HOGBACK MOUNTAIN
|
 |
| LOCATION:
Western North Carolina |
| HIKE
STARTS: SR 1301 (Cold Mt Gap) |
| HIKE ENDS:
SR 1301 (Cold Mt Gap) |
| TOTAL
DISTANCE: 6.2 Miles |
| HIKE TYPE:
In and Out, Backtrack Hike |
| HIKE
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult |
| TRAILS
USED: Greenland Creek, Hogback Mt Trails |
| TRAIL
TRAFFIC: Moderate |
| TRIP TYPE:
Day or Overnight Hike |
| MANAGEMENT:
Nantahala NF |
HIGHLIGHTS: The National
Forest Service acquired Panthertown Valley in 1989 from Duke Power in a deal
coordinated by the Nature Conservancy. Surprisingly, the area is still
relatively wild with no blazes on the trails and only a few primitive campsites.
However there are an amazing number of waterfalls that are packed into a
relatively small area and they many have pools at their base which make for a great
place to swim or fish. Just make sure you take a map and compass on your hike.
There are many intersecting trails in the area and route finding can be
difficult.
This backtrack hike starts at Cold Mountain
Gap, descends in the first mile to Greenland Creek then after a stream ford
climbs to a major trail intersection for Little Green, Big Green, and Hogback
Mountains. To reach Hogback Mountain, make a sharp turn to the left and
head south up to the summit. This is the southernmost point in Panthertown
Valley and it sits right on the Tennessee Valley Divide. From here,
backtrack to your vehicle at the trailhead.
