Summit
trail_hike_comments: Climbs from the parking area to the summit, thru switchbacks as it goes. Crosses over an old road (which used to be the main route to the summit) several times on the way. Travels through a northern hardwood forest, which is open and attractive; near the top, the trees turn into miniature versions of the ones lower down the mountain, barely more than head-high. Carpets of wildflowers blanket the slopes in early spring. There's no real water to speak of except possibly one tiny tributary crossing after sustained heavy rains. There are some limited (especially wintertime) views on the way up; the view from the top is spectacular and there are two main overlooks: one facing north, and one facing south.
Peaks visible from the summit include The Peak, Three Top and Bluff Mountains, Mount Jefferson, Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Mt Rogers (VA), and the Iron Mountains in Virginia and Tennessee., trail_bike_comments: None