Moderate, 4.77 Out and Back
1,234 ft elevation gain
Hiked 10/5/25
Heavily used as an overnighter with ample space for campsites along the flat ridgeline up top, this short trail does the majority of its ascent in the first 1.3 miles. Once up to there are a variety of views don into Linville Gorge as well as back towards Lake James. Parking lot fills up fast here.
Looking down into the lowlands, a blanket of fog slowly pulls away. The Linville River may be seen along the right of frame.
A tree growing up from below has absorbed part of the rocky outcrop into its trunk. Looked pretty funky in person.
Various peaks and ridges may be seen in the distance with a section of the large flat area on top of Shortoff Mountain.
<3 one of my favorite places ever