John Rock/Butter Gap Loop
9.0 mi
Distance
4 hrs 43 min
Time
terrain
1,346 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail around Cedar Rock in North Carolina.
This trail goes by Cedar Rock Creek Falls, Butter Gap Shelter, Sandy Gap, Cat Gap, and takes in excellent views from John Rock. During colder months mountain bikers use these trails heavily. Be cautious when descending for bikes approaching at high speed from behind.
Getting Started
From the junction of US 64 and 276 in Brevard take US 276 North, following signs for the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and turn left onto the road to the center. The trail leaves behind at the gate immediately to the left of the building.
Taking Children
This is a challenging hike for children under 10. Use caution at the summit of John Rock. The cliffs are steeply sloped and can be dangerous when wet or icy.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Public Tracks
Pisgah Forest Hiking - Butter Gap
My first hike with the Carolina Mountain Club. Was excellent with great company. Most were from that area and had better mountain legs than I but I kept up. Pretty footsore but glad to be making these connections. Saw a snake which I'm still trying to ID. Again Hiking Poles saved my life on the downhills.
As far as Wildflowers there were none blooming but saw leaves of Partridgeberry, Trailing Arbutus, Trout Lily And Rattlesnake Weed.
Cedar Mountain Loop
Pics 1 - 3 Various cascades on the Cedar Rock Creek falls
Pic 4 A large/deep cave near the Cedar Rock Creek falls
Pic 5 Snow/Ice on the Butter Gap Trail
Pic 6 South view from Cedar Rock Mountain (including ice on the mtn face
Pic 7 West view from Cedar Rock Mountain
Pic 8 View of Looking Glass from John Rock
Pisgah Forest Hiking - Butter Gap
My first hike with the Carolina Mountain Club. Was excellent with great company. Most were from that area and had better mountain legs than I but I kept up. Pretty footsore but glad to be making these connections. Saw a snake which I'm still trying to ID. Again Hiking Poles saved my life on the downhills.
Track (9/3/16, 9:30:58AM)
Cat Gap, Art Loeb and Butter Gap. What a great hike!
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