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Summary: First, pick up a map at the ranger station. Follow HQ trail away from the parking area. After you pass the amphitheater on the left, look for Chestnut Knob trail on the right. Follow Chestnut Knob Trail for half a mile to the Jacob Fork River Gorge Overlook. Note: This first half mile is the steepest and most strenuous section of this trail. From this overlook you have nice distant views of the 80 ft. High Shoals Falls. Return to the main trail and walk until you come to a T-intersection. Turn left towards the Chestnut Knob Overlook. At the trail junction with a hiker sign and arrow, turn left and follow the trail to an exposed rock outcrop. Be careful here! Watch your footing! Return back to the parking area along the same route. Trailhead: The trailhead is located in the Jacob Fork Parking Area at South Mountains State Park. From Morganton, NC, take exit 105 on I-40 and follow the brown and white signs to the park. The park is approximately 20 miles south of I-40. Once you enter the park, drive to the end of the road to the Ranger Station and Jacob Fork Parking Area. (Lat:35.60106 Lon:-81.63342) Trail Guides for Chestnut Knob Hike: North Carolina Hiking Trails by Allen de Hart (Appalachian Mountain Club Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: South Mountains State Park - 828-433-4772 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tim Johnson, who has posted 15 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Zack on 7/12/2009 This was a nice little hike. I had the trail to myself, even on a holiday weekend Saturday. I also did the Falls loop, which was very crowded. Chestnut Knob is pretty much a steady slog, steeper at the start, with a lot of switchbacks, for the first couple of miles. There are some nice views of the gorge and the surrounding hills. The last hundred yards up to Chestnut Knob, the trail gets pretty narrow. The view off Chestnut Knob is nice. Bring water and a hiking staff.
Reviewed by Jay on 3/29/2009 MUCH improvement in trail markings since last time I hiked this. Not too bad a climb and the view is well worth it. If you are in good shape, consider a longer loop: hike up past High Shoals Falls, take upper falls trail (great vistas of Blue Ridge in a couple spots) and pick your way around the back of Chestnut Knob. The descent on the main Chestnut Knob trail a great way to end the day.
Reviewed by AAli on 12/10/2007 Tried this hike on Thanksgivings day with nary a soul around. I underestimated the strain of the hike, and forgot to carry water! I suggest being prepared. Started walking up at 3:50, and got to Chestnut Knob a little before 5. Outstanding views for sure. Here are some pics i took up there. http://www.flickr.com/photos/21255396@N08/ 
Reviewed by LH on 8/11/2007 This was a pretty tough hike for me - the first half-mile was definitely steep. The view at the overlook was breathtaking and probably worth the hike, but I was so exhausted from hiking up and the 90+ degree weather that it was hard to enjoy it. Next time, I think I would go much slower and bring a few snacks for breaks! The hike down was much easier with gravity helping. I think I'll go collapse in a heap now. 
Reviewed by Gene on 7/1/2007 This hike is pretty good, as mentioned earlier the first 1/2 mile is the hardest but after that it is moderate. The extra walk out to Jacob Fork Overlook and Chestnut Knob are worth it. More overlooks are needed on this trail, the views are really awesome in spots and should be incorporated into the trail better. We would hike it again if we come back to the park.
Reviewed by RickM on 1/6/2007 The park is now open again. The first 1/2 mile of this hike is steep, though it's not too bad. Climb a bit, level off a bit, then climb more. Once you hit the ridge it's easy. The Jacob Forge overlook is pretty, on a clear day you can easily see the falls. Chestnut Knob is great, on a clear day you can see Charlotte (look SE, Charlotte is to the left of Carpenter's Bald). I love the stroll from the ridge over to Chestnut Knob.
Reviewed by Nicole on 4/13/2006 My Boyfriend took me to South Mountain for my birthday (4-8-2005) {i turned 18} but he said it was a place that his parents took him as a child along with his sister, and so we went up for the day and this weekend (April 14th thru April 16th) we are goin to go camping. We hope to get a spot up there to camp if not oh well but i just wanted to put in my little experience and maybe when we return i will put it on here thanks!
Reviewed by TJ on 7/2/2004 Please Note: South Mountains State Park is currently closed. Call before you go. More details: www.ncsparks.net Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Burke County Hiking, Burke County Trails, Burke County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||