Watching for Snakes
There’s something about North Carolina’s trails that just sticks with you, and this hike is no exception. It’s also where I picked up an unexpected, yet endearing nickname: “Old Goat”.
My journey kicked off in a somewhat cramped parking space near Black Mountain, right behind Montreat College. From there, the trail threw an immediate challenge, leading to a steep climb just to get to the trailhead. Here’s where things got a tad unnerving. A sign warned of rattlesnakes. Now, I have a thing with snakes – basically, they make my skin crawl. And rattlers? They top that list.
Past the snake warning, the trail revealed its relentless nature. A series of never-ending steps and platforms stretched upwards. I’ve always leaned towards ascents over descents, so I embraced the climb. And as I powered on, I bypassed group after group. Families with young kids, college students taking a breather from academics; it was like a cross-section of hiking enthusiasts. But one interaction stood out. As I passed a young family, I overheard the mother, trying to encourage her lagging son, comment about the “older man” making the climb. His reply was pure gold: “He doesn’t count; he’s an old goat”. Far from being offended, I took it as a compliment. After all, mountain goats are among the best climbers, right? That comment, believe it or not, gave me a bit of a pep in my step.
Having made it to the first peak and taking in the expansive view, it was time to move. Many chose to rest here, but I snapped a few photos and continued towards the Rattlesnake peak. This stretch was eerily quiet. I met no other hikers until I circled back to the parking area. The absence of fellow travelers, coupled with the knowledge of the park’s slithering residents, kept me on my toes. Though, given the cold of late November, I banked on the rattlers staying in. My one rule: stick to the path and steer clear of any suspicious-looking crevices.
The entire hike, spanning 2.75 miles and a good 1,000 feet elevation, would typically take about one hour and 45 minutes. But, with a spring in my step (thanks to my new title), I wrapped it up in a little over an hour and 15. Plus, I had my photos and, of course, the tale of how I became the “Old Goat”.
All in all, a stellar hike and one I’d jump at the chance to do again.
