Huckleberry Knob
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
Details
Distance
1.77 miles
Elevation Gain
295 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Nathan Szwarc
A short, easy hike, located on the Scenic Cherohala Skyway. This hike crosses two beautiful balds and has 360 degree views of the Surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forests at the second bald.
Huckleberry Knob is the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District at 5,560 feet, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forest.
The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and begins at the parking lot between mile 8 and 9 up an old dirt road. You will go up the dirt road for about half a mile till you reach Oak Knob. Once you reach Oak Knob, which offers decent views, the road dissolves into two well worn tire tracks. Follow these tracks which lead across the middle off the bald towards Huckleberry Knob which is visible straight ahead. These tracks will lead to another dirt road on the other side of the bald. Follow this dirt road up .25 of a mile to Huckleberry Knob where you will reach the bottom of the bald. Hike the short ascent up to Huckleberry Knob where you will have 360 degree views.
Huckleberry Knob is a great overnight if you are short on time for a longer trip or if this is your first overnight. At the top of Huckleberry there is a fire pit. This hike is great anytime; however, sunrise is particularly spectacular. Make sure to bring a jacket or windbreaker as it does tend to be a few degrees cooler on top as you are extremely exposed. If you have any extra time you should see Falls Branch Falls on the Cherohala Skyway, and finish driving the Skyway end to end, which will give you expansive views the whole way and plenty of overlooks to stop at. As always make sure to pack out any and all trash and always leave the trails better than you found it.
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Reviews
This is probably my favorite bald in this area! The views here are amazing and the stars are even better. It can get very cold here in fall and winter so be prepared.
5.0
Caught a great sunset here the other day. Ironically, no one was around! Parked off the parkway at the Huckleberry Parking lot. Can’t wait to come back and camp here in the Spring for a couple nights.
5.0
This hike was so much fun to do in the snow but it made it extremely harder. There are a few big hills and it was soooo windy but it was beautiful and worth it, everywhere you could see had snow. In a few places the snow was knee deep and hard to walk in but it was an adventure!
4.0
I was browsing around for a place to have an off the beaten path experience of the full solar eclipse along the path of totality (this was within a few small miles of the path). Thankfully my friends and I set up camp early, because the knob ended up COVERED in tents (my brother counted around 100 the morning of the eclipse). The short hike was great, the environment was amazing and the star gazing/sunrises & sunsets were breathtaking. The only issue is there is no water for miles from here (some hikers spoke of water over the north side of the mountain, but was never confirmed). The nearest town, Robbinsville, has cell service and options for food and picking up water to carry in. Make sure to check out Joyce Kilmer on your way up or down the mountain - it's home to the oldest virgin trees on the east coast (around 450 years old!!) You'll definitely want to stop at the General Store along 143 just before hopping on the Cherohala Skyway. The owners of this little shop are the nicest and most fun people we met on the trip. This was one of my favorite adventures to date! Super thankful for this post to supply this adventure!
5.0
Fantastic place to overnight camp, some of the most incredible views in all of the south that I have experienced. We had a great night camping on top of the knob, it was pretty crazy because we saw forest fires popping up miles away. If you're just getting into backpacking/camping this would be a great first trip. I do wish the hike was longer but if you're running short on time this is the perfect location.
5.0
One of my favorite places around the cherohala skyway. Perfect quick hike with 360' panos! Bring your camera. :)
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike Hooper Bald
Hike to Whiggs Meadow
Backpack Slickrock Creek Trail #42
Hike to Falls Branch Falls
Hike Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop
Hike the Big Fat Gap Trail
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