Hike Walnut Mountain and Bluff Mountain Pisgah National Forest, NC

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Walnut Mountain and Bluff Mountain are two peaks along the Appalachian Trail. I wanted to get these two mostly just for their general remoteness and to check out a new area. Ultimately, the hike wasn't particularly unique, but I enjoyed the forest walk.

Starting from Lemon Gap, I headed along the Appalachian Trail, all forested except for one small meadow just before reaching the Walnut Mountain AT shelter. A short detour along a social trail led to just below the summit of Walnut Mountain, where a fern-covered short bushwhack led to its true summit.

Back on the AT, I headed down a relatively steep (by AT standards) bit to Kale Gap. Google Maps had this listed as a road, but there was only a very old and overgrown hiking trail at this junction. I started back up the other side of Kale Gap toward Bluff Mountain, where more pretty forest with a more open feeling made this section the highlight of the hike, in my opinion. Bluff Mountain's summit is just a few boulders and no view.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Walnut Mountain

4280 ft

560 rise

Bluff Mountain

4686 ft

1126 rise

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Starting from Lemon Gap, headed up the Appalachian Trail.

Slow ascent to Walnut Mountain.

Minor creek crossing.

Slow

Fog started setting in, but I didn't miss out on much since this hike had minimal views.

Entering a meadow on the west knob of Walnut Mountain, which isn't the high point.

This would have been the only spot for views, but I'm not sure they'd be great anyway.

Descending to the saddle between the west and east bumps of Walnut Mountain, the Walnut Mountain shelter visible ahead.

Short detour to get to the Walnut Mountain summit via this social trail.

After bagging Walnut Mountain, back on the Appalachian Trail to descend to the saddle of Walnut Mountain and Bluff Mountain (Kale Gap).

Kale Gap. Google Maps had a "road" here, so I was surprised to find only the faintest hint of a trail. It doesn't even translate in the photo.

Ascending to Bluff Mountain.

Just a pleasant forest walk to Bluff Mountain.

Bluff Mountain summit rocks.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!