This guide provides everything you need to know about hiking to the Haw Creek Valley Overlook, from where to park to trail length and what to expect along the way.
Haw Creek Valley Overlook
Trailhead location: US 276 Pisgah Forest, NC
Trailhead location: Masters Park
Trail length: 2-mile out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: ~550 ft
Distance from downtown Asheville: 5 miles
Drive time from downtown Asheville: 10 minutes
Trail Condition: Well maintained and traveled; roots and rocks dirt trail; trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What You’ll Find In This Article
This guide shares everything to know about the Master Park to Haw Creek Valley Overlook trail before your hike, including details on parking, information on the trails and whether we recommend it for kids.
About The Trail
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, the trail from Masters Park to the Haw Creek Valley Overlook is one of the most rewarding hikes that starts within Asheville city limits.
The rocky outcropping at the lookout point at over 2,800 feet provides breathtaking views of the Haw Creek Valley and views as far south as Mt. Pisgah on a clear day.
The trail takes you from the base of the Haw Creek Valley up to the Blue Ridge Parkway before meeting with the Mountain to Sea trail for the last stretch to the overlook.
The overlook is about 30 feet above the Blue Ridge Parkway Haw Creek Valley Overlook. There are no guardrails on the trail overlook so be sure to stay back from the sheer drop off. You won’t find many hikes with a view like this so close to Asheville!
Directions To The Haw Creek Overlook Trailhead
The trailhead is located in Masters Park. It’s located on Maple Drive in Asheville’s Haw Creek neighborhood.
From downtown Asheville, take I-240 east
Take Exit 7 and follow signs for TUnnel Road East
Turn left onto Crockett Ave. at the stoplight and take an immediate right onto New Haw Creek Road.
Follow New Haw Creek Road for 2 miles, then turn right onto Maple Drive.
After about a quarter mile, you’ll see a sign for Masters Park and the gravel parking lot on the right.
Parking At Masters Park
Masters Park has a well-maintained gravel parking lot with spaces for about 10 vehicles. There are no restroom facilities at the parking lot.
Masters Park to Haw Creek Valley Overlook Trail
The trail from Masters Park to the Haw Creek Valley overlook is a popular hiking trail due to its close proximity to Asheville and long-range mountain views. The trail clocks it at 2 miles out and back with a steady climb along the way.
There are alternate trails to the overlook if you are looking for a longer hike. You can follow the Mountain-to-Sea trail from the Folk Art Center for a 4-mile out-and-back hike.
Masters Park to Haw Creek Valley Overlook Trailhead
The trailhead for the trail to the overlook is just past the information board in the parking lot.
Masters Park to Haw Creek Valley Overlook Trail
The trail from the Masters Park parking lot to the Haw Creek Valley Overlook is a 2-mile out-and-back trail that takes you through dense forests and across the Blue Ridge Parkway. It culminates at the Haw Creek Valley Overlook that towers above the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook with the same name.
The trail starts on a gravel path in dense woods where you will follow a steady climb with numerous switchbacks until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway after about a half mile. You will have to climb over the guard rail and take care to yield to traffic while crossing the parkway.
On the other side of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will see a dirt path that leads into the woods. Follow this trail until it meets the Mountain-to-Sea Trail. Take the Mountain-to-Sea Trail along the mountain ridge for about 1/4 mile and then take the spur to the left where you see the Haw Creek Overlook sign.
Follow the spur for a few steps before emerging onto the rocky outcropping. Take a minute to appreciate the views of the Valley and mountains in the distance from an elevation of over 2,800 feet. Be sure to take care while walking around at the overlook as the rocky terrain is quite steep and can be slick with a sheer drop-off towards the parkway and no guard rail.
Despite our warning to be careful, this is a great spot to take a break and enjoy a lunch or snack with a view before heading back downhill to the trailhead.
Know Before You Go
The parking lot can fill up on weekends so be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds!
This trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway; watch for traffic
There is a steep dropoff without handrails at the lookout so take care with footing and keep children at a safe distance
If you want to continue your journey, head back to your car and head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Craggy Gardens is about 30 minutes from here and you’ll enjoy excellent views along the way. You can either opt to hike the easy Craggy Gardens trail or head just a bit further to Craggy Gardens Pinnacle for a short but steep hike.
Hiking With Kids TO the Haw Creek Valley Overlook
Speaking from experience, this is a great hike for children who enjoy hiking. It is a great length for kids at only 2 miles. The trail is a steady uphill climb so kids may tire before they reach the lookout. Be prepared to carry them if that is of concern.
Note: there are a few hazards to watch out for with kids on this hike. The overlook area is on a rocky outcropping with a shear drop-off and no handrails. Be sure to keep kids a safe distance from the edge.
The trail also crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. Be sure to cross safely – vehicles travel a high speeds in this area.
If you are wondering whether it’s the right trail for you, make sure to consider the length of time your kids will want to walk. Plan on one and a half hours if your kids aren’t the trail-running type. This allows for a few stops along the way. It’s typically quicker on the way back since it’s all downhill.
Another tip? Pack several snacks and lots of water!
If hiking with younger kids, consider bringing a backpack for child carrying to use when their legs inevitably stop working.
Frequently Asked Questions
The trail is 2 miles long traversing out and back from the parking lot trailhead to the Haw Creek Valley Overlook on the Mountain-to-Sea Trail.
The Masters Park to Haw Creek Valley Overlook is a great hike for children with experience hiking. Be prepared to carry younger kids as there is a steady uphill ascent. And bring snacks because you’ll want to spend a bit of time at the overlook to take in the views and let your kids rest before hiking back down.
Yes, the Masters Park to Haw Creek Valley Overlook Trail is dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
There’s an off-street parking lot in Masters Park at the trailhead. It fills up early during peak season and on weekends, so plan to arrive early!
No, there are no restrooms at the Masters Park trailhead.
