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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

80%

Runnable

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

Runner Notes

Great footing on even terrain makes this a pleasant run with a hill climb no matter which way you decide to go.

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 18 votes

#336

Overall
  4.6 from 18 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
28%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#336

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

0%
0%
63%
0%
38%
0%

Photos

West side.
Aug 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
Information Booth.
Aug 9, 2016 near Cullowhee, NC
Overlooking the rolling hills.
Sep 9, 2016 near Cullowhee, NC

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 31 days ago
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