Pickens Nose Nantahala National Forest, NC
miles
LENGTH 1.5 MILES
DIFFICULTY 2.3 Easy
DURATION 1 hour
ELEVATION GAIN
340
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Pickens Nose

Hike the Pickens Nose trail in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina for multiple amazing views. Along this short trail are 4 expansive views in total. Perfect on its own or in combination with other short trails in the area, either way you won't be disappointed.

From the parking area, the trail quickly gains 200 feet of elevation over a wide rocky path. Leveling out after a quarter-mile, look for a narrow side trail on the left for an open rock outcropping with 180-degree view. Just after this you'll pass a sign indicating a peregrine falcon nest protection area on the east side of the ridge.

Continue on the main path to two more views by way of short side trails on the right. The second of these has a large upward angled rock jutting out from the mountainside that may in part give this trail it's name. The trail ends at the final view. Looking back you can see the rocky outcrops that made up the previous view.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.3 mi
21 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.3 mi
99 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.1 mi
82 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0.1 mi
107 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
253 ft
53 ft
For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.
Terrain Map Click to control map
Navigation
0.0 mi
0.0 mi - Trailhead
0.28 mi
0.28 mi - Side Trail to View on Left Narrow side trail on the left to view to east.
0.6 mi
0.6 mi - Side Trail to View on Right Very short side trail to slightly obscured view.
0.68 mi
0.68 mi - Side Trail to View on Right Short side trail to view. Here a large angled rock juts out of the mountainside.
0.77 mi
0.77 mi - Final View at End of Trail The trail ends at another expansive view.
Details
length1.5 miles
difficulty2.3 Easy
duration1 hour
features Dog Friendly  Views 
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeNone
elevation gain340 ft.
park/forestNantahala National Forest
ranger districtNantahala Ranger District
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 35.030464, -83.46183 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°1.83, W 83°27.71 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 35°1'50'', N 35°1'50'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
35.030464, -83.46183 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 35°1.83, W 83°27.71 most GPS units use this one
N 35°1'50'', N 35°1'50'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
From the US-64 side you will have to cross a concrete slab ford. I was able to make it in a sedan but after heavy rain a 4WD vehicle may be necessary. The Forest Service roads in general are fine for 2WD low ground clearance vehicles but coming from the US-23 side may be a little rougher as it is steeper and can get washed out.
Parking Capacity
10-15 vehicles with parking along the road.
Notes
All of the views have steep drop offs. Be very careful with children and pets.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (1)
hikethesouth-5 years ago
Odd Name. Outstanding Views.
There's more views than actual hiking. Ok, not really, but it'll feel that way. 4 amazing view line this trail on both sides giving you amazing views in different directions. An easy hike and well worth the drive up.
Easy | Hiked Spring 2019
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