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Green Knob Lookout Tower via Green Knob Trail - Pisgah National Forest, NC

1,886 views · Published 10 May 2017 · 17:48 · Indexed 11 October 2026

Channel: Zachary Robbins · 2017 · Travel & Events

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After the freak May 5-6 snowfall the visibility was perfect for hiking on Sunday. This was the first of two medium-length hikes I did in Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, in the shadow of the snow-capped Black Mountains. I took the Green Knob Trail from the Black Mountain Campground, which climbs Lost Cove Ridge to Green Knob. Although it climbs over 2,000 feet in 3 miles, it isn't that difficult. There are some nice views as the trail climbs high, including an open viewpoint north of the Black Mountains and the South Toe River Valley. You can see the Roan Highlands and Grandfather Mt further north, neither are visible from the summit.

Green Knob is listed at 5,060 feet, but that's not the true height. The tower lies just south of the summit where the exact elevation is unknown, just above 5,080 ft. No one bothers to bag this I think, the tower is the main attraction. Built in 1931, this is one of the nicer lookout towers in the state. Unfortunately the top cab is locked, which means you cannot see above the trees to the north and east. But there are still great views from the stairs of the Hickory Nut Mts and Swannanoa Mtns to the south, Graybeard Mt and Pinnacle to the west with the Great Craggy Mtns poking up behind, and the Black Mtns dominating the northwest horizon. Snow was still present on Mt. Mitchell. This is one of best views of the Black Mtns. In the video I mistakenly refer to Bullhead Mt as Thunderhead Mt, I forgot to check the map.

This video is pretty long for a short hike, but I was experimenting with my new LG G6 phone and StickPic. I took the video clips at the preset quality, FHD 16:9, but I may try a higher setting next time.

Hike was 5.9 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Hike location
https://goo.gl/maps/HvcxbL8hz6nBASoJ9

Hike report
http://www.hikingupward.com/PNF/GreenKnobLookoutTower/

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