Hiking Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Kitsuma/Youngs Ridge Trail #204

Difficult Difficult
 4.3 (12)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Pisgah National Forest
  5. Ridgecrest Trails
Explore in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

“An amazing section of ridgeline trail with good views. As an added bonus, this is located close to town. ”

Brandon Thrower
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

4.7

Miles

7.5

KM

Point to Point

3,165' 965 m

High

1,607' 490 m

Low

659' 201 m

Up

1,756' 535 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The trail starts at the Kitsuma Trailhead and heads through a gentle forest road next to Interstate 40. The trail then starts a quick climb, heads up 14 steep switchbacks, and continues climbing to Kitsuma Peak. After the initial ascent, hikers will enjoy a mellow but quick downhill before being greeted by the second, steep but short climb. After this climb, you'll enjoy hiking along a beautiful, mellow ridge where you are greeted with some nice views of Mt. Mitchell before you start the descent down to the Old Fort Picnic Area.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest Grandfather Ranger District

Shared By:

Brandon Thrower
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 12 votes

#6

in Ridgecrest Trails

#7253

Overall
  4.3 from 12 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
8%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in Ridgecrest Trails

#237

in North Carolina

#7,253

Overall
7 Views Last Month
2,044 Since Dec 8, 2016
Difficult Difficult
0%
8%
8%
15%
62%
8%
Add a Photo

Photos

One of many views you can enjoy near the summit of Kitsuma Peak.
Dec 8, 2016 near Black M…, NC

0 Comments

6,000 characters
6,000 characters

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 16, 2021
Rhonda D
A bit muddy today but a beautiful trail. Nicely maintained and easy to follow.
May 3, 2020
Karen Maldonado
Jul 14, 2019
Micah Tomlinson
Feb 9, 2019
Jacob Gorbaty
Dry conditions, very nice views with the leaves gone.
Nov 17, 2018
Kendra Connolly
9.3mi
Aug 14, 2018
Alfred Miessner
awesome views. watch for bikers 3mi
Dec 25, 2017
Kendra Connolly
8.9mi
Oct 7, 2017
Andy Guthe
10.4mi

Nearby Recommended Routes

PrevNext
April 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started