Pickens Nose Mtn, NC | Southern Explorer

Just like nearby Albert Mountain hike, this short loop trail gets you over 5,000 feet and an open view with just a short hike from a long twisty gravel road ride. On top there are great views to the east at the first lookoff (apprx 0.2 miles) and toward the south at Pickens Nose itself (0.7 miles).

The trail ascends gently to the summit ridge in approximately 0.2 mile (side trail on left to eastern view off of ledge). Return to main trail which roller coasters along small rises and drops. At 0.7 the trail ends on an open ledge with views toward the south. Trail is mostly in woods. Return along same path.

Another nearby hike is Waslick Poplar Tree. See map below for more details.

Pickens Nose Nantahala National Forest near Franklin NC
view from end of Trail, Pickens Nose in Nantahala National Forest, NC

End of Trail to Pickens Nose Nantahala National Forest near Franklin NC
Pickens Nose Trail, Nantahala National Forest

Miles	1.1 (round trip)
Road Maps	Road Maps: Western North Carolina Map North Carolina Highway Map
Other Area Guides	Nantahala National Forest and Bartram Trail Guides Trekking the Southern Appalachians Other SC Guides USA Guides North Carolina Atlas & Gazetteer
Local Lodging	Franklin NC North Carolina

Distance (approximate in miles)
0.0	Start
0.2	Ledge with view toward east
0.7	End of trail on ledge - view to south into Georgia
1.4	Return to starting point