40 Hike Challenge: #6 – Rattlesnake Lodge – Craven Gap to Tanbark Ridge Tunnel

This hike is a very popular day hike for the Asheville area. There are several access points for this trail, but for the 40 Hike Challenge, I used the Craven Gap trailhead. This is just off the BRP at MP 377.4.

The hike itself was moderate with several long switchbacks to ease the climb. We had experienced several days of rain so the trail was well worn and in the rocky places, could be rather slippery. Much of the trail traverses the side of the ridge and extends above the Parkway, so you never feel like you are completely alone.

Once at the site of the Rattlesnake Lodge, there are a lot of interesting areas to explore. The Lodge was originally built as a summer home by Asheville physician, Chase P. Ambler in the early 1900’s. Apparently, this was a very substantial estate. Remains can still be seen of the lodge, springhouse, stables, tennis courts and even a swimming pool. To read more about the history of this site, I recommend this Romantic Asheville article.

There is a shorter access (0.5 mile) to Rattlesnake Lodge from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 374.5. There is a small parking area across the Parkway from the trailhead just before the Tanbark Tunnel.