Incredible Views - Short Moderate Hike
 PDF Printable Version of Jones Mountain Hike
This is one of those hikes where the car does most of the
climbing. The parking lot is located over 4000 ft at
Jones Knob on the Bartram Trail. The trail to the top
is less than 1 mile and climbs moderately at the most less
than 500 vertical feet. Plus the views are
stunning. The location though is remote on a US
Forest Service gravel road which we accessed using a SUV
though we did see some cars at the parking lot too.To get to the trail head,
start at the intersection of US 64 and NC 106. Travel north US 64 toward Franklin NC.
Pass a small lake on the left in approximately 1.5
miles. Pass Bridal
Veil Falls on right and then Dry Falls on left. After
approximately 4 miles, turn left off of US 64 onto Turtle
Pond Road. Immediately the road crosses a bridge over the Cullasaja
River and in approximately 1 mile bear right onto Dendy
Orchard Road. Follow the road for approximately 1.5
miles ascending. Then bear left onto a US Forest Service
Road. The road eventually turns to gravel and climbs
steeply with switchbacks ending at a gravel parking lot in
approximately 1.5 miles.
From the parking lot you can hike a very short distance
to some dramatic views. To get to the views cross the
Bartram Trail and follow a short unmarked path downhill
toward the southeast. This trail is approximately 500
ft long and deadends along the top of a open rock
ledge. Use care along the ledges since there are no
physical barriers and the trail is unimproved here. Return
to Jones Gap parking area along the same path.
At Jones Gap bear northwest along the ridgeline on an
old woods road passing a closed gate following yellow
blazes. The trail passes through woods then crosses an open
field. At the fields opposite edge (0.25 miles) bear left
at fork exiting the Bartram Trail (sign-see below). The trail narrows to a foot path
and ascends Jones Knob with intermittent views towards the
left (west and south west). The trail reaches the summit 4622 ft
at 0.6 miles. Return to parking lot along the same path.
Other
nearby hikes in the Nantahala National Forest - White
Side Mountain - Albert Mountain.
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