances with parking at the trailhead, please comment, and we'll see you there at 9am.
Trailhead Parking URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtDrJJ3KQd8NJ5EWA
Trailhead Parking Address: 348 Lookout Ter Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Miles from Downtown Asheville: 20
Total Length: 4.75
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 896
AllTrails URL: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/rainbow-rd-to-old-trestle-road-to-old-mitchell-toll-road-to-lookout-trail-loop-350a379?u=i&sh=nnvj4c
Restrooms: None
Cell Service Availability: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Comments
This is a variation of a couple of routes we've done before, a little shorter and a little less elevation. The trail starts with about 4 miles of gentle ascent. We'll reflect a bit at the trail station, and there will be some "on your own" options after that. If you want more challenge, you can extend the route by a mile and 200 ft in elevation gain, which will also take you over Lookout Rocks (which the planned route does not do so as to avoid the boulder scramble descent). Or if you just want the views without as much added challenge, you can opt for a shorter route with an added 100 ft in elevation. If you might want to do one of these options, bring your AllTrails, and I can show you the various ways when we get to the shelter.
Legal Disclaimer
This Worship in the Wild event involves hiking, which may be physically taxing and involve some risks to participants and their property. Neither the event host nor Worship in the Wild can assure participants' safety or eliminate all risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety, and they affirm that they have the necessary skills, physical conditioning, and equipment to safely participate in the event. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.