Pickens Nose Trail Nantahala National Forest Franklin North Carolina
A short, rewarding hike in Nantahala National Forest leading to breathtaking clifftop views of the Appalachian wilderness.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical light and quick access
Pickens Nose Trail Nantahala National Forest Franklin North Carolina
Best Time
Magical light and quick access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, rewarding hike in Nantahala National Forest leading to breathtaking clifftop views of the Appalachian wilderness.
"The lookout was awesome but the walk was kinda rough."
🚗 AWD/4x4 Recommended
Gravel road to trailhead can be challenging. AWD or 4x4 is best, but low-clearance vehicles can make it with caution.
☁️ Embrace the Mist
Don't let clouds deter you! Misty days offer a unique, magical, and 'trippy' experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pickens Nose Overlook
Summit
A breathtaking clifftop vista of the southern Appalachian wilderness, especially magical in mist.
Misty Mountain Views
Trail and Summit
Experience a trippy, cloud-filled landscape as fog rolls by, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Scenic Drive
Access Road
Enjoy a winding, one-lane gravel road with potential for scenic pull-offs and views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle & Trail Prep
Weather & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 AWD/4x4 Recommended
Gravel road to trailhead can be challenging. AWD or 4x4 is best, but low-clearance vehicles can make it with caution.
☁️ Embrace the Mist
Don't let clouds deter you! Misty days offer a unique, magical, and 'trippy' experience.
🥾 Short but Steep
The hike is less than a mile, but expect a steady incline. Wear good shoes!
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook is spectacular, but there are other lookouts along the way too.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 AWD/4x4 Recommended
Gravel road to trailhead can be challenging. AWD or 4x4 is best, but low-clearance vehicles can make it with caution.
☁️ Embrace the Mist
Don't let clouds deter you! Misty days offer a unique, magical, and 'trippy' experience.
🥾 Short but Steep
The hike is less than a mile, but expect a steady incline. Wear good shoes!
📸 Capture the Views
The overlook is spectacular, but there are other lookouts along the way too.
🅿️ Limited Parking
The parking area is small, fitting only about 4 cars. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular clifftop views at Pickens Nose, calling them 'awesome' and 'spectacular' on clear days. The short hike is rewarding, though some note it's not for absolute beginners due to a steady incline. The drive up the gravel road is part of the adventure, with AWD/4x4 recommended but not strictly necessary for all. The misty, cloud-filled experience is also a highlight for many.
"Nice easy walk with a great view at the end. There are 2 or 3 lookouts on the way to pickens nose. I also liked the drive from Otto up there and then driving through past Standing Indian."
Desmond Strydom
"This was not for the beginner hiker at all. Some of the spots were real up hill . The lookout was awesome but the walk was kinda rough."
Brittney Standridge
"The drive up the one lane dirt path 5 miles up the side of a mountain was worth it. Definitely recommend an AWD or 4x4 vehicle to get up. Once you get to the trailhead it's about half mile of steady incline to reach the end. There are done side trails along the way for different views. Parking area can fit about 4 cars"
Brittney Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessed via a 5-mile gravel road off Highway 64. While AWD or 4x4 is recommended due to tight turns and potential washouts, low-clearance vehicles can make it with careful driving.
No, the road is unpaved gravel and can be rough in spots. It's a single-lane road for much of its length.
Many recommend the northern approach for easier road conditions. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Yes, it's doable with a regular car, but be prepared for a slower pace and potential challenges, especially after rain.
The drive itself takes about 15-20 minutes from the main highway, but can be longer depending on road conditions and your vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pickens Nose Trail is located within the Nantahala National Forest and is free to access.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for Nantahala National Forest itself, but specific developed recreation areas might have day-use fees. Pickens Nose is not one of them.
As an outdoor trail, Pickens Nose is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking during daylight hours is recommended for safety.
No permit is required for hiking or parking at the Pickens Nose Trailhead.
While there are no designated campgrounds directly at the trailhead, dispersed camping is often permitted in Nantahala National Forest. Always check current regulations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to the main overlook is less than a mile each way, making it a relatively short but steep trek.
The trail has a steady incline, with an ascent of approximately 243 feet over the 1-mile stretch.
Yes, there are several other hikes and waterfalls in the vicinity, and some side trails offer different views along the way to Pickens Nose.
On a clear day, you'll get spectacular, panoramic views of the southern Appalachian wilderness. Misty days offer a unique, ethereal experience.
While short, the steady incline can be challenging for absolute beginners. It's considered moderate due to the steepness.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunset offers beautiful golden hour light. Misty or cloudy days can create dramatic, moody shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or misty shots.
The main clifftop overlook is the prime spot, but explore the side trails for unique perspectives and compositions.
Drone usage is subject to National Forest regulations. Check current FAA and Nantahala National Forest rules before flying.
Focus on sweeping mountain vistas, dramatic cloud formations, and the rugged beauty of the Appalachian landscape. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
📸 Landscape Photographers
The clifftop overlook provides sweeping vistas, and the opportunity for unique shots during misty or stormy weather is unparalleled. Be prepared for varying weather and bring appropriate gear, including a wide-angle lens and a tripod for those atmospheric shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Drive to Pickens Nose
Some travelers recommend the northern approach for potentially smoother road conditions.
The Pickens Nose Hiking Experience
It's important to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots to navigate the terrain comfortably. Along the trail, you'll find a few side trails and lookouts that offer different perspectives of the landscape.
Capturing the Magic of Pickens Nose
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during golden hour for sunset, which bathes the mountains in warm light.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive views. Don't forget your camera or smartphone, as the scenery is constantly evolving. Even on a misty day, the moody atmosphere can yield stunning, atmospheric shots that stand out from typical sunny mountain photos. +1
Social
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