Chestnut Knob Trail

Pleasant Grove, NC – The Chestnut Knob Trail is located in South Mountain State Park, just southwest of Hickory. Starting at the Jacob Fork parking area, a short hike past the picnic area and amphitheater on the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail leads to the trailhead. Although it starts out steep, the trail levels off and makes a gentle climb to the top of Chestnut Knob, before heading out to the overlook. At 1.8 miles (one-way), the trail ascends around 918′ and can be finished in around 2 hours (out and back).

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Trail Description

Although there are many trails within the park, the Chestnut Knob Trail takes hikers to a high observation spot where one can look over the whole valley below. Starting at the Jacob Fork parking area, head to the main trailhead. Take the High Shoals Falls Loop Trail, past the picnic area, past the restrooms, past the amphitheater, until you reach the trailhead for the Chestnut Knob Trail on the right.

The first portion is fairly steep. Switchbacks wind up and around until you reach a small junction. Taking a right leads to the Jacob Fork Overlook, going left continues up the trail. After crossing a minor stream, and then climbing up a small staircase to the Chestnut knob, you will reach another junction. Taking a left here continues on to the Chestnut Knob Overlook.

At the next crest, the trail begins to head down again, this time for the last time before emerging onto an outcropping of rocks – this is the overlook you were working towards. The view is impressive and well worth the moderately strenuous hike. If hiked earlier in the day, you could certainly combine it with one of the many other trails for an entire day of hiking.