High Meadow and Fisher Peak Loop Trail

The High Meadow and Fisher Peak Loop Trail is approximately 3.1 miles (5 km) long and is generally considered to have a moderate difficulty. It includes an elevation gain exceeding 500 feet (150 meters).

The trail offers diverse terrain. The High Meadow section features mostly compacted dirt and leaf litter, though you should watch for raised roots and sticks. The Fisher Peak Loop section includes an uphill climb for about 0.6 miles, with some level sections for respite. At lower elevations, you'll find a stream crossing via stepping stones, and higher up, the terrain shifts through varied vegetation.

The High Meadow Trail section is considered easy and suitable for families. However, the full High Meadow and Fisher Peak Loop Trail is rated as moderate due to its length and elevation gain, making it more challenging for absolute beginners or very young children. The High Meadow Trail is also part of the 'Kids in Parks' TRACK Trails network, offering engaging activity guides for children.

The trail is conveniently accessible from the Blue Ridge Music Center. Parking is available there, making it a straightforward starting point for your hike.

No, there are no specific permits required to hike the High Meadow and Fisher Peak Loop Trail, and there is no entrance fee. The trail is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which also does not charge an entrance fee.

Yes, the High Meadow and Fisher Peak Loop Trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog remains on a leash and that you clean up after them to help keep the trail enjoyable for everyone.

The trail is beautiful year-round, but it's particularly renowned for its vibrant display of wildflowers and rhododendrons, especially in May when azaleas, mountain laurel, and Catawba rhododendrons are in full bloom on the Fisher Peak Loop. The towering hardwood trees and fragrant evergreens provide ample shade throughout the warmer months.

You'll experience diverse scenery, from open hayfields and wetlands with abundant wildflowers and birds on the High Meadow Trail, to forests with rock outcrops, rhododendrons, and ferns. The Fisher Peak Loop follows a stream bordered by mixed pine and hardwoods, and higher up, a diverse second-growth forest of oak, poplar, maple, and sourwood trees. Keep an eye out for signs of animal life like woodpecker holes, deer tracks, and turkey dust baths.

While the Fisher Peak Loop Trail doesn't offer expansive 'real views' in the traditional sense, it provides its own unique beauty through varied ecosystems. The trail itself is a notable feature, transitioning from open meadows to dense forests and stream-side paths. Its connection to the Blue Ridge Music Center is also a key landmark.

Given the varied terrain, including roots and potential stream crossings, sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support are recommended. Dress in layers, as temperatures can change, and bring water, especially on warmer days. Insect repellent can also be useful, particularly in the meadow and wetland areas.

No, the High Meadow Trail section, which forms part of the loop, is not considered handicap accessible due to its uneven terrain, raised roots, and narrow trail bed.