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A trail featuring incredible summit views at the top of Appalachia on the Eastern Continental Divide


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

Point to Point

4,897' 1,493 m

High

4,412' 1,345 m

Low

485' 148 m

Up

433' 132 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

Description

From the parking lot, there is one trail that heads out of the lot and into the forest. Just .1 miles in you have the choice to go left or right. The ascent on the left is a gravel road that goes up at a nice even grade to the top. If you go right, the ascent is quicker and you get to the views quicker, but the going is a bit more strenuous.

Much of the southeast part of the trails has fenced-in viewing areas with various bits of White Mountain history and geology. The fences protect you from a 1000' vertical drop, and some may even be uncomfortable approaching the fenceline. Various side trails circumvent the fences so be careful if you choose to approach the edge on any of the side trails. Ice, water, dry oak leaves or a whole lot of other things can lead to a quick, certain, and spectacular death.

If you remain on trail, you'll be able to enjoy the scenic views from a safe distance. As you continue on the loop, you'll begin either the gentle, graded descent, or a steeper singletrack descent. Either way you decide to go, you'll be able to enjoy the spectacular views as you work you way back to the car.

Flora & Fauna

Oaks, maples, poplars , rhododendrons and mountain laurels . Several species of birds.

Contacts

Shared By:

Russell Hobart with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 19 votes

#302

Overall
  4.6 from 19 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#302

Overall
11 Views Last Month
1,247 Since Aug 9, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
59%
6%
35%
0%

Photos

West side.
Aug 9, 2016 near Cullowhee, NC
Such a view
Sep 21, 2024 near Cullowhee, NC
Overlooking the rolling hills.
Sep 9, 2016 near Cullowhee, NC
Walking on cliff's edge!
Sep 9, 2016 near Cullowhee, NC
Looking east.
Aug 9, 2016 near Cullowhee, NC
View of the rock on a cloudy day.
Aug 14, 2019 near Cullowhee, NC

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 14 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 21, 2024
Gina Medford
Some beautiful views!! A little soggy after some rain here but still wonderful hike. 2.4mi — 1h 15m
Oct 21, 2023
Kendallaki X
Sep 9, 2023
Chris Home
2mi — 1h 00m
Aug 18, 2020
Kevin Beyer
Did the loop - great views
Jul 25, 2020
Jer G
2mi — 1h 20m
Jan 4, 2020
Nate Beidle
Good incline hike. Foggy so couldn't enjoy look out views. — 9h 00m
Sep 21, 2019
Matthew Deyo
2.3mi — 1h 26m
Aug 11, 2019
Joshua C
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