Snowball Trail: Difference between revisions
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== Maps == | == Maps == | ||
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. --> | <!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. --> | ||
<display_map | <display_map type="terrain" width="auto" height="600" gkml="https://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Snowball_Mountain_Trail.kml"> | ||
35.699600,-82.399000~Trailhead parking~ ~MarkerA.png | 35.699600,-82.399000~Trailhead parking~ ~MarkerA.png | ||
Latest revision as of 11:12, 7 January 2023
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Trail Overview[edit]
Without the fire tower, the primary use of this trail is a challenging climb, involving some bouldering, to Hawkbill Rock for the valley views.
How to get there[edit]
From Johnson City, TN:
- Take I-26 south into North Carolina.
- Take Exit 18 (Weaverville).
- Follow US-19 south.
- Turn left/east onto SR-1003 (Reems Creek Road) for just over three miles.
- Turn right/east onto Ox Creek Road.
- Turn left/east onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for 8 miles to around MM 368.
- Turn left into Craggy Gardens Recreation Area and travel 0.5 mile.
- Park at trailhead by Mountains-to-Sea sign at gated gravel Forest Road 63 (Stony Fork Road).
Route Description[edit]
The yellow-blazed Snowball Trail follows this general route:
| Distance (mi) | Elevation (ft) | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 4900 | Trailhead at Beetree Gap |
| 0.1 | Split with Mountains-to-Sea Trail | |
| 0.25 | Stone stair switchbacks | |
| 0.7 | 5380 | Top of Big Snowball Mountain |
| 1.3 | 4800 | Steep climb onto Hawkbill Rock |
| 2.5 | Snowball Gap | |
| 3 | 4740 | Side peak on Little Snowball Mountain |
| 3.6 | Former location of Little Snowball Firetower |
The Snowball Trail splits off to the right/NW from the MTS Trail. Follow the ridgeline! A common destination for this trail is to have a picnic on Hawkbill Rock which has nice valley views. Later, a jeep road is followed through turn-around area – warning: take the furthest left road to continue up to Little Snowball Mountain to where the fire tower former stood. Trees here have unfortunately blocked most of the views.
Typical Conditions[edit]
Not a heavily used trail, thus brushy growth invades the trail. Some of the route after a mile will involve climbing over boulders – maybe on hands.
Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]
Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash. They may require assistance to scramble over the boulders.
After the Hike[edit]
Misc. Information[edit]
The Little Snowball fire tower was purchased, taken apart and carried down the mountain in pieces, and finally reassembled at the Big Ivy Historical Campus, SE of Barnardsville (35.76112,-82.43127 coordinates), which was the site of the CCC camp who built the fire tower.
Maps[edit]
Photos[edit]
- Placeholder.jpg