Adventure Out

Whiterock Mountain

By Peter McIntosh

On this springtime adventure we’re hiking on the Bartram Trail in North Carolina to Whiterock Mountain. And just to be sure, Whiterock Mountain is not Whiteside Mountain although they are both near Highlands and they both have big rock faces. Whiterock is part of a ridgeline that includes Scaly Mountain, Jones Knob and Fishhawk Mountain. This is a moderate trail, mostly level with a bit of a descent and then an ascent at the end. It’s 1.8 miles on the Bartram Trail and the 3/10 mile on the side trail leading out to the rock face of the mountain which makes it a 4.2 mile round trip.

From the trailhead at Jones Gap, there’s an information billboard here, we head northwest on the Bartram Trail. (The Bartram Trail is marked with 2 x 6 yellow blazes.) Crossing under or around an iron gate, the foot path here is near level. In 2/10 mile you’ll reach a wildlife meadow, continue across the meadow and reenter the forest. At this point you’ll see a double yellow blaze indicating a sharp turn to the right. This is the junction with the side trail to Jones Knob. (Worth a visit if you have the time.) Now the trail passes along the east side of Jones Knob through Rhododendron thickets.

A bit farther along, you’ll pass through some of the largest Rhododendrons I’ve ever seen. These are like prehistoric Rhododendrons, really spectacular. The footpath then opens up and there is a short trail on the left, leading out to a rock face with views of Whiterock Mountain and the Tessentee Valley. Now the trail descends before reaching Whiterock Gap. There is a sign here marking a side trail leading 800 feet down to Stevens Creek. This is a poorly marked trail and not a dependable water source. (Bring plenty of water.) The path now ascends and begins turning to the left. After passing a small sign which marks a short trail to another intermittent spring, it’s 1/10 mile to the Whiterock Mountain side trail on the left. And as the sign says, it’s 3/10 mile up and over the mountain and out to the rock face. Once you’re out on the rock, the climb down to the best viewing spots is a bit steep so be careful.

You’ll find some nice places to sit and enjoy the view from here but again, be careful. This is a real payoff! What a view! Layers and layers of mountains as far as the eye can see. To the west, across the Little Tennessee River Valley, is Albert Mountain, Pickens Nose and Ridgepole Mountain in North Carolina and to the southwest, back in Georgia, is Keener Mountain, Glassy Mountain, Blackrock Mountain and Tiger Mountain. Please give yourself time on this trip to sit out on this rock face for a while, have a snack, catch some rays, enjoy the moment. Happy hiking!

April showers bring poetic powers?

Maybe not but here’s my poem anyway:

Over a field and down through some rhodies, We’re visiting an outcropping that puts on a showdie. With views o’er the river valley and a far distant ridgeline, Whiterock Mountain is well worth your time.

Getting there: From Hwy 441 in Dillard, take Hwy 246, towards Highlands, once in North Carolina this road becomes Hwy 106. From Dillard, it’s 10.2 miles to Turtle Pond Road on the left. After turning left, immediately turn left again. In 2/10 mile, come to an intersection with Hickory Nut Gap road on left. Bear to the right on Turtle Pond Road and continue a little over 3 miles to the intersection with paved Dendy Orchard Road. Turn left on Dendy Orchard Road and when the pavement ends, go 3/10 mile to Bartram Trail access road on the left. Follow this road for 2 miles to the parking area. Follow the trail leading northwest. The arrow at the information sign points towards Buckeye Creek.

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com