Strike a Pose on the Nose - Nantahala Wilderness

sponsor

Print-Friendly Version

Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)

Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

Strike a Pose on the Nose - Nantahala Wilderness

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Pickens Nose

Hike: Strike a Pose on the Nose - Nantahala Wilderness

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Jul 26 2025 9:30 am >> Sat, Jul 26 2025 2:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sat, Jul 19 2025 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Jul 26 2025 6:00 am

Event Duration:

4 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

7.2 Miles

Pace:

Leisurely

Trip Leader(s):

Deema

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Let's go to Nantahala Wilderness, which in Cherokee means “land of the noon day sun”. The steep walls of the mountains block the sun from reaching the valley floors until noon, thus the Cherokee’s description.

I recently went to Pickens Nose and Albert Mountain with Gary L. It was so much fun that I wanted to do it again!

The total hike is 7.2 miles and 1700 feet elevation gain.

We will hike 0.7miles to Pickens Nose, have fun on the spectacular rock outcroppings sitting at over 4900ft of elevation, it's a great spot for a photo op with amazing views.

Then we will head back down and walk on the service road (Ball Creek Rd) for 0.6mi, turn on the Appalachian Trail for a steep 1.6mi uphill to Big Butt (yes it's the official name) then to Albert Mountain fire tower.

Albert Mountain is in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest, the Appalachian Trail goes along its summit, which is around 5,200ft.

Albert Mountain is named after a local resident: Albert Siler (1829-1904).

In 1951, a 55ft steel fire tower was built on Albert Mountain's summit to provide fire detection for the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory.

The tower views include the Nantahala Mountains and the Little Tennessee River valley, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Great Balsam Mountains.

We will enjoy some cool breeze when we climb the tower, then head back the steep downhill, take the service road again, and head back to Pickens Nose for a picturesque lunch break.

Required Items to Bring:

Your best in front of camera pose

A lot of hydration

Lunch / Snack

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

The drive last 5.5miles is on service road

Trailhead address: Pickens Nose Trailhead, Ball Creek Rd, Otto, NC 28763

Google Map directions to trailhead:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/m2rLmSYSEabfWKsm9

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

220Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $88.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Registration for this event opens at 7/19/2025 7:00:00 PM