Snake Mountain is one of the Amphibolite mountains in western NC. It has two distinct peaks (South and North) with a mile long ridge between them. I have been on the South peak before, accessing it off Rich Mountain Rd. New signage posted along the road, indicates the owners no longer welcome hikers. So, it is off to another private access point on Meat Camp Road where I've read the owner is more welcoming.
The entrance to the private land is through this locked gate, with the chain just sufficiently long enough to get through. There is a Leave no Trace sign immediately after entering. Further up the mountain, another sign indicates hikers are welcome as long as the property is respected.
I think I'm looking at The Peak Mtn, just north of Elk Knob.
The route up the mountain is rather short but quite steep. In the lower 7/10s of a mile we are walking on a cleared road through fields. There are expansive view east and north. A large rock outcrop is reached and then the trail disappears into the woods by an old campsite. There is a overlook with a view of the Sunalei Preserve.
Here is a shot of the road to the top of the Sunalei Preserve. I noticed a trail coming from its main club lodge at the top of the road. The trail snaked its way through a gap in the rocks. At the top of this gap, I got the most delightful breeze both on my way up and back down.
At 5518', Snake Mountain has commanding views in all directions. The day was a bit hazy but I could make out most of the Amphibolite Mountains, Beech, Sugar, Hanging Rock, Grandfather and Roan. The Blacks were in the haze as were the Linville mountains and Grayson highlands.
Elk Knob
The last 3/10s mile is a gnarly climb. There are several trails following the ridge. Pick your choice, they all lead the same way. It is quite a scramble anyway you do it. At the top, I'd climbed 1146' and geotracker measured 1.16 miles and 18% average grade. Wow.
The trail just barely slips through here.
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