Have you ever had a favorite place that, if asked, you couldn’t quite explain why it’s your favorite? It just…is. I’ve had a few of those throughout my life.
When I lived in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, it was on a specific ledge at the top of a parking garage. It’s not as if there was a stunning view from the ledge, or anything special about that particular parking garage at all, for that matter. But I could sit up there for hours anyway.
Hard Times Loop Trail is one of those places for me. And I know I just compared a beautiful hiking trail to what is essentially several slabs of concrete stacked on top of each other. But like I said, explaining why or how certain things and places capture your heart is hard.
If I’m ever stressed or having one of those days where it feels like the walls are closing in on me, I can go to Hard Times. Walking those familiar 6 miles is therapy, you know? I look around at the trees and feel the sun and the breeze and I can breathe, no matter how I felt before I got there.
Anyway, now that I’ve given you my love letter to Hard Times (are you excited to go yet?), we can get into the actual guide.
Options for Starting the Trail
There are three parking areas that will give you access to the trail. One is at the main trailhead, one is on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and one is inside of the North Carolina Arboretum.
When I first started my daily hike of Hard Times, I parked at the trailhead. However, as time went on, I started trying to get creative with my route.
Don’t get me wrong – I love this trail, but when you hike the same one every day, it’s fun to mix it up a bit. Not to mention, the Hard Times trailhead parking lot doesn’t have all that many spaces.
I now park on the Blue Ridge almost every time. It’s a much more scenic drive. When you drive to the main trailhead, you do go through a portion of Bent Creek Experimental Forest, but skipping a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway when you have the option to do so feels almost criminal.
I’ve never parked in the lot at the Gatehouse of the Arboretum for the hike because it’s the only one that isn’t free. Now, paying the $16 for a trip (or $50 for a yearly membership) to the Arboretum is absolutely worth it, but if you aren’t planning to explore it during your outing for the day, free parking is always better.
What to Expect on Hard Times Loop Trail
If you’re looking for a day hike spectacular payoff in the form of a peak or overlook, Hard Times isn’t for you. That said, in my opinion, the serenity and beauty of the forest and river is a payoff in its own right.
I think it’s fair to say that Hard Times Loop Trail is easy for experienced hikers and those used to physical activity, and easy to moderate for beginners. And depending on where you start and which direction you go, you can make the trail slightly easier or more difficult.
Here’s what you can expect from each:
Starting at the Trailhead
- Trail Length: 6.4 miles
- Trailhead Amenities: Restroom, trailhead kiosk (trail and forest information)
If you drive through Bent Creek Experimental Forest and start your hike at the trailhead, you’ll begin by walking down a relatively flat path for a quarter mile or so. When you reach the river, you’ll have the option to go right or left on the loop.
Going right (across the bridge) will lead to a gentle but constant upward slope for about 2 miles. At the end of this portion of the hike, you’ll see the parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway to your right. From there, the rest of your hike will be downhill or flat.
Once you enter the Arboretum, there will be a variety of trails branching off to the sides, but in order to stay on the main loop, you’ll need to stick to Bent Creek Trail.
When you can see the bridge again, be sure you take the right turn back toward the parking area. I absent-mindedly missed this turn once and was embarrassingly far into a second go-around before I realized my mistake.
If you choose to go left, you’ll walk along the river until you reach the gate of the Arboretum. It’s typically unlocked between 8 am and 7 pm. And don’t worry, you can walk right through free of charge.
After you walk through the main portion of the trail within the Arboretum, with Bent Creek babbling cheerfully alongside you, the trail will begin to incline. Because the uphill portion is only 1.5 miles in this direction, it’s a shade steeper than the slope in the counterclockwise direction. About halfway through your upward hike, you’ll exit the Arboretum through another gate.
Once you arrive at the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll walk downhill until you get to the bridge, and turn left shortly after to go back to the parking area at the trailhead.
Starting at the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Trail Length: 6 miles
- Trailhead Amenities: N/A (unless you count the view across the Blue Ridge Parkway)
When you park on the Blue Ridge, you’ll skip the beginning quarter-mile and start directly on the loop. While there’s no parking lot here, there’s plenty of roadside parking available.
If you’re coming from Asheville, you know you’ve gone too far when you see the Chestnut Cove Overlook on your left – which, incidentally, offers an amazing view of the French Broad River Valley. Because it’s so close to the parking area, I often drive the extra distance post-hike to enjoy the view before heading home.
When you step onto the trail from the Parkway, you’re right at the peak of the hike. So, either direction you take will be downhill. To your left is the 2-mile decline toward the trailhead, and to your right is the 1.5-mile decline toward the Arboretum.
Going to the left will lead to a steady decline, followed by a flat stroll through the Arboretum, and finally a moderate incline back to your starting point. I consider this to be the more difficult route of the two.
Walking right will lead to a steeper decline, the same flat portion through the Arboretum, then a steady incline through the forest until you reach the Blue Ridge.
Starting at the Arboretum Gatehouse
- Trail Length: 6 miles
- Trailhead Amenities: Portable restroom, bicycle maintenance station
Similar to starting at the Blue Ridge Parkway, parking at the Arboretum Gatehouse will result in cutting off that quarter-mile portion that connects the trailhead parking lot to the main loop.
You’ll be at the bottom of the steeper of the two slopes. Turning left onto the loop will take you upward toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. Going right on the trail will lead you through the flat portion of the trail within the Arboretum, which will eventually turn into the gentle upward slope that takes you to the peak at the Parkway.
Trail Accessibility
Hard Times Loop Trail is great for beginners (take a look at these hiking tips if you’re hitting the trails for the first time) and those who simply enjoy spending an hour or two in the forest. It’s open to both hikers and mountain bikers – and you’ll likely see a variety of each on your trip.
If you have a four-legged hiking buddy, they’re more than welcome on this trail. Just be sure to bring a leash, as they’re required inside the Arboretum. Although they’re technically required on the entire trail, you’ll often see particularly well-behaved pups walking without them.
Hard Times is a good choice for children, however, keep in mind that it’s 6 to 6.4 miles in its entirety, which might be too much for little ones. If you’re worried that your kids won’t make it through the whole thing, you can always do a portion of the trail and turn around!
As with any outdoor adventure, it’s a good idea to have water, but you probably won’t need to bring lunch or a snack (unless, of course, you’re planning a mid-hike picnic).
Quick Facts
| Distance: 6.4 mi |
| Elevation Gained: 505 ft |
| Difficulty: Easy |
| Time: 2 hrs |
| Pets: Ok (with leash) |
| Months Accessible: Year-Round |
| Good for hiking, biking, and trail running |
Hard Times Loop Trail Location
Below is the location of the main Hard Times Loop trailhead. If you want to park inside the Arboretum instead, simply type “North Carolina Arboretum” into your maps app and it should pop up!
To keep up with my adventures, follow me on Instagram, and be sure to check out a few of my other posts on hiking, breakfast food, and everything Asheville.
– See ya Out There!
