Snake Mountain

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AM Snake Mountain South Summit.jpg
Trail Name Snake Mountain
Nearest City Todd
State North Carolina
Trail Marking
Trail Use/Features Dnr hiking.png
Difficulty Rating Hard
Hiking Time 4 hours0.25 Days <br />240 Min <br />
Distance, round-trip 3.75 miles6.035 km <br />
Climb/Descent Elevation 1,5701,570 Feet <br />478.536 Meters <br /> / -1,568-1,568 Feet <br />-477.926 Meters <br />
High Point 5,5795,579 Feet <br />1,859.667 Yards <br />1,700.479 Meters <br />
Nearest Medical Boone, NC
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Trail Overview[edit]

I've always called this the "best bang for your buck" hike. It's fairly short, has spectacular views along the way and feels "off the beaten path" even though it is right across the valley from Elk Knob State Park.

Snake Mountain is an Amphibolite mountain north of Boone NC. The mountain has two distinct summits.

North Summit (5,522 ft)

  • On the Tennessee / North Carolina line
  • It is the high point of Johnson County TN
  • 360 degree views
  • Summit is marked by a metal spike

South Summit (5,593 ft)

  • Highest point of the mountain
  • 100% in North Carolina
  • Does not have any views
  • A little farther south of the summit, there is an open meadow that has great 180 degree views looking west towards Rich Mountain, Grandfather Mountain and the ski areas.
  • This open meadow is sometimes mistaken as the south summit

How to get there[edit]

Google Maps Driving Directions

Route Description[edit]

The parking area is a small gravel lot across from the start of the trail.

There is a large gate that you have to crawl under to start this hike. The gate is not posted Private Property.


Miles Snake Mountain Elevation
0.0 miles Parking Area 4,218 feet
0.1 miles Gate 4,221 feet
0.7 miles Plaque for Council Main 4,843 feet
0.85 miles Metal pole 5,056 feet
1.0 miles Arrive at ridgeline. Continue south 5,282 feet
1.2 miles North Summit 5,522 feet
1.75 miles South Summit 5,579 feet
1.9 miles Meadow before dropping off the ridgeline. 5,523 feet
2.7 miles Private Home, take driveway down 4,727 feet
3.0 miles Back at road, road walk .75 miles back to car 4,488 feet
3.75 miles Parking area 4,218 feet

Typical Conditions[edit]

  • The trail conditions vary but for the most part it is rough, rocky, faint, overgrown and sort of feels like a bushwhack.
  • I assume it used to be a maintained trail as you can occasionally see old faded yellow blazes but those are few and far between
  • Some mild rock scrambling is required especially on the northern section
  • The northern ascent to the ridgeline is open field with spectacular views the entire way
  • The northern section and ridgeline has lots of clifftops and rock outcrops
  • On the way up the northern section, there is some sort of metal pole that you can climb up for a better view if you’re brave
  • From the southern meadow on the ridgeline, besides the main trail back to Meat Camp Road, there is also a faint manway down to Rich Mountain Road. Bear in mind that the road walk from Rich Mountain Gap is 4.5 miles back to your car! Probably better done as a shuttle

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

NOTE The trail over Snake Mountain is almost entirely on private property. The land owners are hiker friendly and there aren't any access issues as of now. Please respect the land so that access will remain open for everyone in the future.

After the Hike[edit]

Misc. Information[edit]

Maps[edit]

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Photos[edit]