Name: Pickens Nose
Rating: 5

Hikes Map Explore

Pickens Nose Nantahala National Forest, NC

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.

Pickens Nose.
Look for the sign on the opposite side of the road.

Pickens Nose.
The parking area is small, but there's space along the road for overflow.

Pickens Nose.
Heading out from the trailhead.

Pickens Nose.
The first section of trail is rockier than the rest as you climb elevation.

Pickens Nose.
Look for a narrow side trail on the left at a quarter-mile in for an amazing view to the east.

Pickens Nose.
The area just east of the trail is a peregrine falcon nest protection area.

Pickens Nose.
One of several views along the way.

Pickens Nose.
After a quarter-mile, the trail levels out.

Pickens Nose.
Views at the end of the trail.

Pickens Nose.
Looking back toward a previous view point.

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

Details

length1.5 miles

difficulty2.3 Easy

duration1 hour

features Dog Friendly Views

trail typeThere And Back Again

blazeNone

elevation gain340 ft.

state North Carolina

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

N 35°1.83, W 83°27.71

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.

Nearby Hikes

Albert Mountain via Mooney Gap

Standing Indian Mountain

Similar Hikes

Pilot Mountain Jomeokee Trail

Reviews / Comments

Average Review Rating

5 (1)

New Review New Comment

hikethesouth-4 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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Disclaimer: Hiking can be dangerous. The information on this site is meant as a guide and represents trail conditions at a given time. Always let someone know where you are going. A basic knowledge of first aid, backcountry navigation, and some common sense are highly encouraged. The difficulty and duration ratings are subjective and will not be representative of everyone's experience.

Disclaimer Disclaimer: Falling off a cliff, drowning in a river, or being eaten by a bear is still a better way to go than dying of a heart attack while sitting in traffic on the way to the office.