Club Gap to Clawhammer Mountain

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
12/4/2022	7.4 miles	4 hours 41 minutes	1,728'	1.8	932.5

Parking: 

• See 100 Favorite Trails map. Gravel road in good condition (even though its marked rough road). Roadside parking. Maybe space for 4 cars. A couple parking spots

Maps:

• Pisgah Map Co, Pisgah Ranger District
• 100 Favorite Trails of the Carolinas and the Blue Ridge (for directions)

Directions:

• See 100 Favorite Trails map

Carolina Mountain Club Challenges:

• 100 Favorite Trails Challenge #66
• Pisgah 400 Challenge, #343 Club Gap Trail
• Pisgah 400 Challenge, #127 Black Mountain Trail (partial)

Glen was up for a longer hike today (his ankle is still sore), so we chose an 8-mile hike with some elevation gain. We didn't see any other hikers today, but we did see a lot of mountain bikers. Luckily, none of them were going too fast. One of them was biking with a border collie. Krumm was so jealous. He whined a great deal after they passed us. Feeling slow today. Some days we have more energy than others. I know! I need a backpacking trip :) I always feel stronger when I hike after a backpacking trip.

This hike has winter views. I'm not sure in the summer if you would be able to have mountain views. There is no view at the summit of Clawhammer Mountain. Overall, a pleasant hike, and lots of great views on the drive up the parkway.

Unique trail sign for the Black Mountain Trail

Shelter along the trail. Unfortunately, lots of trash in the fire pit.

Lots of winter views

Very fancy seats with back rests at the shelter.

We could see Looking Glass Rock, a pluton, from the trail

Lots of mica near the trailhead

We stopped by the Cradle of Forestry Overlook on the way home

Close up view of Looking Glass Rock