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A lovely trail that follows along the ridgeline and reaches a couple of summits.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Point to Point

4,273' 1,302 m

High

3,389' 1,033 m

Low

451' 137 m

Up

1,335' 407 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

60%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall

Description

As you run out of old logging road on the Warbler Cove Trail, look to the left for a trail that heads precipitously uphill. Power through the uphill until you are switchbacking an even steeper section where making use of trees as handholds keeps the climb secure. The higher you get, the more exposed rock you find until you summit on Rock Knob.

Once you make the ridgeline, you can cruise for a while on relatively flat surface until you eventually have to push to make the summit of Paynes Knob. From here you continue on flat terrain until you have to power up another unnamed summit.

Be sure to look for the rock bald off to your left for some open views.

After a short while, you pass Mule's Face Trail to your left and then make one last push up to the Blue Ridge Highway.

Flora & Fauna

Lovely hemlock groves.

Contacts

Shared By:

Russell Hobart with improvements by Paul Penny

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#6

in Asheville

#1231

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#6

in Asheville

#1,231

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1,503 Since Nov 27, 2017
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Photos

A nice view from Rock Knob
Dec 5, 2017 near Swannanoa, NC
A lovely Hemlock grove on the ridge
Dec 5, 2017 near Swannanoa, NC
View of the Blue Ridge as we trudge up through the steepness
Dec 5, 2017 near Swannanoa, NC
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May 29, 2021
Matt H
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