Distance
0.3 mi to summit
3.4 mi total
Elevation
3,184 ft start
3,568 ft max
Vertical
558 ft gain
Time
33 min to summit
2 hr 8 min total
Hiked Duncan Ridge Trail from Bryant Gap over Buck Knob to West Wildcat Knob and back over Buck Knob. Both peaks are light bushwhacks near the trail, but much of the trail here has briars leaning over in the way. The east ridge of Buck Knob is about as challenging as the west ridge of Buckeye Knob; both will buck you off if you’re not careful. The most challenging part of Buck Knob is a large rock face that has nice views from the top. Buck Knob has twin peaks; the east peak is sharper, so at first I thought it was higher; the west peak is gentler, but after studying it, I think it is higher.
Route name
out-and-back
Obstacles
bushwhacking, blowdowns
Key gear
trekking poles, chaps