Looking Glass Rock is a massive formation that can
be seen from points all over the Pisgah National Forest south
of Asheville, especially along the Blue Ridge
Parkway.
The story of Looking Glass Rock began
about 390 million years ago when continental crusts were moving
across each other some rock became so hot that it melted. In the
case of Looking Glass Rock, the molten rock, or magma, did not make
it to the surface resulting in a volcanic eruption to become lava.
Instead, it remained below the earth's surface where it cooled
slowly and crystallized. Rocks made in this process are called
intrusive igneous rock, or plutons named for Pluto, the Roman god
of the underworld. Slow cooling allows a variety of minerals to
form. Often mineral crystals can grow quite large. Mineral crystals
within intrusive igneous rocks are large enough to see without any
magnification. Looking Glass Rock remained under the surface of the
newly formed Appalachian Mountains. Over millions of years as the
mountains slowly eroded it became exposed. Erosion has in turn
weathered Looking Glass Rock to form a smooth sided granitic
dome.
The Looking Glass Rock Trail climbs
about 1700ft in just over 3 miles. You will be rewarded with a
spectacular 180 degree view from the top. There are also several
good campsites on and near the summit. Looking Glass rock is not
only popular with hikers, but many rock climbers use the area as a
training ground for repelling and climbing up.
To claim credit
for this earthcache you must meet the following
requirements:
1. Hike the Looking Glass
Rock Trail to the above coordinates. The trail is well marked and
there is no reason to leave the trail. Take a picture of the view
which includes you and your GPSr and upload the photo when you post
your log entry.
2. Email me the answers to the following questions:
Can you see any of the
individual mineral crystals in Looking Glass Rock with the naked
eye?
What is the elevation at the summit of Looking Glass
Rock?
For more information
on Looking Glass Rock click the above logo.
For more
information on Pisgah National Forest click to above
logo.