BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The choose-your-own-adventure trails in the woods around the Christmount community of Black Mountain are steep, but their features are charmingly eclectic, making for a dynamic and diverse hiking experience.
Fast facts
- Christmount trails are located on Christmount Christian Assembly property. Parking at the site requires checking in at the Gaines M. Cook Guest House, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain.
- There are several trails criss-crossing the Christmount woods. The combination we hiked was Lee Moore to Blue Ridge to Azalea, or red, blue and green blazes, respectively. The total trek was about 2 miles.
- Many of the trails and roads around Christmount were damaged by Hurricane Helene. For the best experience, get the updated trail map from the Guest House, devised by local volunteer Owen Lovejoy.
- Though the hike isn’t too long, these hills are steep, muddy and covered with roots. Prepare for a climb and a need for balance.
A Christmount Christmas climb
While the Guest House office was closed when we arrived on the site, we were lucky enough to run into Owen and Anita Lovejoy, a local couple who have lived in the Christmount community for 50 years. Anita Lovejoy’s family has lived at Christmount for decades and she and her husband have spent their half-century of marriage exploring the natural world there. Owen Lovejoy has taken charge of many of the trails on the Christmount property, drawing up maps and updating signage…