It’s Private, but Worth it.
Growing up, many of my summers were spent in the scenic locales of western North Carolina. Places like Beech Mountain, Boone, Blowing Rock, Highlands, and Cashiers served as a cool refuge from South Florida’s sizzle. It was our escape, with hopes of maybe catching a snowflake or two and experiencing the thrill of sliding down a mountain. On one memorable trip, we introduced the kids to trout fishing and gem panning in the very regions I had grown to love during my childhood. This introduction evidently left a mark, as our youngest later chose Appalachian State University in Boone for college. An added perk for us: he, along with his hiking-enthusiast friends, would occasionally rope us into their adventures.
Beyond the Fire Tower
On a particular hike around Moses Cone Park we stood above the clouds and looked out from the Fire Tower. The Fire Tower is a great turnaround point from the parking area and just a superb place to get inspired (on a clear day that is). While atop the tower, conversation naturally drifted towards everyone’s favorite trails. Snake Mountain emerged as the unanimous favorite, but it was one I hadn’t heard of before. Obviously I now had a longstanding desire to hike it, but there was a hitch: it was privately owned and the recent owner had restricted public access. However, through some fortuitous connections, we managed to secure permission for a hike one crisp November day. It was an opportunity too good to pass up.
We Got Permission?
The allure of Snake Mountain isn’t just its challenging terrain; the trail meanders from North Carolina into Tennessee and back. The hike, though just 2 miles, is no walk in the park. It took us an hour and 37 minutes of actual hiking and just over two hours in total, given the hefty elevation gain of 1,427 feet. Factor in some fresh snow and a few icy patches, and you understand our cautious pace. While I’ve tried to capture the majesty of the views, especially those across from Elk Knob State Park, in my attached pictures, they fall short of the real deal.
That day, with its combination of splendid weather, a challenging hike, and the best of company, is one I’ll always fondly recall. A great day in a great place with some truly great people. I only found out later that we didn’t actually have the owners permission and were probably lucky we didn’t have to dance around buckshot.
