| Date |
Distance |
Time |
Elevation Gain |
Average Moving Time |
Year to Date Miles |
| 10/17/2023 |
4.8 miles |
3 hours 40 minutes |
1,170' |
1.6 mph |
216.8 |
Parking:
Map:- Pisgah Map Co. Grandfather Ranger District
Directions:- 100 Favorite Trails of the Blue Ridge and the Smokies (for directions)
Carolina Mountain Club Challenges
- 100 Favorite Trails hike #91
I had planned to lead this hike for the CMC this month (I lead it October of last year), but I haven't been signing up for anything due to my foot. But Glen and I ended up hiking it together. I knew my foot would be sore, but this is my favorite fall foliage hike in WNC so far. We've hiked this trail a few times and enjoy it every time. Parking was reasonable on a weekday afternoon even though it was peak foliage time. Fall foliage was beautiful and the temperature was cool. We encountered many fall wildflowers including gentians and nodding ladies' tresses. The piped spring we passed was barely flowing - just dripping. The seasonal pond on top of the mountain was dry. We saw a few backpackers - I do need to backpack this someday and watch a sunset up there! We stopped at our halfway point (view past the dry pond) and boiled some water to make a hot lunch. I did do a little bit of practice with my map and compass, because it's a skill I've barely practiced since moving to North Carolina. We then started hiking back while it rehydrated. This hike is just great for fall color - lots of pinks and reds from sourwoods and maples.
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| Sourwood and maples |
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| Two krummholz |
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| Looking across the gorge. |
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| Nodding Ladies' Tresses |
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| Dried up seasonal pond |
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| Hanging out while I cook lunch |
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| View of Table Rock and the Chimneys |
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It looks like some trail maintenance was recently done.
Glen wasn't happy about the cut ends of branches showing at the overlook,
so he moved the branches into the woods. |
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