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Graham County North Carolina Hiking Trails
Lookout Rock Trail
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Pets
must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed
recreation areas.
Nantahala National Forest
Length: 3.0 miles
Rating: Moderate/Strenuous
The Lookout Rock Trail is recommended for novices
or experienced hikers who are in good condition. It would be a challenge
for smaller children. With a group at a casual pace, allow 3 hours for the
round trip. For the more aggressive hiker, 1½-2 hours should be sufficient
time. Bring water and protective clothing if your trip is going to be more
than a few hours.
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At
the trail head an information sign is posted. The
trail is well used, particularly in the summer months. As you ascend to the
mountain top you will cross several streams several times each. These are
easy crossings if there has not been too much recent rain. About ½ mile into
your climb you will come upon a log bench. Make sure you turn right at this
bench and follow the stream bed up about 10 yards and look to your left and
you will see the trail again. For the next mile the trail is steep. Views
along the trail will vary with the seasons. Usually you can catch glimpses
of the Smoky Mountains and Fontana Lake.
When
you reach the ridge top you will see a sign
giving directions for the Appalachian Trail and Lookout Rock. Turn to your
right and proceed about 100 yards. You'll know when your there, there is a
very large rock that looks out over the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park and Fontana Lake to the north.
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Directions:
Lookout Rock Trail is located about 22 miles from Robbinsville in the
northwest part of Graham County, at Fontana Village. From Robbinsville,
travel 9.2 miles east on State Highway 143 until you reach the junction
with Highway 28. Turn left at the stop sign and proceed north on Highway
28 for approximately 10.8 miles to another stop sign. Turn left and
continue on Highway 28 North for another 2 miles looking for State Road
1246. Turn left on SR1246 and you will be inside Fontana Village. Follow
SR1246 making a right turn just past the General Store. Follow the signs
for the horse stables, but do not enter the stable road. At the stable
entrance SR1246 bears to the left and then a short distance turns to the
right. You will see signs for the trail just ahead on your left. Parking
is limited to the side of the road.
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