Chestnut Knob Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a very popular day hiking trail. Expect to bump into many people out on trail.

The trail starts near the main parking area at SOMO after about a quarter mile run on H.Q. Trail. Look for the trail on the right. The trail is broken up into two portions, the switchbacks and the mellow track. The first 0.7 miles uses many switchbacks and steps as it ascends to the Jacob Fork Gorge Overlook where you can catch a distant view of High Shoals Falls.

After the overlook, the trail mellows out and takes a more gentle gradient path to the top of the ridge. Once at a doubletrack intersection, go left to the Chestnut Knob Overlook with grand views of the South Mountains and the Piedmont. On a clear day, you can see the skyline of Charlotte from here. Return back on the doubletrack where you can take the Chestnut Knob-Sawtooth Connector Trail which dead ends into Sawtooth Trail. From here make a loop or return back to the trailhead the same way you came.