Distance

1.2 mi to summit

5.1 mi total

Elevation

3,186 ft start

3,612 ft max

Vertical

431 ft gain

Time

1 hr 21 min to summit

3 hr 20 min total

Awesome vista on the southeast ridge of Steel Trap Knob above a rock face that is visible from Georgia highway 60! (See photos in FULL LOG at Steel Trap Knob under Other peaks climbed on this trip!) Terry and I hiked north bound a short distance from Woody Gap on the Appalachian Trail before turning to the right and entering a large amphitheater bowl feature with double deck rock faces. After exploring this feature, we hiked a trail up the right side and turned left onto a trail up Steel Trap Knob. Chaps were very useful as briars grew over the trail. I went off trail to find the highest point near National Forest bearing tree signs. We continued down a trail on the southeast ridge until we saw cairns to both sides of a tree on the right side of the trail. A short distance to the right of the trail was the top of the rock face above highway 60 with the most awesome view! We hiked back up the ridge trail to the peak of Steel Trap Knob, then turned right toward Jacobs Knob. After summiting Jacobs Knob, we headed down toward the AT and found an old trail to follow down. We hiked the AT up the southwest ridge of Big Cedar Mountain to Preachers Rock, another outstanding vista. Though tempted to continue to the peak of Big Cedar, we decided to return on the AT to Woody Gap.

Route name

Jacobs Knob 5.1 mi route

loop
Obstacles

bushwhacking

Key gear

trekking poles, chaps

Other peaks climbed on this trip