Dec 12 Laurel Knob; another fine mess

Poplars

Laurel Knob is located just north of Old Fort, NC in the Curtis Creek drainage. Our scramble up was a torturous one. We drove up Curtis Creek Road just past the campground, parked and crossed the creek. There were not many options except follow the unnamed side creek. We were able to do this but high up on the right side. The terrain was very steep and we were walking on a cross slope  the entire time. Footing was never good. The loose soil would always slip a bit with every step. I found using one pole to steady myself helped greatly. With a steep cross slope there is a fine line to keeping your balance. Often just a loose branch or small twig is all you need to maintain your balance. 

The cascade

We'd heard there were big trees here. Old growth Poplars and Chestnut oaks. We saw some but I'd seen many larger in the Smokies and Joyce Kilmer. We were also looking for a nice cascade about 30 minutes into the scramble. We did locate it but I did not want to expend the energy needed to get a close shot.

We continued on in very difficult terrain which eventually eased. Then the rhododendron and laurel began. It seemed to never end. We were able to remain upright through most of it but I was tiring of ducking and getting my pack snagged.

Around 12:30 we had to stop and eat something. After looking at the map and checking out elevation, it was disheartening to learn we may have only gained half the elevation to the top. We were tired and never saw the big trees we had hoped for. Turning back was an option but we pushed higher. It was about an hour and a quarter later, we popped out on the Green Knob Trail. We still had 3 miles to go but the trail was a breeze compared to what we'd just done.

Pinnacle 

This is the view looking west. Pinnacle is the distinct peak. We have hiked up it via Heartbreak Ridge many times.

Linville Gorge on left

Our hike back was nice. We stopped at a rock outcrop, Snook's Nose to finish our lunch. The last half mile of this trail is relatively flat but there is a section which is very steep. It was a slow descent here but I'm glad we were headed down.